Is your desk or work area working for you or against you?  If you can’t see your desk because of piles of paper, pens, file folders, etc.  Then your desk is probably working against you and it is taking you longer to get things done.  More and more tasks become incomplete causing you to become more frustrated and unorganized.  Everything has a place.  Make sure your desk is organized with the essentials needed to create a home for the basic tools you use in your daily operations.

Always start your day with a clean and clear desk.  Set up a priority system on your desk.  This will help you focus and keep things on track.  Separate the things that you need to do now versus the things that can wait.  Have a place to put papers that need to be filed away.  Have a message folder or message book that you can track incoming calls that need to be returned by the end of the day.  Remove any unnecessary papers.  If you are not working on it at the time, put it in its place.

Always end your day by taking a few minutes to clean up your desk and make sure everything is put back where it goes.  Let’s face it, don’t we tell our kids to pick up and put away all of their toys when they are done playing with them.  It’s the same concept.  A cluttered desk will clutter your mind.  Your mind needs to be clear so you can be as productive as you need to be.  Keep your desk clean, clear and prioritized.  It’s a small thing, but it really matters to increase productivity.