The Enemy of Progress

Chaos.  

I know, perfection is the correct answer. But I heard the quote the other day with this new spin and it ressonnated with me. 

The enemy of progress is chaos.

If that is true, how are you able to be productive every day?

I get that people can function in what they call "organized chaos", the office may look a mess to outsiders but the owner has a pretty good idea where things are. That is someone who has become accustomed to surviving in chaos.

Let's be clear, there is a different between surviving at work and progressing.

The whole point of taking the time to plan and schedule, clean and organize, is to remove the stress that comes with working or living in chaos. If you feel like you are always running out of time, you're always behind, never enough time in the day; thats surviving within the chaos.

Your to do list will free up space in your brain, so why not also free up space on your desk.

Define clean: Clear.

Things that you don't need, aren't using at the movement are out of sight.

Remove the chaos from your work space. The only thing better than walking into a clean office in the morning, is working at a clear workspace. It doesn't have to be your desk, wherever you decided to work. Clear the space. Remove everything that isn't immediately needed to complete the task; paper, pens, even your stapler. Create a space that allows you to focus solely on the task at hand.

Reduce stress, increase your focus and productivity, and foster creativity by simply clearing off your desk.

It's the little things, so plan accordingly.