“Productivity formula with decluttering? If I will declutter, then I will become more productive. No way!”
You would like to believe otherwise, but the truth is a cluttered workspace always leads to a cluttered mind. And once you start to declutter, you discover an endless opportunity to focus on what truly matters.
Yes, no rocket science is needed to understand the simple fact that when your workspace is cluttered, you cannot focus, and this automatically makes you less productive and inefficient. But the thing is that despite knowing it, we ignore it.
So, what do you do? You simplify your surroundings to achieve the ultimate productivity formula, which allows you to not only accomplish your goals and dreams but also become a more focused person.
Decluttering isn’t just about throwing away that extra piece of paper or clearing your drawers; it’s about understanding how to minimise the chaos so that you can maximise your intentions and priorities and achieve your best possible productivity formula for efficiency and success.
Here are five effective ways to declutter, redefine your space, and supercharge your productivity.
1. Clear the Desk, Clear the Mind
The simplest declutter meaning is “removing what you don’t need,” and this starts with your desk. Papers from last month’s meeting? Toss them (or scan and archive them digitally). Random pens that don’t work? Goodbye. A clean desk isn’t just visually pleasing — it declutters your mind, helping you focus on the task at hand.
A quick productivity formula: End each workday by tidying your desk as a small ritual so that your mind has an automatic signal to clear the chaos and make space for only what matters.
2. Go Digital — But Smartly
Digital clutter is just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Are your desktop icons resembling an abstract art piece? It is then time to organise your desktop or laptop in the most efficient way so that your system doesn’t overwhelm you every time you turn it on! Make folders, subfolders, and smart labels your best friends because, unlike your seasonal friends, these won’t abandon you. A tidy digital workspace can redefine productivity meaning for you, saving precious minutes otherwise lost in the search for that one harmless file.
A quick productivity formula: Adopt the 3-2-1 rule: Keep only 3 main folders on your desktop for active projects, archive 2 older files weekly, and schedule 1 digital decluttering session monthly.
3. Declutter Your Mind with a Priority Board
Physical clutter more than often actually reflects mental chaos and unless you clear your surroundings, there is no quietening the storm inside your head. Creating a simple priority board is one simple way to declutter your mind.
You can either make a whiteboard or use a digital tool like Trello, where you can have your tasks and deadlines visually mapped to reduce mental overload. While this may seem simple, it is actually a great weapon for calming your mind and helping you prioritise your energy and time for the tasks that matter. The brain loves structure, and seeing your priorities helps you to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
A quick productivity formula: Use colour codes or sticky notes for tasks—green for urgent, yellow for ongoing, and red for pending review. A quick glance at your board will instantly tell you where to focus your energy!
4. Minimise Distractions, Maximise Focus
From buzzing notifications to random desk junk, distractions will destroy your productivity formula and affect your efficiency. This is why it is super important to keep only the essentials on your desk—your laptop, a notebook, and maybe a water bottle. For digital distractions, use focus apps to block non-essential notifications during work hours.
A quick productivity formula: Try noise-cancelling headphones or soothing instrumental music to create a productivity-boosting environment.
5. The Power of a Decluttering Schedule
The declutter meaning isn’t about a one-time effort — it’s a habit. Dedicate 10 minutes weekly to reevaluating your workspace. Ask yourself: “Is this helping my productivity, or is it just taking up space?” Be honest about what impacts you and how it does because in the end your surrounding is what will influence you and your performance.
Regular decluttering trains your brain to think critically about what’s truly essential, enhancing your decision-making skills.
A quick productivity formula: Set a timer for 10 minutes every Friday to clear your workspace, prevent clutter from piling up, and keep your environment productivity-ready.
Bonus Tip: Personalise, but Don’t Overdo It
There is no such rule that your workspace cannot have your personal touch or should be boring and dull. You definitely can and should add a little personalisation to your workspace so that it makes you feel positive and gives off a vibe that represents your energy in the best possible way.
However, a workspace should feel inviting but not chaotic. A small plant, a motivational quote, or a framed photo can inspire you. However, too much personalisation can create clutter, so be very careful about what you allow into your space. Strike the balance that keeps you comfortable and motivated. Plus, studies show that greenery and personal touches go a long way towards boosting creativity, so make it as friendly as possible because excess can overstimulate the brain.
The Takeaway: Decluttering Your Way to Productivity
The ultimate productivity formula isn’t just about time management but energy management. Decluttering your workspace (and mind) allows you to channel your focus where it matters most.
Remember, productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters and doing it efficiently.
And if you want more such tips on professional decluttering then check out our Little E-book on Professional Minimalism
This blog was written by Ayesha Mollah, a professional blogger who has embraced minimalism since 2023. Being on the minimalism journey is helping her find her "focus" amidst the chaos.