You may have heard of learning styles or modalities, the way we prefer to process information. Knowing your own learning style can help you understand your current organizational (or disorganized) situation and offer insight into how to get and stay organized for long term.
There are four commonly recognized learning styles:
- Visual: Learn based on observing and seeing
- Auditory: Learn based on hearing and listening to instructions/information
- Kinesthetic: Learn by moving and doing
- Tactile: Learn by touching (some people group this with kinesthetic, but learning from movement is different from learning by touching)
People typically have a range of learning styles. I happen to be auditory and kinesthetic, with a bit of tactile thrown in – I’m definitely not a visual learner. My husband, on the other hand, is very visual. One way our differences manifest themselves is when giving/receiving driving directions. He’ll draw a map of the route and describe where the road curves and the landmarks along the way. I will write out the route listing street names and where to turn without much description beyond how many miles between turns.
So why does any of this matter? With all the information that’s available about getting organized, it’s important to identify systems that work with your learning style. For example, if you’re visual, putting papers in plain manila file folder may mean they’ll never be seen again. Here are some tips for each of the learning styles:
Visual
- Use mind maps and flowcharts to understand processes and break down projects into tasks
- Use color coding to enhance the effectiveness of your calendar or planner
- Use colored project file, and colored file labels and file tabs to organize papers
- Use a vertical file holder to keep current projects in view
- Note your to-dos on colored index cards with the color indicating the action required (e.g., green for calls, orange for thing that have been delegated, blue for current projects)
- Use clear containers to store objects
- Use hooks and open shelving to store items in view yet off the floor
Auditory
- Use timers and alarms to keep you on time for appointments and to keep you on task with your work
- Use a recording device to capture to dos as they arise
- When possible, use the phone rather than email to communicate
- Use soothing background music to help you stay on task
- As you’re putting things away, talk to yourself to reinforce where things go (e.g., “The pens go in the top desk drawer.”).
Kinesthetic or Tactile
- Fidget as you work (e.g., tap a pen or your foot) ,swivel in your chair, and pace when you’re on the phone to keep yourself focused
- Consider using a stand-up desk
- Use a paper-based rather than electronic planner
- Create zones that allow you to move around throughout the day (e.g., you have to get up to answer the phone)
You can learn more about learning styles at http://mindtools.com/mnemlsty.html
Best wishes as you discover and work with your learning style,
