Researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter negatively affects your ability to focus and process information. Many people come to me with the intention of starting a new venture, moving forward, or solving their current issues. All these endeavors require focus, energy and perseverance. It is therefore important to make sure that the energy is channeled into the right place. Clearing your space can be a powerful way to release your mental self.
As a former Industrial Engineer working in a manufacturing setting, workstation organization was a great deal not only for employees' safety but also for maintaining and enhancing good moral at work. The method we used was called 5-S and it is inspired from the Japanese automotive company Toyota. It stands for:
Seiri (Sort)
The work stations were inspected regularly in order to detect and remove unnecessary items. Now, look around you and ask yourself if your environment reflects who you are or who you desire to become. Dispose of the things that are not inspiring anymore.
Seiton (Streamline)
Once the unnecessary items were disposed properly, we would proceed with making the work station as ergonomic as possible so that the useful items would be easily found, thus reducing unnecessary repetitive motions. In a personal context, this step would be equivalent to decorating and designing an environment that would empower your body and soul. It could be something as simple as hanging a painting that was left sitting in the corner of your bedroom for months.
Seiso (Sweep)
This step consists of cleaning and sanitizing the work station. It played a huge part in maintaining moral and increasing productivity in a fast-pace setting. It will change the vibes of your environment.
Seiketsu (Standardize)
Standardization is a piece of quality control process in the manufacturing world. Employees who would come up with the best practices were rewarded and these practices would be incorporated into the quality system and were taught and deployed. At home, this step would be equivalent as setting a strong and empowering intention into the place. Each room in the house should have a specific function, putting a work station in the bedroom can become problematic especially if you have a partner.
Shitsuke (Sustain)
These steps are simple housekeeping rules and one would think that it is common sense. You would be surprised to know that many work related injuries in factories stems from bad housekeeping. In fact, I would spend months on projects involving 5S implementation. The same goes for home, it is important to set aside a regular schedule to assess your environment and make some changes as “life happens”.
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