The telephone is ringing. There are 94 messages in your inbox.
You can't find the check your biggest client just sent to you.
Instead of working on your next project, you stare silently at the
mess surrounding you.
If you're like most entrepreneurs, you can accomplish
multiple tasks at once. The problem is that the electronic age has
sped up our world-and the more successful you are, the bigger the
piles of bills, e-mails and other work items. Most of us just
can't stay organized and productive in an environment full of
clutter.
Create a work environment that supports you, and regain control
of your work life with a focused plan:
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1. Create your vision of a clean work environment. Using
your existing office space, sketch the ideal configuration of your
office on paper. Reorganization can inject new energy into a room
and gives you a chance to determine what you really need. Remember
to create a space for your old project files, financial statements
and client information.
2. Take one day, right now, and organize. You will never
have the time to organize unless you schedule it on your calendar.
Using your sketch as a guide, go after your mess. Arrange your
large furniture first. If you don't use an item every day, move
it away from your desk. Create your ideal filing system, and move
important papers into it. Now, when you receive new information,
you can file it in an existing area or simply discard it.
3. Unsubscribe from information overload. Throw away the
magazines and catalogs you will never read-they just sit there and
taunt you. Cancel unwanted subscriptions, and get off any mailing
lists that do not help you achieve success. If you can't bear
to let go of seemingly precious information, store it in a large
trash can. If the materials are still there the following week,
throw them out.
4. Create a new project file folder. A new project
usually generates a temporary mess. Your time is probably consumed
by implementing rather than cleaning. To avoid spillover, put all
new project information, drafts and associated paperwork into an
expandable file folder. This makes the information readily
accessible and keeps it off your desk. As time permits, create a
permanent home for the new information in your filing system.
5.Schedule one cleanup day after every vacation. Add one
day to your vacation to organize your thoughts, projects and
priorities. This is a wonderful way to take control of your
clutter. A cleanup day lets you organize paperwork from previous
projects, pay outstanding bills and answer client mail.
Discover what kind of environment works for you, and stick to
it. Surrounding yourself with information that supports your goals
lowers your frustration level and frees up your time so you can
achieve success.
Editor's note: Looking for our "Countdown to
Startup" series? We've compiled it into one easy-to-use
feature. Click here
to read it.
Speaker and consultant Romanus Wolter, aka "The Kick Start
Guy," is author of Kick Start Your Dream Business.