Organizational Wizardry - Jan 03, 2024 Newsletter

Greetings, wizard! 🧙 You are right on time for some spell casting: abra cadabra, make things neat! Let’s talk about how getting organized can work magic on your career.

⚡ AND... A New Year’s treat! -50 % on our Career Planner Workbook so you can set clear goals and crush them.

You’ve most likely heard of Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizer who’s helped oodles of people around the world declutter their homes and offices using the motto “keep only what sparks joy”.

Her decluttering empire has, up until this moment, earned her a reported $ 8m, as she’s gone on to train other organizers on how to use her KonMari clean-up method, as well as sell countless books on the subject in 40+ countries. 🌍

But did you know that the organization wiz and her army of KonMari consultants are not alone in this? That’s right — there are tons of professional organizers out there, who are also referred to as productivity consultants, who can advise you and your team on how to restructure and declutter your office for maximum productivity.

It might sound a little bit like a made-up profession, but there are even certifying bodies in the US who accredit these professionals, such as the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals. Who would have thunk it! 🤯

If you remain dubious as to the usefulness of such a profession, bear in mind that research has shown organization to combat stress and anxiety and supercharge productivity.

How to make Marie Kondo proud of your desk

A messy desk is a sign of genius, according to science.

But it also comes with quite a few downsides. It negatively affects your mood, increases your stress levels, impacts how others perceive you (“disorganized” is the adjective of choice for 73 % of managers), and results in misplacing or losing valuable items. And, ultimately, it can blow your chances for a promotion. ✋

A tidy desk, on the other hand, is a sign of productivity and even happiness, also according to science. Plus, it earns you brownie points with tidying guru Marie Kondo.

So, how do you get your 💩 together and create an organized, uncluttered workspace?

• Start from scratch. Clear everything from your desktop and take out items from drawers. Set them aside (on a separate table or on the floor) for the next step.

• Sort everything. Create three piles for this: “keep”, “trash/recycle” and “belongs elsewhere”. For the “keep” pile, this should solely be for things you need. (Not like those chopsticks you’ve kept in your drawer for a year.) 🥢

• Clean your desk. Grab a multi-surface cleaner, and have at it. Make sure to clean the insides of drawers, too!

• Reconfigure the layout. Consider changing the exact placement of your computer monitor, smartphone charger, etc. This will give your desk a refreshing feel.

• Start arranging items. But do this sensibly. Find a place for everything where it makes sense and where important items are within arm’s reach.

• Organize your cables. Both above and below your desk. Label each cable (so you know which is going where), and consider buying a roll or two of Velcro cable ties to keep everything neatly together. 🔌

• Digitize notes and documents. The ones you can, at least. This effectively eliminates the need for physical notepads, freeing up more space on your desktop.

• Add a personal touch. This can be a small plant, a family photo or anything else that, as Marie would say, “sparks joy”.

Start 2024 with more career clarity

Is your NY resolution this year to actually pay attention to your career? Well, our Career Planner Workbook has got you covered! Featuring detailed self-assessments and action plan templates, you’ll find everything you need to propel your career to great heights.

Valid until 01/07/2024. Discount already applied.

Catch you on the flippity flip :)

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