The 15 Minute Workout:
For Your Home Office Space- the Desk
The tax man cometh, and while you are searching for those elusive tax documents, now is the time to look at your desk and ask yourself, “Is this working?”
Just because your desk might frighten you (or anyone else for that matter), doesn’t mean you have to take all day to organize it. Get started and make it workout
Step One – Analysis 5 minutes
What's not working and why
Is your desk where you want it to be? ….if not move it.
Do you have room on the top of your desk to work?
What systems should be in place to keep the surface clear?
Is my file drawer full of files, or is it a dumping ground for stuff?
Do I have everything around me that I need?
Is there a home for everything?
Step Two – Create a plan of attack 5 minutes
The top of the desk
Should be clear of clutter – the Bronco bobble-head; the paperweight from Hawaii, the promotional coffee mug; magazines; phone chargers
Should be for those projects you work on daily
The drawers of the desk
Are all different sizes – pencil drawers/paper drawers/file drawers – use them appropriately
Are for those projects you work on weekly
Around your desk
Remember – the floor is not an option.
Use the file cabinets, the bookcases, the shelving for those projects you work on monthly
Archive or toss the rest.
Step Three – make it happen – Do It 5 minutes
Attack what you see first - the top of your desk
Collect like items (scissors with scissors, bills with bills, coupons with coupons), and papers that belong together – sort and purge and categorize - keep, toss, donate, file, create in binders
Use stackable trays or vertical files to keep papers organized on your desk
Place pencils, paper clips, scissors, etc. in the pencil drawer – off the top of your desk
Continue (you may need several 5 minute “do it” sessions) until the top of your desk is cleared and ready for your daily projects.
Schedule as many 5 minute sessions as you need to complete:
Empty one drawer at a time. Sort/ purge/ measure and purchase drawer dividers to hold what you have……pencils, pads of paper, paper clips, stamps, etc. Clear the desk file drawer. Assign a place for everything, and put everything back in its place. It's a great habit to develop and a way to keep up with a desk that works for you. Prepare for your next 15 minute workout, “Creating a Filing System” for your weekly projects. (Tune in for this next 15 Minute Workout)
This 3 step 15 minute workout can help you work efficiently and feel productive. Feel good, stay healthy.
TIP: Don’t forget, if it takes 15 minutes or less…..try to do it now!
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