Are you working in clutter in your office? Have you actually moved to a different working space just so you can spread out, breathe, think and function effectively?
When there is chaos on the inside, there is chaos on the outside. For me, I always know I am facing a challenge of some kind when I stop, look around and realize there is chaos in my office. Chaos on the inside leads to chaos on the outside – but the reverse is also true, I find.
Our work environment must be set up in a way that sets US up for success. The beautiful thing is that we have the power to create that. Let me give you a few of the simple steps I take to get ready for a new season – of the year, and in my business, as I set goals on a quarterly basis.
1) MY DESK. Every quarter, I take everything off my desk – everything! And I remove clutter from all counter tops in my office (shelving, filing cabinets, tables, etc.). I move everything out – clean all surfaces so they are fresh and sparkling – and then start to sort through all the papers that I removed (paper is like rabbits – it just breeds!!!!!). I am brutal in the sorting of that paper – I either file, discard, recycle or put in the ‘Take Action’ pile. Ahhhhhh, what a feeling!
2) OFFICE SUPPLIES. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” – is the TV commercial for Staples (an office supply store here in Canada). I get it! I love to go to Staples and buy new pens, pretty writing paper, some fresh new highlighter pens and so much more. I throw out a lot of pens that have been sitting around, that have dried up and are no longer functional. Another great feeling.
3) FLOWERS. I have found, over the past few years, that to have a bouquet of fresh flowers on my desk on Monday mornings makes a huge difference in the energy in the room. Another thing I learned from one of my feng shui friends, is, as some of the flowers in the bouquet die, remove them immediately – and keep the energy alive and well.
4) MY BUSINESS JOURNAL. I have what I call my ‘Million Dollar’ business journal (see photo) – do you? It’s a visual reminder to continuously learn – it’s where I keep notes from each of the coaching calls I have with my business coach – and I stay focused on THAT content for growing my business. That’s my ‘gold’!!!!
5) CLOTHES – I make a point of buying one new work outfit for the start of a new quarter in the year – especially in September. I love the fall season. I recycle many of the clothes that did not get worn throughout the summer – if I didn’t wear them this summer, it’s highly unlikely I will be wearing them next summer – so, out they go – to someone else who can use them.
When I go through this process, quarterly, it’s like a re-birth for both me and my business. It’s clearing the clutter – and this has an immediate and positive impact on my mindset too – which directly impacts my performance.
These are all easy steps to take and ones I highly recommend to set yourself (and your environment) up for success.
I am responsible for the energy in my office – in my life – and in my business. I take this seriously – do you?
What are you going to do this week to create a successful environment in your business?
Please share your thoughts !
