How I Stay Organized: My OneNote System
- Duvet To Desk by The Professional Gal
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Lately, I’ve received a few emails asking how I stay organized—especially with everything going on. So, I thought I’d share my not-so-secret weapon: OneNote.
Let me preface this by saying—this system didn’t happen overnight. It’s something I’ve fine-tuned over the past 8+ years (dedication right!). I’m not a tech wizard, but I am a OneNote wizard. My life—figuratively and maybe even literally—is on this platform.
Why OneNote Works for Me
OneNote works because it’s everywhere I am: on my laptop, iPhone, and iPad. It syncs
seamlessly, and I can access it whether I’m at my desk or on the go. It’s flexible, searchable, and customizable—everything I need in a digital system.
Here’s what I keep in OneNote:
• Tasks & SMART Goals
• Duvet to Desk Notes (drafts, thoughts, completed/posted blogs)
• Career Notebooks (current and previous roles)
• HR Theory & Practice
One of my favorite features? I can add PDFs, Word, Excel, and PPT documents directly from emails and work I am doing to OneNote. It’s a game-changer for research and inspiration.
The Power of Progress Tracking
The most significant section of my notebook is “Tasks.” Every Monday morning, I spend about 30 minutes planning my week and reflection on action items from the previous week that are still outstanding. My process is to write down everything I hope to accomplish; because what gets measured gets done. This daily check-in helps me prioritize and stay focused.
If something doesn’t get done by Friday? I simply cut and paste it into the next week. No guilt—just progress. This system gives me a visual of how I spend my time and what I’ve achieved. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
Yes, I Still Use a Paper Planner
I’m a paper planner girl at heart. My planner is my creative outlet—where I journal, schedule lightly, letter, and reflect on prayers. But OneNote? That’s the beast that keeps everything straight. It’s my digital command center that can be with me everywhere.
New Additions: Home & Blog Sections
Over the past few years, I’ve added new sections:
• Home: Tasks and ideas related to the house—projects, reminders, and wish lists.
• Duvet2Desk: Everything from drafting and editing posts to updating social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest).
This helps me keep my creative work aligned with my personal and professional goals.
Final Thoughts
This process may seem like a lot, but it’s how I stay grounded and intentional. It helps me visualize my time, reflect on my growth, and make space for what matters most.
If you’re looking for a system that grows with you, I highly recommend giving a try. And remember: it’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters.
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