Decluttering Your Desk = Better Work Efficiency
It is no secret that a cleaner space is linked to a clearer mind. It can be deeply beneficial to take care of your work area and allow for optimal work completion to take place. Your workspace should promote clear thinking and rational decision making and allow for you to have a productive workday. Being intentional about your workspace and utilizing items that bring your joy and peace can positively impact your productivity and allow for great work to be done.
Clear spaces, Clearer thoughts
One of the best things about clearing your workspace is that it can enhance your work efficiency. Your space reflects your state of mind. A clean workspace represents a productive mind. Therefore, taking extra time out of your day to clean your space either before your work takes place, sporadically throughout your work day, or after your work is done, can greatly improve your working capabilities. Conversely, acting on hoarding-tendencies and allowing your space to have massive amounts of clutter, can be anxiety-inducing throughout the workday, especially in regard to decision making. Lack of organization in your workspace and being surrounded by clutter can negatively impact your mind state and also breed more clutter. Although it can be somewhat stringing to actively remember to toss things out as you work, it can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run. Cleaning as you go and taking 5 minutes out of your workday to throw some things away, as well as put other items back in their respective places, can help to not be required to dedicate larger amounts of time for a full cleanup later.
Focus on Your Projects, Not the Trash
Another benefit of keeping your work area clean is that you’ll be able to focus on your projects, and not the trash. Trash or clutter can be very thought-consuming when it’s right in your face. Oftentimes, you can’t help but keep glancing at the trash or finding it distracting. You may even be having thoughts along the lines of, “ugh, why is this area so trashed?”, or “I should really throw some things away”. You have the power to change that with just one fell swoop. Eliminating all of the clutter and trash out of your area can free your mind from primarily thinking about it. You can move forward with your projects and put forth excellent work, since your mind isn’t preoccupied with other things. Again, it can be very beneficial to take just a few minutes out of your workday to clear out some of the clutter that is accumulating. Allowing things to pile up will only require a bigger clean up later. Taking a few minutes will consist of less time and energy than having to dedicate an entire 20-30 minutes to cleaning your desk, throwing things away, and putting items back where they belong. It’s almost like when you’re cooking a meal at home. It is best, and also highly recommended, to clean as you go in order to prevent a lengthy cleanup afterwards. Cleaning as your workday continues can help you stay organized and not require cleanup later.
Your Desk Should Inspire You
A good rule of thumb to have when you’re within your workspace is that your desk should inspire you. Your desk should have some of your favorite things like pictures of your loved ones or pictures of places you’d love to travel to. Your desk can also maybe have motivational quotes or uplifting sayings to give you the mental stamina to make it through the workday. Your desk should have items that are intentional and that serve a purpose. These items should inspire you to make each day a great, productive day and allow for you to make great decisions on behalf of your position. Figure out what kind of items bring your inspiration and joy and don’t hesitate to have them take up space in your office. However, remember that even those inspirational items can still cause clutter. Be mindful and intentional about how many items you want around you, as well as their size, and keep that in mind before you bring things into your space.
Your Desk Should Remind You Why You Work
Lastly, your desk should remind you of why you work so hard. You may find some benefit in placing photos of the people you love, the places you love, the food you love to eat, the places you still want to travel to, etc., as they can act as reminders of why you put in so much effort. Going to work everyday is hard work and requires a lot of your mental, and sometimes physical, capabilities. Whatever gets you out of bed in the morning, whether it’s your dog, your child, your parents, yourself, traveling, eating, it is important to constantly remind yourself of those things. Believe it or not, but having mental reminders of things that inspire or motivate you can greatly impact your work and your ability to stay motivated throughout the workday.
