New year, new goals: Start by cleaning off your desk

Today is #NationalCleanOffYourDeskDay!

I love the “fresh start” feeling that every January brings – it pushes me to assess my habits and see where I can improve.

In that spirit: Did you know Jan. 14 is National Clean Off Your Desk Day? I had no idea. But experts told our Know Your Value team that it’s a holiday worth celebrating for anyone who wants to increase their productivity.

Like many of us, my desk space can get cluttered, particularly when I’m busy. Cleaning off the desk just doesn’t seem like a big priority when I have more important to-dos on my list.

But by ignoring that clutter, it turns out I’m undercutting my ability to get those important things done.

“When your space is filled up with things you haven’t organized, all of those things are constantly ‘yelling’ at you,” David Allen, a veteran productivity expert and author of "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity,” told our team.

Turns out those seemingly innocuous stacks of papers, empty coffee cups and other clutter “drain your energy and focus, even if you don’t realize it,” Allen said.

So how can we work more effectively and efficiently in 2019? There are a few options depending on your individual work style – and the amount of clutter on your desk.

Maybe it’s simply vowing this year to take a few minutes every morning to de-clutter before you begin to work, said Penny Zenker, a strategic business coach and author of "The Productivity Zone."

If you’re a “rules” person, Zenker suggested it helps to set a framework for what lives on your desk. She places only the items she is actively working with on her desk; everything else goes away until she needs it for the next task.

And if you’re completely overwhelmed with a desk that’s pretty much all clutter? Allen says you can get organized with just four cardboard boxes. Label them “trash,” “keep as reference,” “read and review later” and “do something now” – and simply place the items where appropriate.

“That won’t fix everything, but it gives you a bit of sanity,” Allen said. “It’s a place to start to work toward something more ideal for you – to create a space that helps you work at your best.”

Working at our best. Sounds like a great goal for 2019, and beyond.