When I took the GO Train out of town to consult with a client, I was reminded how much I enjoy the movement of the train. I used to take the train a lot when I traveled in business. Train travel is so relaxing, so soothing. I was pleased to go to Ajax to meet my new client.
It was a sunny day and I saw how evident spring has become. I saw two swans at the beach. There was no ice or snow left, and the sun shone bright on the water. I’m sure I saw buds on the trees – but we were traveling pretty fast. Why is it that when we change our environment, our senses are heightened? The movement of the train and the trail of sunlight on the water took me away.
When April showers begin, our own offices can feel like they are bursting at the seams. Files are full of old papers, little piles of papers have grown, and even multiplied in the night. Our bookshelf seems overstuffed. How did our drawers become so messy? Did we really spend the whole winter in this office? We notice more dust in the brighter sunlight. I think of this when I see how the dust particles float by the shaft of sun coming through the plants in my bay window now.
Spring is a great time to clear out your office of the messy build up. Go through old files and purge what’s not needed. Make room for new business. It can be a good idea to have someone help you with this effort. Cleaning out a bookshelf can be time consuming if you drift in and out of each book, trying to decide what to do with it. When someone is there to support you, decisions come, and books get boxed up quickly. You may even be able to give a few away to the helper. There are always books that you know you will not read again – but you want them to live with someone who will cherish them.
When we’re able to clear the desk of papers and knickknacks, we discover new surfaces. When these new spaces are wiped clean, we feel like we can breathe deeper. We can buy a new plant, or add something to that space. We may want to spread our work out on these new surfaces. Or, leave them blank for a while, to enjoy them.
Drawers: the final frontier. When we take the time to organize the drawers in our life, we feel better. It’s an odd thing really, as when they close – out of sight, out of mind. But, it does feel great. Try it this spring. Clean one per day, or do them all at once. Either way, they’ll get done, and you’ll feel better. Lighter. Trust me. Happy Spring!
Elizabeth Verwey of Small Office Mentors guides people to become more effective in their time and space management. www.officementors.com Her book, The Mentors Circleä – Clearing your path to business growth – was published this year and is useful for sales teams. www.mentorscircle.com Elizabeth lives in Toronto and can be reached at 416-463-1713.