Most of the things in your life that went wrong last year were due to your lack of organization. You didn’t get the promotion because you failed to meet some deadlines, you didn’t close the deal because you lost your documents, and you got dumped because you forgot her birthday. This time, you’re a new man! And you can be ahead and on top of everything else by being organized! Here’s how.

Receipts, contracts, reports, and other important documents should be properly kept but most importantly, filed to ensure record of all these essential information.

It could be a practical idea to have them photocopied but if you’re keeping them where they’re supposed to be then there is no need for extra copies. Use folders and envelopes to hold documents belonging to the same category and label them appropriately.

Clean up your desk. Your desk should not look like your workshop. Keep pencils, pens, paperclips, and pins in separate containers so that they won’t be all over the place.

Provide a coaster for your mug/glass so that you won’t mess up your papers with liquid. Put away things that are not used on a regular basis (CDs, extra pencils and pens, and magazines). Keep them in the drawers instead where you can see them only when you need them.

Buy a planner. Do not underestimate the importance of a planner. Mark your calendars with your loved one’s birthdays so you won’t have to greet them the day after their birthdays. Make sure all your meetings are listed down so you’ll know which days are free. Having a planner can help you flip through your schedule and make sure you don’t have conflicting appointments.