First, decide how much time you can spend on a particular task. Three hours is an excellent amount of time. Should you only have a short time to devote to this, then decide to do just one drawer, shelf or pile at a time. Empty the space entirely, whether it's a desk, cupboard or drawer. Put back only what is necessary. Make decisions now. If you don't decide now, when will you? The reason most of this stuff is here is because you didn't decide what to do with it the last time you looked through it.

Most of us are "visuals" (my term for resource people), who will need to have some items close by. Visuals will often have to spend a substantial amount of time sorting their items because they tend to collect lots of materials. The best idea is to locate specific areas in which to sort the individual categories. You might use a big piece of scrap paper or a large box lid to identify each of these category locations.

In re-designing the workspace, keep in mind that most visuals need to have necessary materials where they can see them. For visuals, "out of sight" is "out of mind." This, of course, creates serious conflicts with their aesthetic partners, bosses or parents -- who feel entirely out of control when they see stuff. The "aesthetics" (my term for those who have very clean desks with little papers anywhere in sight) will need to clear off all items that are visible and find places for these items. Unlike visuals, aesthetics feel that anything on their desk makes it look messy.

If you are easily distracted, minimize the number of items with bright colors in front of you. Use bright colors only for things that are particularly important. Surround yourself with soothing calm colors, but keep the number of display items to a minimum or you will again create distractions.

If you are a visual, avoid stacking papers horizontally. Once you bury something under a pile of other work, you will probably forget about it. Keep the materials you have for reference together. These are usually filed alphabetically by subject. Critical, frequent-use references, however, should be kept close at hand.

Surprisingly, many people do not have the basic supplies to work on their tasks close at hand. They then leave their desks frequently to go procure these supplies from some other area. This creates another interruption.

Have a space identified for "Priority," "Dated/Soon" and "Someday" tasks. Move priority tasks to your planner. Identify a place for reading and take-home items.

Yes, with a few simple steps, even you can improve your workspace!

If you get stuck or need a motivational personal coach, call The Mess Arrester! Linda Herr is also available for productivity improvement, clutter control and business workshops. Call 907-352-3644 for voice mail.