One Simple Trick to Get More Done

Who wants to get more done in less time? Me! I do! I love accomplishing a lot, and I can't resist reading all those productivity hack articles online. I even spend a lot of time trying to find the ideal system to help me keep track of everything and get even more done in less time with less stress. (Spoiler alert: It doesn't exist.)

However, I often overlook the simple things in search of some elaborate “get more done” system. Recently, I've been feeling a little less motivated than usual. I was spending time working, but I just wasn't getting as much done as I was 2-3 months ago. Instead of working enthusiastically, I always felt blah and had a hard time giving it 100%.

I was thinking about what had changed, and it hit me! There is one thing that has changed in the past couple months. My once completely spotless office had gradually morphed into a complete mess. My heart sank every time I entered the office. There are baby toys scattered across the floor plus several random non-toy items the baby has managed to find and dump out. Stacks of papers are everywhere. There's a stack of online returns that I need to package and print postage labels for. The order of planner inserts that came in last month are just sitting in stacks on the project table. No wonder I wasn't feeling productive!

I even realized I was subconsciously avoiding my office and working on the couch (or my bed) with my laptop instead. I've always been a sit at my desk dressed in work attire with my shoes on kind of girl, and I love my huge desktop screen. The laptop is usually only used when I'm actually traveling or working away from home.

I had been thinking that I didn't have time to really thoroughly clean and organize the office, but the truth is that I don't have the time not to!

So, if you're having trouble getting a lot done, I challenge you to take a look around. Is there something in your space that is dragging you down? Something as simple as straightening your work area can have a dramatic impact on your productivity. Make your home or workspace a place that inspires you.

Get Organized

Posted Under: Organizing

7 Comments

ELizabeth Says

I’m with you on the clutter control! I cleaned my desk area off a few months ago, then made it part of my nightly routine to straighten it up, right after I review and plan for the next day. Big Help!
Unfortunately, because we are in the middle, big time, of remodeling, my office has moved, and the mess came back. I was already thinking I needed to take a day and do the fling shuffle again, so this very timely post is being considered a nice KIP! Thanks! =D

Ellen Says

This is such a valuable post! I think some days I just want to get the work done, but really what I want and need is to get the work place in order so that I feel that I can manage what is in front of me.

Thank you!

Sarah Mueller Says

So true! I cannot work in a messy space. When in doubt, clean up!

LInda Kennedy Says

I have been avoiding cleaning my office, too. I had avoided admitting how much it really is affecting me and my work. Actually it is affecting more than just work, but also what I “desire’ to do for my home, cooking, and generally making things happen!
It’s funny how everyone is affected by clutter and to much of anything. Even our children have trouble when they have too many toys to take care of–none end up being cared for.
2016 is going to be my year of “LESS”. I will take any opportunity to give away, throw away, re-purpose, etc. When we get rid of the stuff we are hanging on to we open ourselves for better things to come to us.
So the rest of December is going to be spent making sure that my office, and myself are ready to go for 2016!

Beth Says

Are those Poppin desk accessories? Those are my favorite! Love the colors! And their pens are the best.

LauraJane Says
Post author
I think so. They definitely look like Poppin to me, but I didn’t take the photo, so I’m not 100% positive.

Sandra Says

Thank you for this post. I looked around my office space and saw way too many ghosts. And I got to cleaning! I gave away over 100 books and I released a closet full of things that were no longer mine. I am also back to planning and working I love being in my office and I am going to add a special chair and new desk. Thank you! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!