Monday, July 31, 2017

Organizing Your Workspace


While it’s true that some people know exactly where everything is in a messy office, there’s a chance they are missing out on the benefits of keeping an organized workspace. One of these benefits includes a more positive attitude in tackling new and old projects - no matter how small, large or numerous. The initial feeling one experiences when waking into a congested room can create an overwhelming sense of chaos. Similarly, sitting at a desk filled with papers strewn about can affect the desire to even begin a project; it’s just not very inviting and often feels like there’s too much to do! However, the opposite experience occurs when only one item at a time is displayed on your desk or workspace. This minimalist approach makes life feel more manageable. The ability to move through each item productively is accelerated because the visual layout promotes a more focused effort. One is not distracted by mounds of paperwork waiting in the periphery. It’s worth experimenting to see if these changes make a difference with individual work habits; limit yourself to placing one item at a time on your desk with nothing else in your field of vision. Since I have often sat in front of multiple projects without the drive to get started, I now appreciate the difference within myself when facing a messy desk vs. an organized workspace.
Even though some have a knack for finding a needle in a haystack, for most it can be overwhelming and frustrating. The simplest solution is to take a full day to organize your workspace. Begin by stacking projects in order of priority and then viewing one at a time until each is completed. The effect is an ability to move forward with clarity and peace of mind. In the process, you may discover lost projects, forgotten themes and old ideas (for those of us who compose) that suddenly seem new.