Healthy Habit #10-Take Control of your Desktop!

Today I challenge you to clear your desktop (if you don't work-pick the space you are at on the computer or to pay your bills) AND keep it organized!!!

I am addicted to organizing and am glad I have this group to encourage me to make it a priority now, but even if you don't like organizing you will like the weight lifted off your shoulders after cleaning something out!  A cluttered desktop causes stress, frustration and reduced effectiveness.  In a recent study it was found that the top performers in an information-based work environment operated with a clear-desk policy!  The average person wastes about 2 hours per week looking for things on their desk.  How many of you know the feeling of going to get something done-wether it be paying the bills or completing a work project only to spend so much time organizing the papers around your desk that you don't even feel like completing your task by the time your done "organizing"?  I have been there so many nap times!!!
How to start:
First go through all your piles and throw away all the junk or items that will never get used.
Work in the 4-D's "Dump, Do, Delegate or Decide"
   Dump-information you don't need
   Delegate-pass it to someone who can get it done
   Do it yourself right now before picking up another thing
   Decide what to do with something if you cannot take it on right now.
Consider filing the random paper you decide to keep into 3 files "Mail/correspondence", "projects" and "reading".  Just be sure not to file them in a place where they will not be seen or they may stay in the files forever!
Stay on-top of papers that make their way to your work space and keep up with the 4-D's on a daily basis!!
Place all essential items on your desk within arms reach-computer, pens, paper, calculator, phone, stapler, etc...
How to make this challenge a healthy habit:
Every afternoon or before you leave your desk/space take 5 minutes to go through the new papers and sort them.
Celebrate TGIF-every Friday clean your desk or works space so you can start the following week clean and ready to go!
Get into the habit of picking up a cheap bouquet of flowers every monday morning or during mondays lunch to brighten up your work space all week long!