There are a lot of things that go into improving productivity. One of the most important foundational qualities is being organized. If your workspace is filled with clutter, then chances are that you are wasting time by looking for documents or mis-prioritizing your tasks. By dedicating time and energy to organizing your work area, you can quickly increase your efficiency and decrease stress.

You have probably heard before about how we are all products of our environment. Each of us is influenced and impacted by our immediate surroundings. This is true even of the seemingly smallest of things, like our workspaces.

Take a minute to really consider this. Is your office conducive to productivity and creative inspiration? Is your desk set up in a way that helps you get things done efficiently and in a streamlined manner?

Your work environment matters more than you might think. Having an area with lots of clutter probably keeps you from being as organized as possible, meaning that things can take longer than necessary and could be forgotten or misplaced. This type of environment can also – either consciously or subconsciously – create a lot of additional stress as a result. Having a clean workspace can give you more confidence, knowing that things are being done thoroughly and efficiently, which can give you greater piece of mind.

So, what do you need to have a workspace that is conducive to productivity? The answer is not a bunch of fancy or expensive tools. It basically just requires a clean and organized work area with something as simple as a pad of paper to help keep you on task and focused.

Here are some quick and easy tips to help you create and maintain a space that can help you produce your best work:

  • Dedicate a few minutes every day. At the beginning and end of each workday, set aside five or ten minutes to make sure that things (including email) are put away and organized. This way, when you walk into your office the next morning, you will not start your day feeling overwhelmed and directionless – instead, you will feel prepared and focused.
  • Know when to say goodbye to things. Many of us have a tendency to hold onto files and other keepsakes for much longer than we need to. If it is something that you could potentially need to refer to later, ask yourself whether you really need a physical copy or if a digital version will do. Then, file it accordingly. The goal here is to reduce the visual clutter that could serve as a distraction.
  • Embrace the to-do list. I am not talking about scribbling down any and everything that you need to get done at some point in time. In order to truly be a productivity master, you need to create prioritized task lists that can help focus your time and energy. Break these down into daily, weekly, and future lists. These should be updated on a regular basis and reorganized based on new requirements and information.

Being organized is something that may come more naturally to some people than it does to others. But the important thing is that these are skills that can be learned by anyone. By following these simple tips, you can start to increase your efficiency and productivity in no time, improving your overall focus and relieving stress and anxiety.