WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE  |  erinlove@panachebyerin.com

No matter where your workspace is located, you should enjoy spending your time there. It goes without saying that it should be organized and productive, too. If it isn’t, you stand the chance of working harder instead of smarter. If this space doesn’t inspire and motivate you to create your best work in an efficient and timely manner, stay tuned. My tips below should help.

BEGIN BY DECLUTTERING. This shouldn’t be a very time-consuming task. I simply want you to clear off your desk and create a clean slate to begin. In the end, you want your work area to be clean and clutter free, so always begin by removing anything that doesn’t serve a specific, work-related purpose. Some items will be trash, while other items will need only to be relocated. The clearer our desks, the clearer our minds.

CREATE SMART SYSTEMS. Take note of all the possible ways you could store and organize your things. Maybe you need a new paper filing system so work will not pile up on your desk in the future. I love to color-code tasks and items. Coding not only reduces stress, it also makes everything else easier! It works for calendars, file and anything else that may come across your desk. Here is an example:

PINK – Organizing jobs

ORANGE – Design and styling jobs

GREEN – Custom home jobs

BLUE – My son’s schedule

PURPLE – My daughter’s schedule

BLACK – Personal appointments

RED – Trips or days out

With this system, you will know, at a glance, what is coming up, what you need to be prepared for and why. I cannot stress enough how well this system works. 

CREATE AN IN-AND-OUT SYSTEM FOR PAPER. Flat surfaces tend to attract stacks of paper, so don’t let that happen by going vertical. In other words, use some stackable trays or hang baskets vertically on an empty wall to sort through mail. As soon as mail comes into your home, categorize it by the action that needs to be taken, such as bills that need to be paid, invitations that need responses, etc. And then, the most important step in this process is to schedule a day and/or time to complete the tasks. My day is Friday. Every Friday I go through my “in-and-out” system and take care of each item.  

KEEP A NOTEPAD READY! Every person, no matter the occupation (a stay-at-home mom is an occupation), should have a notebook handy at all times. I cannot tell you how detrimental it is for you to try to remember everything you have to do each day.  If you do not write it down, you will inevitably forget something.  I know you have been there and done that, so starting today, grab a notebook and write everything down when it pops in your head.   When you complete the task, check it off, and reap the benefits.  

REARRANGE YOUR SPACE OFTEN. This stirs up new possibilities and prevents your work life from becoming stagnant.  It also gives you the chance to reevaluate your systems and create new ones.  

CLEAN OFF YOUR DESK AT THE END OF EACH DAY. A clean desk invites you to start fresh each day and will end the feelings of being overwhelmed. 

DON’T FORGET TO CREATE BEAUTY! Finally, you must make your area inviting and beautiful so you will want to spend time there:

1. Add pictures and art that inspire you.

2. Employ a corkboard to serve as an inspiration board! This might be one of the most important things you can add to your workspace. After all, if you can dream it, it can happen!

3. Greenery always livens up an area, and it will help clear the air of toxins. However, if you don’t have a green thumb, a faux plant will suffice.

4. Add a rug underfoot to make the area warm and inviting.

5. Burn your favorite scented candle or diffuse your favorite aromatherapy mixtures.  

6. Set aside an area where you can replenish your thirst or grab a snack.  

Now, start working smarter instead of harder! Cheers!  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or content ideas at erinlove@panachebyerin.com.