The same is true with a clutter free desk.

I have on occasion written about cleanliness, clear desks, desktop zen and your environment in general and how it can effect your productivity. I have shared what my desk looks like a few times now, and each time you can see that I strive to keep it mostly empty.

I have had comments from people who just don’t understand make comments about the way my desk and office appear. They often joke that I must be getting a lot of work done, or ask when the last time I did anything other than de-clutter my desk was. When I get asked these questions I can’t help but stop and chuckle.

If I was one of those unfortunate souls that kept their desk piled high with crap, I know without a doubt that I would be 50% less productive. I used to do just that. The reason is simple: the more stuff you have that surrounds your workspace, the more visual and psychological distractions are present.

I, like most people I would assume, stop and look around when I hit an impasse in my work. If while looking around I saw documents for another project, or USB missile launchers it would take quite a bit of time to come back to my work. Now with a clutter free work area when I stop and look around I see a glass of water and my phone, nothing else. Allowing me to formulate thoughts, keep in the moment and get right back to work pushing through any obstacles that I may encounter.

Think of a clear and clean desk as a blank canvas, and a cluttered desk (no matter how organized) as a canvas that has a half finished painting that you hate on it. Now which of those two canvases would you use to try and paint a masterpiece on? Everyone (I hope) would choose to start with the blank canvas.

Why would you treat your desk any differently?

Our desks and offices is the canvas that office workers use to create, and for that reason alone you should keep it clutter free. Surely you want to at least give yourself every possible chance in being your best.

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