There are times when organizing our office space is actually unproductive and we become so distracted by the need to organize that we lose sight of the ultimate purpose.
- If you are constantly straightening up your desk and working on filing you may simply be procrastinating.
- When you frequently purchase organizing tools and equipment without a specific purpose, you end up with additional clutter, which creates stress, impacting productivity.
- By assuming that there is one “perfect” technique or method for you if you can just find the right book, you give yourself permission to not do anything, lest you do things the “wrong” way. There are so many resources with helpful information; choose and implement the ideas that work for you and let the rest go.
- If you apologize for non-existent messes, you invite criticism. Why do that to yourself – unless you are trying to lower others’ expectations of you?
- If you are so fearful that you are going to overlook some detail to the point you create multiple charts, lists and reminders, you are probably spending too much time on keeping your systems organized. Clarify where the fear is coming from and deal with that!
There are times when our efforts toward being organized are really an escape or type of “self-medication” and do not contribute to productivity.
Is your need to be organized is creating more problems than it is solving? Tell us in the comments below.
I like things being organized, but I won’t get a headache over it.
A weekly or monthly chart for work is what I find absolutely essential, though.
Ironically, those of us who are not “born organized” tend to fall into the organizing trap more than those to whom being organized is more natural!
I love this topic too! I am of the procrastination type. De-cluttering my office space ever seems quite so pertinent as when I have actual deadlines looming!
I hear you, Riki! That’s something I have to fight constantly…
Great post. I currently have the opposite problem after moving twice in as many months but I can definitely understand what you are saying. As long as the space is tidy and functional any further organising is simply time wasted.
Thanks, Caylie! Your comment reminds me of the Bertrand Russell quote: Organized people are just too lazy to look for things…
Busted.
LOL!
Thanks, Liz! I use to be an organizing tool junkie (guess at heart I still am, but I don’t give in to the addiction much any more…). Appreciate your comments.
Love this topic, You hit the nail on the head with the point about purchasing more and more organizing supplies creating more clutter and reducing productivity. So many people think they can purchase supplies and don’t realize they need to put in the work. Great post!