Removing clutter and creating a better space can help you improve your focus and productivity.
I know this first hand.
We all have our own little rituals or quirky behaviors when it comes to what makes us feel in control. Mine is cleaning.
When I feel anxious, angry, or otherwise like I’m not as in control as I’d like to be I find solace in Clorox wipes or clearing out a closet.
Sometimes I can’t even think or concentrate when I’m distracted by my physical surroundings. While it might sound weird, it actually makes some sense from an energy perspective.
Everyone has good days and bad days, energetically speaking. Some days you’re on fire and feel unstoppable and others you might find yourself completely distracted and unable to be productive at all.
There is science behind your energetic engagement as you approach any role, goal, or task.
Your physical environment can certainly affect your mental engagement and productivity in a positive or negative way.
Look around at your office (or wherever you happen to be reading this). How does this space make you feel?
I’m not judging, but if you’re like a lot of leaders your desk may be less than pristine because you’re so busy that you have no time to organize. Maybe you jokingly call it “organized chaos” like a few of my clients.
The truth, however, is that your physical surroundings are often a reflection of your inner mental state.
To be productive, you must be focused and engaged in your work. And let’s face it…it’s hard to concentrate when you can’t think clearly (or find anything) because of all the clutter or when your environment causes you stress.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or struggling to accomplish tasks, it could be time to make some changes to your physical space!
1) Remove all visual clutter from your work space.
All that junk in your line of sight can create stress and mental fatigue before you even start working.
Ok–you’re allowed to have a notepad and a pen handy, but all that extra stuff you see has to go!
When you remove distractions from your environment, you can engage more completely in the task at hand. Deeper engagement = better (and faster) results!
2) Create organizational systems.
The first suggestion doesn’t give you permission to just hide stuff. Stuffing all those papers into your desk drawers won’t solve the problem!
A few of popular areas needing organization among my executive clients are desk drawers, filing cabinets, computer folders, and email inboxes.
Remove or archive old files and rename things so that you can quickly and easily find what you need when it’s time to work.
You may have to dedicate a few hours to this task, but I promise it will be well worth it when you save time later. If you have someone who can help you (i.e. an assistant) that’s great, but you need to make sure it works for you, too.
3) Set the mood.
Create an environment that is comfortable and inspires you! Add elements that put you in a calm state of mind and help you maintain focus.
Have a window? Open the blinds! Natural light has been shown to increase productivity. If you’re not close to a window, consider turning off your florescent lights and adding some “warmer” lamplight.
Paint the space (if you’re allowed) or add color and interest with photos of family, nature, or other inspiring images.
Warm it up, already! Many offices are sub-arctic in temperature. When you’re too cold you make more mistakes, not to mention the distraction caused by your discomfort!
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If you’re interested in ramping up your energy and productivity, schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call with me today!
You can also download my free gift, “The Rule-Breaker’s Guide to Managing Your Energy at Work” to learn how to LOVE what you do every day!
