"Being busy means doing things, but being productive means getting things done." These wise words, from an anonymous source, resonate deeply with me as a seasoned leader at VARIDESK. Early in my career, I chased productivity through trial and error, but it wasn't until my 40s that I unlocked the key: my cluttered desk. Years of experimentation taught me that disorganization wastes time and drains energy. Today, my streamlined office is a productivity oasis. Here are the seven habits that transformed my workspace and output.
Related: 5 Strategies for Your Most Productive Workday
1. Clean up your space.
A tidy workspace boosts productivity for everyone, backed by research. It also shapes perceptions—clutter signals disorganization to colleagues. Just as a spotless restaurant inspires confidence, a clean desk projects competence, freeing your mind for high-impact work.
2. Create the right energy.
Your desk mirrors your mindset. Blend personal touches like photos, plants, or a puzzle with ample open space and balanced lighting. I favor minimalism: neutral tones, natural light, and inspiring colleagues foster focus and positivity.
Related: This is what your office should look like based on your personality type
3. Turn off notifications.
Constant pings shatter focus—we've all seen it derail presentations. Silencing alerts on my devices skyrocketed my efficiency. Batch-check messages instead; constant availability is a myth that hinders top performance.
4. Cut the paper.
Paper piles breed stress and slow searches. Digitize documents for lightning-fast access and a clearer desk. Most items can be archived or discarded.
5. Maintain a single stack.
Even minimalists like me keep one 'action' stack in view. Process it daily, cover it to avoid distraction, and tackle urgent items first for sustained focus.
6. Keep a notebook.
Handwriting aids retention, per studies. My plain, lined-free notebook captures ideas, lists, and sketches—it's my constant companion, from desk to meetings. Inspired by Richard Branson's habit, it's transformed my clarity.
Related: How hand journaling changed my life
7. Schedule people time.
Interactions with teams, clients, and vendors demand focus. Reserve 30% of your day for them—no multitasking. This 'management by walking around' (MBWA) approach, honed from my early jobs to VARIDESK leadership, builds presence and insight.
Related: 10 communication secrets of great leaders
