Take on 2020 with new energy by giving your desk a makeover.
The hustle and bustle of vacation time often leaves employees feeling tired and disoriented. Getting back in gear requires a bit more than overcoming the Monday blues. However, returning to the office after holiday fun doesn’t have to be a drag. When you are trying to get momentum to really tackle the new year, start by adapting the space you work in. Put intentionality into refreshing the environment where you get things done.
Here are some cleansing tasks to revive your surroundings. As you organize the atmosphere around you, you can re-align yourself and find the motivation to take on the challenges that January brings.
Eliminate Visual Obstacles: It might sound abstract to try to identify what constitutes a desk obstacle, but this is part of the process. Begin by throwing out trash: napkins, old paperwork, and sticky notes you no longer need. Then find clutter, those items that are distracting and taking up valuable desk real estate. Keeping office supplies in a box in a drawer underneath your desk is often a much more efficient use of space.
Retire 2019’s Tchotchkes: Last year’s mementos may still have a place in your heart, but that doesn’t mean these should still be a part of your workspace. It’s also easy to max out on the number of pop figures that “decorate” your space. The new year is a good time to phase out desk accessories that have gathered dust. Do a little purging and throw some away. Take treasured items home to bring out another season, when they are ready for their revival.
Compulsory Calendar Purchase: Schedule your life effectively with a new calendar. Whether you’re into wall calendars, bullet journals, or weekly calendar tear off pads, make sure you have a current calendar to welcome the new year. Get inspired every new month as you see images of your favorite things, from puppies and miniature pink pigs, to nature scenes, beach escapes and motivational quotes.
Give Your Coffee a New Home: You know that lipstick stained mug that you got two birthdays ago? It’s time to take that home (or throw it out). Take your morning ritual of fresh hot coffee or tea to new heights by bringing in a different daily use mug. Feeling the texture of a different cup handle in your hand, you will start feel like a new 2020 you.
Mark of Ownership: Own the area in which you get things done by making sure your desk is marked with your name or initial. Get a personalized desk plate, painted sign or decorative letter with your first initial. Putting your one-of-a-kind signature out there shows that this is where you belong, what you are responsible for, and who you are. Adding your name to your space helps communicate to your coworkers that you take ownership for your role in the organization.
Invite in Good Vibes: Feng shiu your belongings so you can navigate your space with ease. Part of the way to bring life in is by re-arranging how your desk is set up. Designating an area for your purse, phone and keys will give you room to breathe. Get a Zen garden or salt lamp to welcome soothing vibes all day long.
Cohabitate with Nature: Make a living thing a desk accessory by bringing a little plant to work with you. Find a vase or pot that has subtle colors and blends peacefully with your desk theme. From bamboo, ivy, spider plants and cacti, there are many types of greenery that can bring harmony to your desk. If you haven’t already gotten on board with the succulent trend, now is certainly a good time to start.
Swip-Swap Your Pictures: Do you have old photos on your desk? Once the swip-swap is done, make your space not look so dated and representative of memories that have gone stale. While that picture of your dog is cute, your 8-year old canine is no longer a pup. That vacation to New York was 2 years ago. You’ve had another kid since that family picture was taken. Do you remember the names of those old golfing buddies? Take the time to print updated photos that represent where you are now in your life. For the classic photo that you still love, you can refresh the look by swapping out that old frame for a new one.
Introduce Order to Your Desktop: Over time the number of desktop icons on your screen can mount into a cluttered chaos of Apps, file names and unorganized folder frenzy. As part of your cleansing ritual, put your digital world in order too. Delete old documents, create folders for your main projects, and finish off this task by adding a new desktop background that matches the theme of your re-energized space.
Unleash Coworker Karma: Create harmony in your office by bringing joy into the lives of your coworkers. Celebrate the pod of people around you by sharing a positive message. You can contribute to your work culture by giving small holiday gifts to your deskmates. Consider bringing in donuts or baked goods. Get succulents for your neighbors. Make custom name tags with nicknames, motivational phrases, or company values for everyone on your team. Even a brand new ballpoint pen can be a simple way to boost the morale of your team.
