I came across this site over the weekend, Simple Desks. I was immediately enamored by the clean, almost Zen-like workspaces. My desk looked like the typical computer nerd workstation- piles of paper and other junk strewn about, some of which had been there for months. As someone who needs every advantage to focus and get things done, I was inspired by the sparse environments of Simple Desks. I thought, if I remove all the clutter and only have around me the absolute essentials, then perhaps that will improve focus.
So I spent a couple of hours, first making space elsewhere to put the crap that was going to come off my desk, then to work on simplifying the space itself. Piles of paper? Scan what was needed and toss. Notes scribbled about? Record on the computer or in my new, thin, flat-lying notebook (how many people do you know who spend twenty minutes picking out a notebook?). Stamps, paper clips? Off to the credenza beside my desk. How often to I really send mail or work with paper anymore? Same with stapler, tape dispenser, even the pen cup. I only need one pen.
What it came down to was there was almost nothing I used on a daily basis besides the computer workstation itself and my phone. So that’s about it. Computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, pen, notepad, and a small tray of things off to the right.
Too bad there wasn't a "before" shot
I should have taken a before shot, but this is the end result. It isn’t pretty enough for Simple Desks, but it is pretty sweet for me, and I’m looking forward to working with it. The key will be to maintain it. My current plan is to have a few minutes of clean up at the end of each day. We’ll see how that works!
