3 Quick Tips To Getting Your Work-space Organized
By: Jennifer Curtet ~ Speaker, Author, Trainer, Mentor & Coach
Spring has sprung!
And, you know what that means… it’s time to get our files, our desks, and our minds cleaned out. If you’re like me, it’s time to get trim, after carrying a little extra throughout the winter. And, while I’m not talking about weight, per se, I am talking about some of the things that weigh me down. So, with a little focus and a tiny bit of effort, these 3 Quick Tips will help you get mentally and professionally prepared for the next three quarters of the year.
So, how about we start with the low-hanging fruit, shall we… your files. How are those black holes of death working, for you? No matter how meticulous we are, life gets hectic, and the files are one of the first places to take the hit. So, here’s a quick, easy tip to start controlling the clutter:
Make sure every one of your physical files have an exact match in your electronic files.
Now, I’m not talking about duplicating all of the documents IN the files, I’m talking about having a titled digital match in your computer for each of your physical files. We’re trying to cut down on the frantic searching while screaming, “Where would I have filed this?!?!?” Take 5 minutes a day—that’s it. You’ll get through it and you will save yourself so much future frustration.
Next, let’s talk about your desk. Most people don’t think much about their workflow and get bogged down in poorly filed (hint, hint) documents, decorations that get in the way, clutter, piles, stacks and junk. So, lets do this strategically and identify your 3 zones.
Zone 1 is your hot zone: This area needs to stay clear and should be everything you NEED, within arms reach. These are your Must Haves to get your job done. Think: computer, phones, VIP files, etc. Get your Inbox and piles out of Zone 1.
Zone 2 is still important, but not needed immediately. Zone 2 has items in it that can be utilized by reaching, leaning or rolling your chair. I think of the items in this zone as important, but not urgent. They are supporting cast members, if you will. We need them, just not all the time.
Zone 3 is just not that important, at all. Sure, you MAY need to reference these items, but probably not much. So, where is Zone 3? AWAY. You have to walk to get the items in Zone 3. There is effort involved and you must stop your process, get up out of your chair, and walk to get this task completed.
So, ask yourself whether your items are in the correct zones. What do you need to move? What can you adjust? How can you make small, incremental changes, in order to shave a little wasted time off your day? This is a simple, easy adjustment that gives a big payoff.
My final Quick Tip is, seemingly, the easiest, but it was left for last, for a reason… it’s about your thinking. There’s a lot of interesting low vibrational anxiety that I’m seeing all around me. It’s easy to get caught up in the division and internal stress that comes along with it. So, my final suggestion is about daily Self Care. Go walk your dog, meditate, sing karaoke, block off time at the beginning or end of your day and do not allow interruptions, go get a massage, listen to some comedy, watch puppy videos, take a social media break, go paint pottery, go play with puppies at a shelter… look, puppies heal everything. But, seriously, your mental state really is the most important and the minute you become stressed, let’s face it, all else goes to the dogs. Are you tracking, with me?
So, let’s do this. Let’s clean out the clutter and get our hats on straight, again. When I feel in control, I can change the world… I’m telling you, I know these things. And, my dog believes me, so there’s that.
Happy Spring!
About the Author ~ World renown Speaker, Author, Trainer, Mentor & Coach - Jennifer Curtet, is burning up the highways across the country with her powerful workshops and keynotes. Her energy and passion have won her rave reviews from audiences from coast to coast. She delivers seminars packed with real-world, practical skills, tempered with her own engaging mixture of warmth and humor. As an author and speaker, Jennifer is a master storyteller and is sure to leave you breathless and inspired.
