Talking Out of Turn

We all have those unfocused days when we feel like we’re off our game—for some of us, it might even last all week. You know the day when you just can’t seem to get anything done even though you’re physically sitting in front of your computer and supposedly hard at work. It can be tough to get into gear some days, but that salary isn’t going to earn itself!  Desk sets This is even truer towards the end of the year, when we have sporadic days off, and all that’s on our mind is surviving another family dinner. No Interruptions Day typically falls on the last real workday of the year, December 30, so you can close out the year with a bang. It’s a day dedicated to getting stuff done and managing the chaos that is the modern workplace. Whether it’s the official day or you just want to focus up on the job before the new year, here are some easy tips. Make a Real To-Do List Some of us are perennial to-do listers and cross everything off with ease. For the rest of u...

When you do the math, and if you’re like most, you’re going to spend a good portion of the rest of your life at a desk. It sounds scary, but if you can make your desk a private oasis where you can be yourself, it’s not that bad. How you decorate, organize, or creatively neglect that space can tell the office a lot about you.  What has your desk been telling people? Here are a few common desk stereotypes that might apply to you.  The Hyper-Focused Organization Junkie You’ve got it all together (or at least you’ve fooled everyone into thinking so) and every pen, paper clip, and memo has its place on your desk. You make use of pencil pouches to organize all the little guys that like to wander off and not a Friday afternoon goes by without taking a cleansing wipe to every square inch of the surface. The rest of the office knows that you aren’t one to mess around and you like to get your work done and bounce. For some, organization is a lifestyle; for others,...

What day does your mid-week slump start on? Is it the Tuesday after having the Monday est. Monday or is it smack dab in the middle on Wednesday? Either way the symptoms are the same. If you’re experiencing grogginess, lack of motivation, and an overwhelming focus on the weekend that is still too far out of reach, then you’re most definitely suffering from a mid-week slump.  No need to call the doctor! Here are a few tips to help you make it through what’s left of the week while having a little bit of fun too.  Make Wednesday a Mini-Saturday Who said you couldn't have fun during the week? If you save all of the fun stuff for Saturday and Sunday, you're missing out on plenty of slump-busting opportunities throughout the week. If you wake up early, hit the gym, go to work, make dinner, and go to bed every day, it's no surprise you're exhausted and ready for the weekend. So take the night off—you deserve it. Whether that means meeting up with the gir...

Journaling is a great way to get out your thoughts, commemorate special occasions, and work through ideas and stresses weighing on your mind. The thing is, it's not as effective if you only do it once in a blue moon. It's a habit you have to keep consistently, but once you do, you'll be able to look back on hundreds of entries and relive those memories. Whether journaling is a New Year's resolution you still haven't nailed down, or you want to start "just because," here are a few tips to help you build the habit. Get Organized Many people find that if they have a dedicated place to journal, sitting down and getting started is easier than if they were to journal anywhere randomly. Choose a place in your home or wherever you won't be distracted and can get down to business. If you have a desk or a home office, desk sets can be a great way to keep your journal tools at the ready and organized.  Perfect on Paper There’s somethi...

With spring upon us, if you're like most, you’re probably gearing up for your annual spring cleaning bonanza. Something about spring, whether it’s the air or the sounds of birds chirping, makes us want to start fresh and organize our stuff to declutter our lives. With that in mind, many of us find that even after all of our hard work, it’s difficult to stay organized even a few days after cleaning. This year make the habit stick. Here are a few tips you can use to enjoy a clutter-free work environment all year long.  Essentials Within Reach How much of the stuff on your desk do you actually use on a regular basis? Clutter can negatively impact your life by causing distractions, stress, and even anxiety. Many of us fall into the trap of having too much on our desk, thinking that we’ll need that stack of files, memo book, or collection of old coffee cups at some point (we won’t). Instead, cut out the clutter and keep only what you need to get your job done wit...

Getting a promotion or a new job is always an exciting occasion, and seeing your friend get one is just as exciting. A promotion or new job means that your pal is moving up in the world, and if you’ve been friends for a while, you’ve had the pleasure of watching them grow and succeed with every rung of the ladder they’ve climbed. To celebrate this momentous occasion, besides taking them out for drinks or dinner, you should get them a gift that will come in handy for the new gig—whether it's a tool to help them get things done faster or something to put a smile on their face during hectic workdays. Here are a few ideas to get your gift-giving mental gears turning. Keep Them Organized When your friend first starts their new job, their desk will be perfectly organized with every pencil, pen, and paper clip in its rightful place. They'll probably promise themselves that, unlike at their last job, they'll stay organized. Fast-forward a few weeks, and it...