EPISODE 31 (50) CLUTTER KILLER - make sure your mess and disorder don’t do your down

People differ over whether a cluttered, paper-strewn work area is a good or a bad thing. In favor is that it could mean you’re highly creative, maybe even a genius.

Against clutter is that your physical environment may strongly affect your understanding, emotions, and behavior.  It can also influence your decision-making and relationships.

In this week's podcast, Andrew teases some essentials about clutter. 

Scans show that our brains like order. Mess is seldom a visual reminder of genius, more often it suggests disorganization that drains mental resources and reduces our ability to focus.

Andrew explains how the clutter happens and why. For example, even touching material things makes you more emotionally attached to them.

That mess is saying to you: "To touch me is to love me!" No wonder it's more comfortable to hold onto the clutter than dump it.

Since you are in search of success at work, Andrew warns that perception is everything and tidiness suggests that you are well organized,

Passing your chaotic desk prompts the opposite perception, "How do find anything from all that?"

He suggests you encourage your team to have regular spring cleaning days and perhaps turn these into enjoyable social experiences as well.

Andrew ends this podcast on clutter with the usual three practical actions you can take right away to deal with it.

Why not give this Podcast a second hearing so that you begin to include this kind of thinking into your search for success at work?

Or check out the transcript at the podcast site for a slower, more sustained read and improved learning.

Don't forget there is also an e-learning mobile unit associated with it by an independent company not connected with 50 Ways.

Show note

Photo of Einstein’s desk on his death: https://tinyurl.com/4w23j2n9

Photo of Steve Jobs’ home/office at Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yck5395r

All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book