I was recently on a call with my business coach, and she was talking about this being the season of the wood element. We are all made up of elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood. And here we are in the season of Wood. It’s spring—this element makes us want to clean, to start fresh, to achieve, to plan and to make decisions. For those of you who know me, is it any surprise to you that my base element is wood? All of this truly describes why I am how I am and how I operate.
At any rate, I started thinking that the Wood element is why we have the urge to spring clean this time of year. It feels like it’s time to get organized, to clear out the clutter, and to start fresh. Taking it one step further, I started thinking about how to make our offices better spaces to help with productivity. Because a truly organized and beautiful space will make us more productive.
So where do we start?
1. Make The LIST
What do you want to clean up? What needs to be done? What needs to be filed? What areas need refreshing? The list is such an important part of this process because without it, the job of “spring cleaning” your office will seem overwhelming. If you have a list and then plan from the list, you’ll have a process to get it done!
2. Organize and Clean
File stuff away, shred papers, put things in their place! I clean desk (of which I do not have) is the path to higher productivity. Research says that working at a clear desk allows you to focus 7 minutes longer in a stretch without getting distracted. (Oh wait, what’s this piece of paper? LOL).
3. Green it up
A plant increases oxygen and puts a living organism beside you in the space. Studies show that plants increase creative thinking ability and make us happier, which also increases our ability to get stuff done!
4. Add Color
Color can add to your desire to be in your office and can also boost your mood. Years ago, I painted an accent wall in my office with my brand colors, and I face that wall as I work. It is so fun and pretty! Orange, Purple, Chartreuse … All these colors make me happy. In the articles I read, the “experts” said that pops of color in blue, green, yellow, and orange are the best to boost productivity. You could add a painting, some accent pieces, a chair, or go for it and paint a wall! Find a way to add color—go for it! Be brave.
5. Add Thinking Space
Sitting in the same chair all day makes us NOT want to go sit there and can cause some serious aches and pains. Adding that space to curl up to read, think, or just take a break is a great way to up your productivity. As many of you know, I a big proponent of taking regular breaks during the day. Having this type of space in a small corner of your office can give your brain and body the feeling of a break without the distractions of what might happen if you step into the kitchen. My own office has a small armchair (chartreuse) and an ottoman under a cool purple pendant light where I can get away from my desk. I love it.
Hopefully these tips get you thinking of how to take advantage of those Wood element feelings and get a fresh start with your office. You can make some great things happen for your business by just taking a new look at your office and changing up a few things beyond organizing and cleanup. I would love for your office to become a place that’s a haven and a productive space for you. Here’s to bringing in the new and shedding the old!
Want a little more on cleaning that office to help your productivity? Here is an article I found for you.
Need a little help controlling your calendar? We’re here for you! Contact Julie today for a FREE Discovery Session