There's this idea that if you are a creative person, then your desk will look like an explosion in a paper factory. I have seen some pretty crazy looking desks in my time; I remember a former teaching colleague whose desk was groaning under a collection of assorted detritus which he promised was all essential. I just wanted to clear off all that crap and put it in the wastepaper basket!
I'm creative, but I can't work in a mess. I just love having a clean, tidy desk before I start work each day. If you're like me, then here are five tips to help you:
- Before you finish work at the end of the day, tidy up and bin any rubbish cluttering up that lovely desk top space. It's great to start fresh in the morning knowing what you are doing.
- Examine the top of your desk. (Makes a change from your navel!) How much stuff actually needs to be there? There comes a point where inspirational quotations, crystals, photos and CDs of relaxing music can actually start getting on your nerves, which rather defeats the object. Clean out drawers and filing cabinets too – it's still there you know, that clutter, even if you can't see it.
- Get into the habit of acting on something, binning it or filing it as soon as it arrives on your desk.
- Keep your 'wealth corner' (back left of your desk top) uncluttered and have a leafy plant or something else symbolising wealth on there, not your overflowing in-tray. (Thanks to a feng shui ebook I have just read for this tip – every little helps.)
- Keep everything fresh,clean and polished. (I hope you can see enough desk space to polish.) Apparently your computer keyboard has more germs on it than a toilet seat, so keep that clean too and not full of crumbs from your mid morning snack.
A tidy desk has a strong subconscious effect on you, making you feel empowered and in control, even if it's just in that very small area. So go on, get the duster out. You know you want to!