Clear Desk, Clear Mind

Photo courtesy of lutherblissett

It may sound a little trite, but that doesn't stop it being true... if the environment around you is 'messy', you will find it harder to concentrate. The business belief that an untidy desk signals an untidy mind, has some basis in fact - although, of course, there is no way to identify which came first!

It could be your office desk, the dining table, kitchen surface, windowsill... wherever; if you have a little corner (or a whole house) of clutter developing, then attacking that debris is a wonderful way of giving yourself a lift.

Yes, there is an amazingly positive feeling that a clear table/kitchen draw (etc...) can bring. It is such a simple thing to do.

Here are the basic (time-tested) steps for clearing and simplifying.

1) Clear everything off your desk/table and put it in one pile. At this stage, resist the urge to sort through things - we want to get to the surface of the desk. If you start to sort, you will find something that takes your focus away from the job in hand; we don't want that!

2) Now, smile at the clear desk - and feel cheered.

3) Ok, on with the real work... Sort through the pile of gunk, one item at a time. Do not defer any decisions on anything. Sorry, what was that? Do not defer any decisions on anything: deal with each one immediately and confidently.

4) Each item you sort will follow a particular route:
- File it (properly!)
- Pass it to someone else who needs it
- Put it in an "action" box and note it on your to-do list
- Throw it away

If it’s an object, gadget, part of a gadget, or office supply, find a home for it in a drawer somewhere. If it is old and useless, then throw it away. (NB. this is important - do not save it "just in case". I used to have a whole garage stock full of "just in case" stuff!)

4) Repeat the whole process until the pile is empty.

5) Like step 2, give yourself a moment of praise; see how rewarding this is. Have a coffee and a biscuit (but be sure to wash and put the cup away when you have finished)

6) Not quite finished yet! Here's the final step: from this point onward, put everything in its proper place and enjoy seeing the expanse of clean wood/laminate... or whatever!

7) You're done with the desk! Stop! - but let the success of this little mission spur you on to tackle another area (another day). One drawer, one shelf, one cupboard, one room; keep moving. Slowly, steadily, tidiness and 'simplification' will become a way of life.

Enjoy your new space. Your brain will love the 'fresh air' the sense of order brings.