by Mandy Green, Busy Coach
At a recent coaches convention, a coach asked me something that hit home:
“How can I stop wasting time digging through my cluttered computer?”
We’ve all been there—digging through folders, chasing down that one file right when we need it most. As coaches, we juggle game film, recruiting data, schedules, rosters, and travel plans every day. And if your digital world is a mess, it’s draining your time, energy, and focus.
Let’s fix that.
The Problem: Digital Clutter Is Killing Your Productivity
A 2022 Forrester report found that the average employee wastes 2.4 hours a day searching for information. For coaches, that’s time we don’t have. The overload of apps, emails, and disorganized files creates chaos—and slows you down.
The Fix: Simple Habits That Pay Off Big
- Purge What You Don’t Need
Set aside time weekly (or at least monthly) to delete:
- Old emails
- Temporary files
- Outdated documents
- Unused apps
- Junk in your recycle bin
You’ll speed up your computer, reduce distractions, and make it easier to find what matters.
- Build a Smarter Folder System
Ditch the 20 open tabs and start using a clean folder setup:
- Recruits
- Game Stats
- Practice Plans
- Travel
- Budgets
Pin key folders to your desktop or create a master list with hyperlinks so everything is one click away. That’s how I run my day—and my team knows exactly where to find what they need.
- Tame Your Inbox
A cluttered inbox = missed messages. I’ve written plenty on this (check the Busy Coach blog), but here’s the quick hit:
- Create folders
- Batch email time
- Use templates
- Unsubscribe aggressively
The goal is inbox zero—or at least inbox under control.
- Delete Unused Files & Apps
If you haven’t used it in 6 months, delete it. Keep your machine lean so it runs faster and you stay focused.
- Block the Distractions
Install browser extensions that block social media and time-wasting sites. Protect your time like you protect your playbook.
- Back Up Everything That Matters
You’re handling sensitive data—academic records, medical files, recruiting info. Back it up regularly using Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or your school’s system.
Coach, are you wasting time because your digital life is a mess?
Cleaning up your computer might feel small, but it delivers huge returns. When your files are in order, your focus sharpens, your team runs smoother, and you’re free to do the real work of coaching.
Start now. Declutter your digital workspace and take back control of your time.