When I sit down at my desk I want to feel like I’m ready to get going, get working because I have everything I need at my fingertips. I believe that quality of work and productivity are absolutely affected by our surroundings, especially having quick access to the tools we need.
There’s a map I like to use with my clients so we can create a simple guide for them to refer back to any time they need a reminder of where things belong.
I want you to imagine your desk area as a clock with you sitting in the 6 o’clock position. Your computer screen is likely at 12 o’clock or close enough at the 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock. What I really want you to focus on is the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions because that’s where the magic to your productivity is.
Ask yourself what you need regularly throughout the day to get things accomplished besides your computer, maybe a stapler, a pen, a note-pad, whatever. Be discriminatory about what’s on the list and identify only those things you really do need.
Stop cluttering up your desk with a thousand pens and every organizing tray they sell at Staples or The Container Store, it may look pretty but it isn’t always functional for what you need. Use 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock for the important items you need to get your work done focus on creating practical use areas in your workspace.
Don’t underestimate the power of a little daily de-cluttering either, when ending your day at your desk put everything in its place so tomorrow when you sit down to get going and get working you have everything you need on a clean slate.