Clear the desk

maiki
1

This is an experiment.

I think I keep objects, mostly printouts on paper, on my desk to keep objects in my active memory, rather than serving as an easy shortcut for processing.

Experiment: actually clear my desk. No text, no actionable items, no waiting-to-be-processing. The desktop is hallowed: it is for note taking and note processing.

3

I have a twice weekly reminder to clear my desk. It sometimes happens.

I will try to break down the categories of things that collect on the desk, and document what I do with them.

4

Papers

Generally I have three kinds of papers on my desk:

  1. my handwritten notes
  2. mail received
  3. needs to be filled out and returned

I’ve tried keeping a basket, but there is no way to organize between the types, and of course other items find their way into the basket. That system does not work for me.

Here’s a new system:

  1. notes should be processed regularly; if I have too many I need to address it immediately
  2. mail should be processed immediately, and either destroyed or returned
  3. items that can not be processed immediately need their own folder

I imagine I can manage multiple folders in a timely fashion, and gaining too many folders is also a sign I need to address them immediately.

What is the experience of being laid off from work?
6

I have two cube boxes filled with random stuff under the desk; those are included in this task. When I clear the desk, I need to also address these caches.