You’ve seen the plaque “A messy desk means Genius,” and we know the dictum that if you clear the clutter out, your thinking will be clearer and more precise. So what’s the truth? If you want to believe one (that’s 1) published study, the findings said that those with a messy desk tended to be more creative. They also tended to produce fresh and new ideas. So there!
On the other side of the coin, those who kept their spaces neat and clean? They were more likely to “do the right thing,” like eating a more healthy diet or making a charitable donation. Maybe that’s because they don’t have such a crowd in their head, so they can be a bit more generous to others and to themselves.
Conclusions? If you feel your productivity is down, try cleaning up your desk (like I am doing right now – so I have time to pass along this helpful tip.) Better yet, try stetting one of two new habits: 1) pick one day a week when you clean your desk. Or, 2) take ten minutes each day before you leave the office (home or otherwise) and clean up the desk, leaving it fresh and clear. You’ll find you start each day with an uncluttered mind – and that makes a difference!
PS – It’s good feng shui!
PPS – how you doing? Share your comments by clicking on the title. It will take you to the comments section.