Tidy desk competition - contest ends Friday 7th

5 steps to a tidy desk



You won't believe all the excuses I get from people about their untidy desks! "It's because I'm creative" or "I know where everything is".

SOUND FAMILIAR?

This may very well be true. However, for most people, an untidy desk makes you feel overwhelmed and out of control. And how can you be productive when you feel overwhelmed? Right?!

The good news is you can have a tidy desk in just 5 steps:

1. Set up your desk properly
If you answer the phone with your left hand, then keep the phone to the left of your computer. Now this might seem obvious but you'll be surprised at the number of people I encounter who have to scramble and reach behind their computer to get to the phone. It's like that game Twister!

2. Touch each piece of paper once only
This is going to force you to make decisions - throw away, action, forward or file. Those are the only choices you have ;)

3. Have one notebook for all your notes
When you take messages or need to quickly jot down a note, write it in your ONE notebook. There should not be 10 post-it notes and lots of other pieces of paper on your desk. Better still, write the date on the top of every page so you can reference old information quickly. And start each day on a new page - literally ;)

4. Clear junk regularly
Every time you get up to go to the loo or for a coffee break, clear your desk of empty mugs, glasses, snacks, etc. The same goes for all those dry markers and pens that don't work. Throw them out!

5. Have only the papers you are actually working with on your desk
I have a rather strong fondness for plastic envelopes (R6,99 for 2 at Pick 'n Pay). I use these nifty tools to keep my many projects sorted. When I want to work on something, I just grab one of these and open up on my desk.

See? Easy! You can also have a neat and tidy desk in just 5 steps.

Now, let the games begin...

I would love to see your desk - before and after you used these 5 steps to organise it. The best entry gets the Your organised home - BASIC pack.

Now get organising!

And remember, even if you don't win, you still get the peace of a tidy desk.


If you have a blog, please post your pictures on your own blog and link to this post. Otherwise, you can email your photos but only if you compress them to around 50kb each. The competition closes next Friday 7 Sept - 2pm South African time.