Every time I set out to organize my papers and files, I get pulled in a dozen different directions. Everything else seems so urgent. Emails that are coming in a mile a minute, messages sent via social media platforms and texts on my phone, which always seem the most urgent of all. Before I know it, I’ve abandoned my organizing mission and am back in reactive mode.
Sound familiar? For many of us, clutter is not just physical. It is a reflection of everything competing for our attention. My desk often tells the story: stacks of paper, Post-it notes with reminders, special offers that came in the mail and lots of folders.
Because I have a home office, I see this clutter all the time, even when I am not technically working. It is a constant visual reminder that something is unfinished. And that has a way of quietly draining my energy.
I have come to realize that a messy desktop is often the sign of a very busy mind. And my mind is busy. I am always thinking about clients, employees, upcoming deadlines and networking opportunities.
But I have also learned something equally important: if I want to be the best version of myself, I need a clear mind. And one of the simplest ways to get there is by creating a more organized, clutter-free environment.
Sometimes, when I need a little motivation, I turn on the Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” She treats tidying as a thoughtful, almost meditative, process. Before she discards an item, she thanks the item for the role it played and then lets it go.
I know that may sound a little much, but it actually works. Think about that file folder with notes on index cards from a speech you gave ten years ago. At one time, it served an important purpose. It helped you prepare, deliver and succeed. But today, it is likely just taking up space. Instead of holding onto it out of habit, you can acknowledge its value, thank it and release it. That small shift in mindset makes it much easier to let go.
The same principle applies to digital clutter. A computer desktop filled with random files, screenshots, and documents can be just as distracting as a pile of papers. Every time you log on, you are confronted with visual noise that competes for your attention. It becomes harder to focus on what truly matters.
When your workspace is clear, something powerful happens. Your mind follows. You feel calmer, more in control and better able to direct your energy outward. You can focus on your employees, your clients, the people you meet at networking events and your friends and family.
Simple steps
If you are feeling overwhelmed by clutter, the key is not to tackle everything at once. Start small and build momentum. Here are a few simple ways to get started.
Set a short timer and focus on one area. Give yourself 20 minutes to tackle a single pile or one section of your desktop. When the timer goes off, stop. You will be surprised how much progress you can make in a focused burst.
Create three categories: keep, delegate, discard. As you go through papers or files, make quick decisions. Keep what is truly relevant, delegate what someone else can handle and discard what no longer serves a purpose.
Reduce incoming clutter at the source. Unsubscribe from emails you no longer read, go paperless when possible and be selective about what you save. The less that comes in, the less you have to manage later.
Supporting your best work
Decluttering is not about perfection. It is about creating an environment that supports your best thinking and your best work.
I am still a work in progress. My desk is not always as clean as I would like it to be. But when I do take the time to clear it, I feel the difference immediately. Then I can turn on the version of me that I want to be: focused, funny, friendly and fun.
