Be flexible: Revisit your list as things come up or need adjusting.

Add it to your calendar: Put tasks in your calendar in blocks so you have time to complete them.

Write it down: Make a list of tasks with deadlines (be sure to build in enough time for slight delays or need for revisions).

Here are four simple steps to prioritizing: If we have to stop after every task and spend time weighing the pros and cons of what to do next, then we aren’t maximizing our time and could be creating more stress and frustration. Two things that can get in the way of our plans to prioritize are not clearly ordering tasks and underestimating how much time they’ll take. If your challenge staying organized stems from overwhelming feelings, like depression or anxiety, then consider consulting a mental health professional who can help create a plan to cope with the underlying feelings. Likewise, if organizing tasks, space, and schedule isn’t stopping stress and anxiety from interfering with school, work, and relationships, then you may want to consider exploring stress management techniques or working with someone who specializes in life organization or management. If you find it impossible to stay on top of life tasks, it may be time to look at your obligations and see where you can cut back.

Getting organized and prioritizing can only work if your schedule isn’t imbalanced, though. When you prioritize and organize you can operate more effectively and free up time for self-care and for helpful routines (sleep, exercise, etc).

It’s important to remember that the goal of organizing and prioritizing isn’t just to get everything done but to complete tasks without feeling pressure or having the stress of being behind all the time. It’s Not About Perfection: You Have to Start Somewhere

How to organize your life as a teenager