Transform Your Office and Increase Your Energy

Is your office hindering your performance or contributing to your success? You can, by making small changes, improve your working environment so that it channels your energies in the right direction.

To make the following changes, you will need to allocate at least a couple of days to it. The best bet is for you to set aside a weekend when you have no other commitments.

A Cluttered Office Leads To a Cluttered Mind
Empty your whole office! Shampoo the carpets or replace them. Give your working environment a new lick of paint. Install blinds on your windows if you haven't done so already. Repair or replace all damaged cabinets, desks and filing cabinets before placing them back into the office.

If You Don't Use it Get Rid of it
I have a simple rule for what should be in your office. Anything (files, folders, books and brochures) that you have not used in the last 12 months should not be brought back into your office. Put in storage, sell or dump it!

A Place for Everything
Designate a place for everything. The most used items must be the most accessible. The least used items can be stored higher up or further back.

Your Seating Position
You should sit in a position that makes you feel right in the office. Make sure that your screen doesn't reflect the sunlight and you can view the door. This will give you more control of your working environment. Move your chair around the room until you find a place that feels just right.

Keep One Nice Plant in Your Office
Try and choose a hardy plant that will survive if you forget to water it for a few days. Don't overdo it with plants as this can clutter your working environment.

Use Natural Lighting
Do not use fluorescent lighting as this can give you a headache and make you feel more tired. Get a dimmer switch so that you can control the level of lighting to suit your mood and time of day. Your blinds will also help to regulate the light.

Heating and Cooling
Do not use a fan heater as this can have a drying effect on your skin and the noise serves to sap away your energy. It is much better to use an oil heater that has a thermostatic control. Keep a water cooler in the office. You will be surprised at how much water you end up drinking. Water acts as a purifier, removing toxins from your body and giving you more energy.

Wires and Leads
You get handy little contraptions that serve to keep your wires and leads together running neatly along the wall. Where possible attach the wires to the back of your desk using wire clips.

Maintain a Clean Desktop
Instantly file anything that should be. Throw away anything that you don't need. Have three trays on your desk. The first is labelled "To do today", the second "To do this week" and the third "When I have time".

Repair or Replace Immediately
There is nothing worse then having a punch or stapler that is not fit for the job. If the numbers on your calculator are faded or a drawer is damaged then fix it immediately.

Keep a Couple of Pictures of Your Nearest and Dearest
This serves to remind you why you are working so hard in the first place and when it's time to lock up and leave.

Now that you have changed your office, you will find that you are able to deal with all problems more efficiently and quickly. Your energy levels will increase and success should be one step closer!