Ethan Sterling
We all have habits, but sometimes those habits are more constructive and beneficial than we give them credit for.
You might look back on your day and struggle to figure out how you managed to get everything done or feel unsure if your evening routine is as productive as it could be.
How can you tell if your end-of-day habits are setting you up for success, or if there’s room for improvement?
After observing my own routines and the routines of some of the most organized people I know, I’ve compiled a list of 7 things that highly organized people do at the end of each day.
If these resonate with you, it might be time to incorporate some new practices into your nightly routine.
1) They prepare for the next day
Highly organized people are all about planning ahead. They understand that a successful tomorrow begins with the preparations made today.
You might find them laying out their clothes for the next day, packing their lunch, or even jotting down their to-do list for tomorrow. This doesn’t just save them time in the morning, it also gives them a clear sense of direction and purpose as they start their day.
This nightly ritual isn’t about being obsessive or controlling; it’s about minimizing morning stress and maximizing productivity. It sets the tone for their day and gives them a head start on whatever challenges may come their way.
If you often wake up feeling disoriented or rushed, integrating a bit of nighttime planning into your routine could make all the difference.
2) They embrace a little mess
The thought of highly organized people tolerating mess may seem counterintuitive. Aren’t they supposed to have everything in its place, all the time?
In reality, highly organized people understand that not all messes are created equal. They recognize the difference between ‘productive mess’ (the kind that results from deep, focused work) and ‘destructive mess’ (clutter that causes distraction and stress).
At the end of the day, they don’t necessarily rush to tidy up every single item. Instead, they prioritize. They might leave a project-in-progress spread out on their desk, knowing they’ll continue first thing in the morning.
But they’ll clear away coffee cups, snack wrappers or any other detritus that doesn’t contribute to their productivity.
In essence, they know when to clean up and when to let things be. This nuanced approach to organization might seem unusual, but it’s part of what allows them to maintain focus and efficiency in their daily lives.
If you find yourself obsessing over every bit of clutter, consider adopting this more balanced mindset.
3) They reflect on their day
Reflection is a powerful tool, and highly organized people know how to use it to their advantage.
At the end of the day, they take a few moments to look back on what they’ve accomplished, what challenges they faced, and how they managed those challenges.
This isn’t about dwelling on mistakes or basking in achievements. It’s about gaining insight that can be used to optimize future performance.
This process might involve revisiting their to-do list to see what tasks were completed and which ones need to be moved to the next day. It could also include journaling about their experiences or simply sitting quietly and thinking about the day.
By reflecting on their day, they’re able to identify patterns, adjust strategies, and continuously improve their productivity and effectiveness.
4) They prioritize sleep
It’s a well-known fact that sleep plays a critical role in our overall health and well-being. It affects our mood, memory, and cognitive function. Lack of sleep can result in decreased performance and productivity, while a good night’s sleep can enhance problem-solving skills and memory performance.
Highly organized people make sure they get sufficient sleep each night. They understand that being well-rested is key to maintaining their productivity levels, so they prioritize it. They have a consistent bedtime and create an environment that’s conducive to quality sleep–a cool, dark room, a comfortable bed, and a peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re consistently burning the midnight oil and waking up groggy, you might want to consider making sleep a non-negotiable part of your end-of-day routine.
5) They disconnect
They understand that constant connectivity can lead to burnout. They know that their minds need time to rest, to wander, to imagine without the incessant ping of notifications or the lure of endless digital content.
So, at the end of each day, they disconnect. They put their devices away. They let their emails wait until morning. They resist the urge to scroll through social media one last time.
Instead, they might read a book, write in a journal, or simply sit in silence for a while. They give themselves permission to be unavailable, to be alone with their thoughts. And they emerge from this digital detox refreshed and ready for the challenges of a new day.
It’s not easy in our always-on world, but making time for disconnection can be incredibly freeing. It’s a reminder that we are more than our productivity levels, more than our online personas. And it’s a habit well worth cultivating.
6) They leave room for spontaneity
When we think of highly organized people, we often imagine strict schedules and rigid routines. But in reality, these individuals understand the value of leaving room for spontaneity.
While they have their routines and habits, they also know that life is unpredictable. Sometimes, the best ideas come at unexpected moments; sometimes, the most memorable experiences are impromptu.
So, at the end of the day, they don’t just plan for the next. They also leave some open spaces – for unexpected opportunities, for creative ideas, or simply for leisure and relaxation.
They realize that over-planning can lead to stress and burnout, and that flexibility is key to maintaining balance and staving off monotony.
If you find yourself packed back-to-back with tasks and appointments, consider the benefits of a little spontaneity. It might seem counter to being organized, but it’s actually a secret ingredient to a well-balanced life.
7) They practice gratitude
In the pursuit of productivity and success, it’s easy to overlook the good that’s already in our lives. Highly organized people, however, make it a point to acknowledge these positives.
At the end of each day, they take a moment to practice gratitude. This could mean writing in a gratitude journal, silently acknowledging what they’re thankful for, or even expressing appreciation to someone in their life.
This practice doesn’t just make them happier; it also helps to maintain a healthy perspective. It reminds them of the progress they’ve made, the blessings they have, and the people who make their lives richer.
If you find yourself constantly striving for more and barely pausing to appreciate what’s already there, taking a few minutes each evening for a gratitude practice could be transformative.
Understanding the bigger picture
In our quest for organization and productivity, it’s important to remember that these habits are not just about ticking off tasks on a to-do list or maintaining a clean workspace. They’re about cultivating a mindset that enables us to live with intention and purpose.
Highly organized people understand this on a deep level. They see their end-of-day routines not as chores to be completed, but as rituals that add value to their lives.
Each task, each moment of reflection or disconnection, is an act of self-care – a way to nourish their mind, streamline their day, and set themselves up for success.
They also understand the importance of balance. While they strive for efficiency and order, they also leave room for spontaneity and rest.
They know that an overly rigid routine can lead to stress and burnout, and that flexibility is essential for maintaining their mental health and overall well-being.
So, as you consider incorporating these habits into your own routine, remember this: being organized is not just about doing more, but about doing what matters most. It’s about making conscious choices, understanding your priorities, and aligning your actions with your values.
Ultimately, the goal is not perfection but progress. It’s about becoming a little bit better each day – more focused, more efficient, more mindful. And it all starts with the habits we cultivate at the end of each day.
Embracing your true nature
As we delve into the habits of highly organized people, it’s essential to remember this: becoming more organized isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about understanding and embracing your true nature.
Each one of us is unique. We have different strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and ways of processing the world around us.
What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find practices that align with your personality and lifestyle.
Experiment with different techniques. Adapt them to suit your needs. Discard what doesn’t work, and hold on to what does. This isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about creating a framework that supports your individual journey.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to be more organized. It’s about living in harmony with who you are. It’s about creating space for what truly matters – for creativity, for relationships, for growth.
