In taking courses in time management and improving my professional self, I've come up with a few tips on how to better your environment at work or home.
Let's start with your workspace. If you have a desk or office, this is easy to do. Take a look around your desk, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place? The paper clip that has fallen out of your tray? Too many sticky notes? Whatever your annoyance, fix one thing now! Place the paper clip back where it belongs, or consolidate your notes to one piece of paper or to your electronic device. Feel better? Okay, now I'll ask again, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place? Too soon? I'll try back again in a few hours. A clean environment can help you in your day to day activities. Seeing a mess in your own space can trigger stress. Although your eyes glue themselves to your computer screen, you could concentrate more without the clutter in your peripheral view. If you are the type of person who works best under pressure, stop reading...just kidding, it should be the pressure of the tasks at hand needing to get done that motivates you, never the mess. You can have the same bazillion tasks, but still have a neat environment allowing you to think clearer.
Start small in your organizing, concentrating on one paper or object at a time. Focus on one area of your desk or space and place these in designated groups, such as current tasks, pending issues and research material. Take your time; it doesn't need to get done today. Depending on how organized your space is now depends on how long it will take. Gradually things will become easier, and there will be a designated place for everything you come across. Sometimes it feels like you do not have enough room for everything. Think about decluttering (This word is not in the Merriam-Webster dictionary!) first before thinking you need more space. Make sure you have a trash pile. It is amazing how much you do not need after a year.
Once your area is manageable and you are very comfortable with it, buy yourself a plant or add a colorful calendar to perk things up. Why be boring? Add a picture or comic that you can often look at for a smile. Find a good place for fun knick-knacks - like my Gumby and Pokey. Keep a piece of YOU around! These little things can be comforting while in a monotonous flow or in tough work situations.
As I have said before in my time post, a calendar is helpful for work and personal reasons. I would recommend getting two calendars: one visible on your desk or in your kitchen, and one on your electronic device. Clear your mind by organizing your schedule on paper or electronically. Once it is on the calendar, you can forget about it for the moment. Electronic calendars are great in addition, but the old-fashioned writing in your days off or special meetings does have benefits. Your eyes can revert away from the a screen for once and allows its own space of reference. I find it easier to discuss dates when other people are present, viewing my wall calendar with me.
If your home or work environment is noisy, wear headphones and listen to your iPod or Spotify. Avoid slow classical music as this could put you to sleep. Upbeat music is ideal for greater productivity.
Already organized and have keen knowledge on these tips? Add another knick-knack or clean out that drawer you have forgotten about. Small changes here and there can put you in a better mood!
Let's start with your workspace. If you have a desk or office, this is easy to do. Take a look around your desk, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place? The paper clip that has fallen out of your tray? Too many sticky notes? Whatever your annoyance, fix one thing now! Place the paper clip back where it belongs, or consolidate your notes to one piece of paper or to your electronic device. Feel better? Okay, now I'll ask again, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place? Too soon? I'll try back again in a few hours. A clean environment can help you in your day to day activities. Seeing a mess in your own space can trigger stress. Although your eyes glue themselves to your computer screen, you could concentrate more without the clutter in your peripheral view. If you are the type of person who works best under pressure, stop reading...just kidding, it should be the pressure of the tasks at hand needing to get done that motivates you, never the mess. You can have the same bazillion tasks, but still have a neat environment allowing you to think clearer.
Start small in your organizing, concentrating on one paper or object at a time. Focus on one area of your desk or space and place these in designated groups, such as current tasks, pending issues and research material. Take your time; it doesn't need to get done today. Depending on how organized your space is now depends on how long it will take. Gradually things will become easier, and there will be a designated place for everything you come across. Sometimes it feels like you do not have enough room for everything. Think about decluttering (This word is not in the Merriam-Webster dictionary!) first before thinking you need more space. Make sure you have a trash pile. It is amazing how much you do not need after a year.
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As I have said before in my time post, a calendar is helpful for work and personal reasons. I would recommend getting two calendars: one visible on your desk or in your kitchen, and one on your electronic device. Clear your mind by organizing your schedule on paper or electronically. Once it is on the calendar, you can forget about it for the moment. Electronic calendars are great in addition, but the old-fashioned writing in your days off or special meetings does have benefits. Your eyes can revert away from the a screen for once and allows its own space of reference. I find it easier to discuss dates when other people are present, viewing my wall calendar with me.
If your home or work environment is noisy, wear headphones and listen to your iPod or Spotify. Avoid slow classical music as this could put you to sleep. Upbeat music is ideal for greater productivity.
Already organized and have keen knowledge on these tips? Add another knick-knack or clean out that drawer you have forgotten about. Small changes here and there can put you in a better mood!
