I wish I had taken a before picture.
For the past two weeks the first thing on my 
to-do list has been “Clear Desk”. I know what a crowded desk does to me. When there are piles of things around me I can’t think, I avoid, I worry. I wonder just what scary things lurk in the piles? What do I need to deal with that I’m forgetting? Every time I start working on something I’m forced to push things out of my way and get annoyed with myself.
I have a lot to do and this wasn’t working. It was time to make it happen.
I remembered a conversation I had with one of my clients earlier this week. She needed to go through some boxes that she had in storage. We talked about the things that she was likely to uncover while going through them. We came up with a few questions she could ask herself to help guide her decision making. Even though she was going through things and I was essentially going through a pile of ideas (and tasks) I gathered everything up into one pile and used exactly the same questions to help guide my decision-making.
- If I came across this in a store, would I buy it today?
- If I didn’t have it would I want it and would I actively seek it?
- Are there other things I could use instead of this?
- Does this need to be a part of my life?
- Would I miss it if I didn’t have it?
It took me about ten minutes to go through what had accumulated over the past few weeks. Most of the things on my desk were notes that I had scribbled down about things that I had already taken care of. When I was done I was left with a clear understanding of what I needed to do. There was a pile of insurance claim forms to be followed up on and a launch plan for a program that is going to be coming up early next year. These are the two things that need my attention and focus at the moment.
Of course I’m forced to wonder what kept me from doing this sooner but most important…after ten minutes I could breathe again.
My challenge to you…take a look around you, what can you clear off to give you the space you need to think, breathe and create?
What will your next step be? Won’t you share it with me?
I finally (after much ado and coaching from you =) found a system that works for my tasks and for getting them done. I’ve cleared off my desk and have ONE folder that I look at every day that I take an action on and cull at the end of the week. It’s such a wonderful feeling and it doesn’t take long at all! Thanks for sharing these questions!
Kim
Kim…you made a decision and you’re sticking to it! YAY!
After reading this post I did manage to clear one small spot. Need to find/create a system so I don’t continue to makes these ridiculous piles. Thanks for sharing your ideas – they help to inspire me to think a bit differently about my chaos. Despite being extremely busy this time of the year with a retail store and a daughter about to undergo major surgery, I’m taking a couple minutes each day to work on this issue thanks to your motivating posts.
Hi Janis…it’s all about little steps. Glad this post helped.
My favorite part is “would I buy it today”…and if not, then really why did I buy it then? I’m looking forward to sharing with others!
Hey Elizabeth…that’s one of my favorite questions too. It really applies to ideas too. Given where I am today would I take on this project right now or are there other things I’d prefer to spend my time, energy and money on?
Loved this blog! And the quote by Albert Einstein struck a nerve. Had to laugh though – I have a journal where I write down quotes and other notes I want to keep. However, it was buried under a pile of papers.
I love the “after” picture you had with the blog. I needed to clean my kitchen/dining room because the furnace guy was coming for a check up. It is amazing how freeing it feels when you clean up the clutter. Now if I can keep it that way until at least next year.