Are you in your work space right now? Look around you. What do you see? Are the objects, images and reminders that surround you uplifting? Do you love every thing you see? Do you have a sense of well-being when you enter your work area, or does it make you cringe? If you see clutter, unfinished piles, and things you must fix but can’t get around to, then you can be sure your physical work space is standing in the way of your success!
Whether you are a customer service rep., manager, supervisor, assembly line worker, or business owner, your work area sends a powerful message about you — it’s a constant antenna broadcasting words, feelings and states of mind to others, and most importantly to you, yourself. We pay attention to what we wear, what we say and do … but we are often too busy to pay attention to the look and feel of our desks, our offices, our work environment.
Here are a few pointers to help you transform your work environment and begin to pave the way for your success:
Physical space correlates with creativity, productivity and mental space. Get rid of anything you have not used in 6 months. Get rid of anything that’s decorative but doesn’t make you feel wonderful when you look at it. Create space by getting rid of any-thing that could be holding you back even just by virtue of its occupying space.
Surround yourself with reminders of your purpose, your passion, reasons why you enjoy the work you do. Sparsely post inspiring, motivational, positive images that make you think of possibilities and what you do well. Yes, this can include photos of loved ones and pets but limit it to no more than 3 photos; otherwise it begins to feel and look like clutter. It distracts others, and it distracts you — whether you are conscious of it or not.
Keep your work space clean, free of dust and debris. If you are in the habit of eating at your desk (tsk!tsk!), discard foodstuffs immediately once you are done.
Use lighting, fans, artwork, live round-leafed plants to create a harmonious space that reminds you of qualities you are cultivating in yourself and in your career.
If the person you most admire were to suddenly walk into your office, would you feel good about your space?
Less is always more. If in doubt, get rid of it. You will be creating space for something better, nicer, that speaks more powerfully to you.
Your workspace is not the right place for things you can’t display or fit in your home. It isn’t the right place to promote your personal views or your hobbies.
Here’s an easy first exercise:
Identify a number of your work space belongings you can get rid of, give away or donate. Dispose of them right away. Resist the urge to fill up the space with anything else for two full weeks. Comment here and let us know what happens in your career. Then, if you absolutely must fill the space with something else, be sure it is something you will love to look at, that speaks of your intention and positive goals, and that is nourishing and inspiring for you and others.
