Ten Top Organising Tips For Dyslexics

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Over the years I have had to find alternate ways of doing certain everyday tasks, so I developed various ways to cope with my Dyslexia, methods that have also helped thousands of others. Now I would like to share them with you.

1)Highlighting Numbers and Words

I still use the method my parents had devised for me as a child for seeing numbers - colours! I use different highlighter pens for different items. Everything from everyday lists to spreadsheets can be prepared this way. For example, when using numbers, sub-totals can be highlighted in pink and the gross amounts in green.

2)Memory Statements

If, like me, your long term memory is great but your short term memory isn't quite so good, you may often find yourself putting things down and not finding them again, especially things like house and car keys. Try saying aloud, "putting car keys on kitchen work surface". Somehow that penetrates my mind and I know exactly where they are later when I need them. I have given many people this method, and it nearly always works.

3)Make lists

Whenever you need to remember something you want to get or do, use a sheet of paper or notebook to jot it down. None of us remember everything all the time and lists are so useful. For some things you can also start a list and just keep adding to it. My favorite lists include the one on the back of my door in the kitchen of reminders of vital things for any trip, including purse, mobile and adapter, credit cards, etc.

4)Post-it Notes!

Where would we be without them?! They are so great for quick reminders. Try keeping a post-it pad in the cupboard by the kitchen door, and when you need to remember to get a birthday present or food items for example, write it down when you think of it; then check your post it notes each time before leaving the house.

5)Calendars & Wall Planners

Calendars and day or week planners are great tools for keeping you organized. Discover which method of recording data works best for you and use it regularly.

6)Diary

Using and regularly updating your diary is essential to being organized. Using either electronic or hard copy version, always keep it updated. Record appointments and holidays well in advance.

7)Databases

Databases are also important to being organized. (I personally keep an electronic as well as a hard copy (printed) of all my data.) Divide your data bases into different areas of your life: friends and family, health practitioners, service providers, etc. Make sure your data is correct before recording it to avoid inaccurate or incomplete information. Do take the time to record everything correctly and regularly update it.

8)Duplicating Everything You Need

For traveling organize a big cosmetic case with the same things you keep in your home bathroom.

9)Financial Records

It is essential that you keep track of your financial income and outgoings. To help you with this I have devised a basic Financial Tracking Chart. (The template is available to download from my website)

10)Organizing Chart

To further help you organize yourself and create a proper place for all your belongings, and pertinent information, an Organizing Chart is invaluable. Write down the problem area, followed by what you are going to do to improve in that area. Basically, everything you own needs a home, or else it becomes a weed, (something not the right place). Identify belongings that don’t have a home and create a place for them. You may need to have a clear-out to create more space. Make a list of your 'homeless' possessions and then decide where their homes will be from now on. Then create folders for your files and name them.

The good news is, once you have organized yourself you just need to keep following through. Then not only will you feel so much better, those around you will benefit as well.

Genevieve Dawid has pioneered new techniques to help her cope with dyslexia and has now written a self help book.

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