Desk Organization - A Fresh Start: Organize Your Work Space

Having your creative work space set up isOrganization Session on Sunday or Monday each
foundational to being productive on greater levels.week.
When certain conditions are present, you can becomeThird: Org Sesh.
more attracted to the space and drawn therePut items in here that you do not need to look at
naturally. It also allows greater accomplishment as youduring this week. Sit down once a week during your
are able to focus on your magic with all your tools atOrganization Session and go through this box to keep
hand.in touch with all that's going on. Take time out once a
Here are some step-by-step tips I've found that helpweek to schedule these activities – rather than
me be my best:taking time out each day to reorganize. It is much more
Totally Reorganize/Pre-Organize.efficient and frees you up to trust things will be handled
Clear out your old stuff to create space.and will all fit in.
To get started, freshen up your area. Schedule anBottom: Follow Up.
evening or weekend to box old files or shred them.These are items that are not urgent but that should be
Simplify and let go of what you don’t need andfollowed up on next month. On the first Organization
haven’t looked at for years. Only keep current filesSession of each month, go through this box.
in one central box or cabinet that is easily accessibleAdditional Spaces to Set Up to Facilitate Your Flow:
and near your workspace. Think bigger than you everReading Nooks.
have before. Create a tornado effect followed by theKeep a SMALL collection of things you want to read
world’s best clean up/restructuring crew.in areas around your living spaces that prompt you to
“Next to the dog, the wastebasket is your bestpause and read. Create reading nooks that are
friend.”physical reminders each day to sit and read. Make
~B.C. Forbeseach a fun place to visit. Areas to place selected
Set up your master work space.reading material include: the bathroom, kitchen table,
Put everything that you need to use daily within armscouch area, near your bed, etc. If the reading material
reach.keeps growing and you never read them, move some
Make it so that you don’t need to get up too oftento a library or forward to friends (circulate). If you have
or interrupt your work flow. Things that you usetoo many, you will never start reading. Prioritize!
weekly or less often can be a little farther out. LeaveA "To Be Filed" File.
them out of eye range to create a feeling ofIn your file cabinet, create a first file that is “To
spaciousness and reduce eye clutter.File”. Once a quarter or so file its contents and
Organize your work flow system.empty it out. Don’t let things gather here too long.
Move in to an organized system that allows you to beAn organized file cabinet is most beneficial. This will
fully productive and aware of where everything is.strengthen the core of your foundation. Sorting your
Ditch the system that only you can figure out.physical work helps clear these things from your
Have these four boxes or slots be on your desk orsubconscious also, clearing your mind. This can provide
within reach:incredible amounts of healing and closure. Get blank
Top: Inbox.folders, make new files, organize them by groups and
Everything that comes in goes directly in here. Empty itcolors, and get very involved. This is very
out at least once a day. From your inbox, things canrepresentative of where you are at with your work. A
transfer to one of the other files. Do not leave anythingdependable and creative system will support the
in your inbox. (It can be done!) Once you’vesuccess of your work.
touched it, don’t put it back. At least move it to oneCornerstone.
of the boxes mentioned below. The same should beCreate a place to retreat to that is nourishing. Ideally
done for all types of messages that come in includingyou should have a physical, mental, emotional, and
voice mails.spiritual healing center in your home. These should be
Second: Processing.spaces that are inviting to visit and prompt your
This is just like what you are using your inbox for rightattention to yourself. A great start is an altar that you
now. Have one processing file on your desk for thingsmay retreat to for solace and rest breaks for
you will work on this week. Anything that isn't on thenourishment and connection.
schedule for this week should be moved down to oneFor more wonderful inspiration on design, I recommend
of the other boxes.any of the books on Vastu Living written by Kathleen
Only things you need today should be on your desk.Cox. Her talent is to create interior environments that
Keep your desk free from clutter and excess. A clearappeal to us visually and viscerally—they appeal to
mind allows more focus. Review your processing filethe mind, body, and soul through applying ancient
and reschedule associated activities during yourwisdom.