« Balancing proactive vs. reactive | Main | It's either actionable or it's not--there is no gray zone »
February 01, 2008
Shifting your position
Did you ever move your bedroom around as a kid? Even a simple thing like moving your bed from one wall to another? Remember going to bed that night? It felt new and exciting. Same furniture, new perspective. If that worked for you as a kid, it can work for you as an adult. If you're feeling stuck, bored, repelled, low energy or uninspired when you step into your office space, change your perspective.
Here are 10 simple things you can do to breathe new life into your workflow systems:
1. If you've got a desk that can move to a new position, move it.
2. Rename your lists. I change the names of my GTD action lists all the time. It's a simple thing, but it works. @Computer becomes @Offline and @Online. @Calls becomes @Phone. @Agendas becomes @Talk to. Same purpose, just fresh new lists.
3. Clean something. Anything.
4. Get a labeler. It's a mystical thing. Ask someone who has one.
5. Get new gear like In, Pending and Out trays that you really like. Don't settle for the company issued ones if you don't like them.
6. Make sure your workspace ergonomics really work. I coached a guy one time who was right-handed, but actually endured his mouse being on the left side. He literally reached his arm across his body to use the mouse.
7. Update your framed pictures of your kids, friends, families or favorite vacation photos.
8. Get your reference filing system (hard or soft copy) to a place where you are actually more attracted than repelled by it. Review, purge, reorganize. Whatever it takes.
9. Get the best lighting you can for your eyes. If the fluorescent lights bother you, get a lamp for your desk that is closer to natural sunlight.
10. Do a GTD Weekly Review. Honestly, if it didn't work, we wouldn't suggest it.
Posted by Kelly at February 1, 2008 06:15 PM
Comments
I love advice like this! I just recently got dual monitors at work and the change definitely is inspiring.
Posted by: 12hourhalfday at February 2, 2008 05:30 AM
Thank you for validating what I already do! My husband thinks I'm crazy spending time re-arranging - but it does really refresh my headspace & my view of things.
Posted by: VJK at February 3, 2008 01:17 AM
So, wait a minute - all those times when I was little and my mom said "I know what will be fun, let's rearrange your room", she was tricking me?!? Into cleaning and staying organized?!?! Wow, she was good. ;-)
Posted by: Maura at February 8, 2008 09:21 AM
All of these are great tips. Definitely #4.
7 (do this often) and 9 are also refreshing.
Posted by: Joe Rodgers at February 12, 2008 03:07 AM
Love my new Office, thanks!!!!
It looks bigger and bighter, honestly I am impress...
My room as a kid was small so there was only one way, to arrange things, but this was really nice. Thanks for the Tips Kelly... It is a pleasure to read your blog.
Posted by: apinaud at February 14, 2008 10:37 AM
I Find myself cleaning as the best source of distraction...I am going to try some of you other suggestions too.
Posted by: Navillus99 at February 16, 2008 02:00 AM
