About your desk

If a messy desk symbolises a messy mind, what does an empty desk symbolise?

It’s a quip attributed to Einstein, though there’s no proof he said it.

It’s a favourite of mine because my father was (is!) notorious for having a messy desk.

Regardless, I believe the state of my physical deskspace has an impact on my psychology.

So, as simple as the tips that follow may seem, they might just help you like they do me.

Feeling overwhelmed? Clear your physical desk space. Seeing a clear surface will calm you, give you a sense of control and a fresh beginning. The physicality of sorting will trick your brain into that mindset.

Feeling uninspired or stuck? Create some mess. Sometimes, when things look too pristine, we can be shy to ‘break the seal’. When things are already a bit messy, we give our brain’s permission to let go.

Do these tips work for you? Do you have other ways to get out of a rut?