Neatness and organization seem to get pushed to the back of the list when we know we have more important things to do. Most of us are busy caring for the children and/or spouse, working on our jobs/businesses, running endless errands, and keeping up with recreational activities for the kids, spouse and ourselves. Who has time to organize?
However, tidiness is one thing that many of us can do RIGHT NOW to boost our business efforts. If I told you that keeping your workspace neat would virtually guarantee you a pay raise, would you be interested?Cluttered surroundings dampen our enthusiasm, creativity and energy. Clearing away the clutter creates a harmonious atmosphere, so we feel energetic, happy, and peaceful - and therefore we are able to think more clearly, and get more done. Which, in most businesses and jobs, will equal more income (whether short term or long term).
Once most of us understand this, we go on a mission of organization. We clean, we fill trash bags with junk, we sweep, vacuum, and dust. Finally, we have a beautiful, clean desk! How long does that last? If you are like most of us, not too long. In no time at all, you've got piles of paper that need to be filed again, to-do lists, idea files and more, all balancing precariously near the edge of the desk. You've got sticky notes tacked up all over your monitor, cork board, printer (and even your forehead, if you're particularly forgetful). What happened to our mission of organization? How did the clutter creep back in so quickly?
What most of us fail to understand is that clutter does not exist solely OUTSIDE of us. Our outer clutter is simply an extension of the inner confusion and chaos of our own minds. We feel overwhelmed, busy, stressed and rushed, so we don't have time to focus on the "little details" of our lives. As our jumbled desks can testify, those little details add up to a lot when they are neglected for any length of time!
In order to permanently solve the clutter issue in our lives, we must first tackle the "jumbled thought syndrome" of our own minds. This is not a one-time task, however. It is an ongoing one that we must work on every single day. Consistent, small efforts will pay off in big ways. Think of it as maintenance, like showering. You wouldn't go a whole month without showering, and then take 31 showers in one day, would you? You need to do it every day. Tackle your clutter and chaos in the same way.
1) Use a planner/notebook. This doesn't have to be an expensive, leather-bound organizer unless that's what you like to use. A lined, 6"x9" spiral bound notebook works just as well and you won't be afraid to mess it up with your scribbles. Have a "calendar" section, where you designate one page for each day's activities. Write down appointments, work assignments, errands, and anything that needs to be done that day. Also have sections for ideas, future projects, goals and anything else that fits your business and family. This planner serves as a place to organize your ideas and tasks so they aren't running rampant through your mind while you're trying to be productive.
2) Spend 15-30 minutes DAILY picking up, putting things away, filing paperwork, and neatening your workspace. That seems like a big challenge when you've got so much to do, but small, consistent effort in this area will pay big dividends. The objective isn't to be a "neat freak," but rather to eliminate clutter and create a harmonious environment.
3) Beautify your workspace. Do a good cleaning once a week: vacuum, dust, wipe down your computer monitor, printer and the surfaces in your office. Then light a scented candle or some sweet-smelling incense to enhance the peaceful atmosphere. Buy some pretty flowers for your desk, or some inexpensive watercolor prints to hang on the walls. Making your workspace beautiful is one deterrent to being chronically messy.
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