The first thing to do is what I call "a desk purge". Starting with the desk top, gather up all paper and sweep it clear of everything - files, magazines, mail, coupons, greeting cards. Put them all in a box. We will return to these later. Next remove all your personal items, photographs, awards, rocks, plants, sourvenirs, coffee cups. We'll get to these later, too.
Reevaluate your equipment. What remains should be those items you use consistently. These might include your computer or typewriter, telephone, answering machine, a lamp, a calculator, a clock and an in-and-out basket. (If this is the first time you have seen the desk top in quite a while, it might be a good time to get out the dust cloth and wipe it clean). Organize your supplies. Here is a list of items a desk top should contain:
Review your reference books and manuals - your dictionary, thesaurus,
address books, membership directories, telephone book. Eliminate the outdated
ones.
Now you can return to the desktop those pesonal items with real
meaning: one photograph, a plant, one award.
Remember, your desk is your work center. The less clutter and
knick knacks there, the more space there will be for real work.
Now get started on that box of paper. Go through the box deciding on
each piece as you come to it. If you are motivated this will come easily.
It is important to know that paper clutter is postponed decisions. My experience
tells me you will find much of the paper on your desk is outdated and no
longer of interest.
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Copywrited August 1999 Karla Jones