Breaking down large tasks into bite sized pieces has been a great tactic for building momentum and constant forward movement. But with all of the organizational tools available, which one is right for you? Everyone organizes projects differently and it largely depends on our personalities and learning styles to determine your best choice.
We process information and tasks in our own way. The same goes for how we go about accomplishing those tasks. Luckily, there are many ways and tools that can help. Look below for this quick quiz from Unclutterer.com to find out if you process visually, audibly, or through tactile ways.
Directions: Add one point to your score for each statement that strongly applies to you. The category with the most points is your dominant processing style. You may have strengths in more than one category.
Visual processor –
- I can remember that I need to do something if I write it down.
- I need to visualize myself wearing something to make a decision about what I want to wear.
- I take copious notes during meetings and often can remember what the page of notes looks like before I remember what the notes say.
- I need to look at a person when they’re speaking.
- It has to be quiet for me to be able to complete my work.
- Seeing data displayed in a graph is vital to me understanding numerical information.
- I am horrible at remembering jokes.
- I can remember phone numbers if I can visualize typing them on a phone’s key pad.
Auditory processor –
- I prefer to listen to books on tape or to read books aloud.
- The more I discuss a problem with my co-workers, the easier it is for me to find its solution.
- In school, I only needed to attend class lectures to perform fine on the tests.
- I remember what people have said before I remember who said it.
- I like to complete one task before starting a new one.
- A train could be passing through my living room and I would still be able to hold a good conversation with my Aunt Sally on the phone.
- When I forget how to spell a word, I sound it out.
- At the grocery store, I repeat my list either in my head or aloud.
Kinesthetic/Tactile processor –
- When I take on a project, I want to start doing instead of planning.
- When I need to take a break from working, I have to get up and move around my office.
- I can work effectively in a coffee shop or in an airport waiting area — I don’t need to be at my desk to do work.
- I can remember a client’s name better if I shake her hand.
- I would like to ride my bike to work, if I don’t already.
- I think more clearly throughout the day if I exercise before work.
- I am often aware of the temperature in my office.
- When I pick up something as ordinary as my stapler, my mind drifts to memories somehow associated with a stapler.
Found your unique style? Great, here are a few ideas and tools to help each of the processing styles with productivity.
A Visual Processor’s Wish List:
- Take a break with Calm
- Noise Canceling Headphones to help you focus
- Physical Paper Calendars help you see your whole week
- Open door policies are good, but the ability to close the door to focus is equally important
An Audible Processor’s Wish List:
- Brainstorming meetings to discuss solutions
- Use Persistence to accomplish one task at a time
- Subscription to Aubible.com
- Alerts and audio timers are helpful
- Record thoughts as they come on your phone or apps
A Tactile Processor’s Wish List:
- Standing desks to allow for movement and most available space
- Enjoy the lull of a coffee house. Check out Coffitivity!
- Stretch throughout the day to increase productivity
- Desk toys like these will take the stress away