My office used to look like what you describe. Then a friendly organizer helped me to envision my ideal workspace (which you have already done). After that we emptied one file cabinet drawer. (You'll see why below.)
I have found that the KEY is to clean up my work area -- EVERY SURFACE -- BEFORE I leave it for the day. I need to build in 5 minutes to do this. In that empty file cabinet drawer, I put (inside a manila folder) the projects I am working on, and close it.
The next day when I arrive in my office/art room, the desk and all surfaces are CLEAR and therefore my head is clear too! I feel at peace when I walk in, as opposed to before when the moment I walked in and saw all the piles, I was filled with dread.
I LOVE what you wrote there, Annie -- thank you. I am going to aim for that practice of clear surfaces, clear head. The few times when I've cleared at days' end (though unlike you, I haven't yet managed to clear ALL surfaces) the difference in feel the next morning is striking.
Very relatable with the lists! I especially appreciated the section about the writing utensil, organization of the list, etc. I used to write more lists but they do still serve an important purpose. Namely, not having to go to the grocery store 4 times in one week.
I live in a room full of perpetual chaos and disorganization. (And LISTS!). I've been advised to "just do a little at a time"....which "little" is the one to choose? Usually none-I go play my piano instead.
I've read that Einstein's space was hopelessly cluttered. Yet he manages somehow. (Maybe someone ELSE took care of the bills! )
I've no answers. But I'm amused, being left -handed, when other "lefties" remind me that only left-handed people are in their right minds. :). A pleasing myth if I think it's OK to let everything go in order to be creative! And I usually do, until necessity calls loud and clear...I can no longer wade through the clutter in my studio- a tripping hazard and the "to do"" frustration becomes overwhelming. My heartfelt sympathies. (And I just spent half of this post correction spelling and syntax errors!! ) AAARGH!
Begin each weekday at your paperwork desk. Set a playful timer for one half hour dedicated to paperwork tasks. Get done all that you can in that half hour. Then stop. Sounds like that area is efficient with stamps, check books etc. If you devote minimal time each day…you will be guilt free and worry free to devote ALL of your other time to creative projects. This method works.
I like everything about that timer idea except beginning with paperwork. But I'm going to try it after breakfast when I enter the space having had some good creative time PLUS breakfast!
Love the double meaning of "List."
My office used to look like what you describe. Then a friendly organizer helped me to envision my ideal workspace (which you have already done). After that we emptied one file cabinet drawer. (You'll see why below.)
I have found that the KEY is to clean up my work area -- EVERY SURFACE -- BEFORE I leave it for the day. I need to build in 5 minutes to do this. In that empty file cabinet drawer, I put (inside a manila folder) the projects I am working on, and close it.
The next day when I arrive in my office/art room, the desk and all surfaces are CLEAR and therefore my head is clear too! I feel at peace when I walk in, as opposed to before when the moment I walked in and saw all the piles, I was filled with dread.
I LOVE what you wrote there, Annie -- thank you. I am going to aim for that practice of clear surfaces, clear head. The few times when I've cleared at days' end (though unlike you, I haven't yet managed to clear ALL surfaces) the difference in feel the next morning is striking.
Actually your post induced me to clean up a bit. I had let things slide a little.
I do give myself a little leeway -- on the art table. I do leave out an unfinished art project, and the tools needed for it.
Lists: I should make more than I do... I guess there is a happy medium.
I love this glimpse into your spaces and your brain! 😁 It’s very illuminating and “relatable.”
Very relatable with the lists! I especially appreciated the section about the writing utensil, organization of the list, etc. I used to write more lists but they do still serve an important purpose. Namely, not having to go to the grocery store 4 times in one week.
All so familiar!
Twin!
I live in a room full of perpetual chaos and disorganization. (And LISTS!). I've been advised to "just do a little at a time"....which "little" is the one to choose? Usually none-I go play my piano instead.
I've read that Einstein's space was hopelessly cluttered. Yet he manages somehow. (Maybe someone ELSE took care of the bills! )
I've no answers. But I'm amused, being left -handed, when other "lefties" remind me that only left-handed people are in their right minds. :). A pleasing myth if I think it's OK to let everything go in order to be creative! And I usually do, until necessity calls loud and clear...I can no longer wade through the clutter in my studio- a tripping hazard and the "to do"" frustration becomes overwhelming. My heartfelt sympathies. (And I just spent half of this post correction spelling and syntax errors!! ) AAARGH!
I like your "which little??" Exactly what I would say. Best of all I like your going off to play the piano instead.
Begin each weekday at your paperwork desk. Set a playful timer for one half hour dedicated to paperwork tasks. Get done all that you can in that half hour. Then stop. Sounds like that area is efficient with stamps, check books etc. If you devote minimal time each day…you will be guilt free and worry free to devote ALL of your other time to creative projects. This method works.
I begin each day with the creative stuff. Otherwise I never get to it.
I like everything about that timer idea except beginning with paperwork. But I'm going to try it after breakfast when I enter the space having had some good creative time PLUS breakfast!
Ah, best laid plans… Number one on the list? ´No more lists!´
Yessiree! Make sure it's in all caps, please!
Something there is, about a horizontal surface…
that sounds like the beginning of a poem, Doug!