How Young Adults Can Develop Better Organizational Skills
- Liz Morrison, LCSW
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Becoming an adult comes with freedom—choosing your classes, managing your money, and making your own schedule. But let’s be real: it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Suddenly, no one’s reminding you of deadlines, telling you to clean your room, or making sure the bills get paid on time.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of “adulting” to juggle, you’re not alone. The good news? Organization is a skill—which means you can learn it, practice it, and improve it. And if you’re finding it hard to build these habits on your own, executive functioning coaching in Boulder County, CO can help. An executive functioning skills coach for young adults works with you to strengthen skills like organization, time management, planning, and follow-through—giving you tools and strategies that make “adulting” feel more manageable.
Why Organization Matters
Being organized isn’t about being perfect, color-coding everything, or having the world’s neatest desk. It’s about:
Finding what you need when you need it
Staying on top of deadlines
Making space for the things that actually matter to you
Reducing the stress that comes with constant last-minute scrambling
When you’re organized, life feels lighter.
Simple Ways Young Adults Can Build Organizational Skills
1. Start Small and Build Up
Organization doesn’t happen overnight. Pick one area to focus on—like your backpack, your desk, or your digital files. Once you get that system working, move on to another area.
2. Use a Calendar or Planner
Whether it’s a paper planner, a wall calendar, or an app on your phone, keeping track of deadlines, appointments, and to-dos in one place is a game-changer. The key is consistency: write it down as soon as you know it.
3. Break Big Tasks Into Small Steps
“Write a 10-page paper” is overwhelming. “Pick a topic,” “make an outline,” “write the introduction” feels doable. Breaking tasks down makes it easier to start, and finishing each step feels motivating.
4. Declutter Regularly
Clutter isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Spend a few minutes each week clearing out papers, emails, or even apps you don’t use. A tidy space makes it easier to focus.
5. Set Routines That Work for You
Organization thrives on routine. Maybe Sunday evenings are for laundry and planning the week. Maybe every morning you check your planner before heading out. Little rituals keep you on track.
6. Use Tools That Fit Your Style
Some people love digital apps. Others love sticky notes. The “right” system is the one you’ll actually use. Experiment until you find what works.
7. Give Yourself Grace
No one is perfectly organized all the time. Missed a deadline? Forgot an appointment? It happens. Instead of beating yourself up, ask: What system would help me next time?
The Benefits You’ll Notice
As your organizational skills grow, you’ll probably notice:
Less stress and more calm
More time for friends, hobbies, and fun
Better follow-through on goals
A sense of independence and confidence in handling life’s demands
Organization doesn’t make life perfect—it makes it manageable. And that’s what gives you the freedom to focus on the things that really matter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a young adult learning the ropes of independence, remember this: you don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Organization is like a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger it gets.
Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate progress along the way.
Over time, you’ll find that being organized doesn’t just keep life together—it helps you thrive. And if you’d like extra support in building your executive functioning skills, Finding Focus Therapy is here to help you strengthen those skills and feel more confident navigating adulthood.
Building Organization and Independence with an Executive Functioning Coach for Young Adults in Boulder County, CO
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of “adulting,” you don’t have to figure it out alone. With executive functioning coaching for young adults in Boulder County, CO, you can strengthen organization, time management, and planning skills. At Finding Focus Therapy, we provide compassionate support to help you build confidence and thrive in your next chapter. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Contact us to schedule a free consultation for executive functioning support for young adults
Begin meeting with an executive functioning coach for young adults in Boulder County, CO
Build stronger organization, time management, and confidence to thrive in adulthood
Additional Therapy and Coaching Services Offered at Finding Focus Therapy
At Finding Focus Therapy, I offer specialized executive functioning coaching for young adults who are learning how to manage independence, stay organized, and handle the demands of “adulting” with more confidence. From navigating deadlines and routines to building time management skills, I help young adults strengthen the tools they need to thrive in school, work, and daily life.
I also provide executive skills coaching for parents, supporting you in balancing responsibilities, staying organized, and managing stress while raising a family. Together, we focus on practical strategies that reduce overwhelm and bring more calm and clarity into your home. While executive functioning is central to both, my approach is about creating lasting change tailored to each stage of life—helping you move forward with confidence and balance.
Comments