Image from http://officesnapshots.com/2012/02/06/inspiration-the-messy-desks-of-einstein-jobs-and-twain/
Take a look at the desk of Mark Twain and then check out the infographic below from OmniPapers.com on organizing your writing space. While there are some admirable suggestions, a number of them just don’t fit my reality.
I agree that being organized helps you be more productive and that you need to be able to find what you need at a moment’s notice. That’s exactly why my desk doesn’t look like the one in the infographic (unless I’ve stashed everything away for a photo shoot, in which case I’m not really writing.)
Hint: look at the number of books on the shelf! When I was recently finishing the second edition of my book, Color Your Life Happy, I had no fewer than 10 books with certain pages marked, folders with notes and other material all around me that I was referencing throughout the day. And that doesn’t include all the tabs I had open on my computer!
I love the suggestion of an ergonomic chair. The idea of having a plant on the desk is good, except it shouldn’t a cactus. According to Feng shui experts cactus plants bring negative energy and chase away potential customers. And what’s with those high heels? Really?
How about you? Which of these tips work for you? Which don’t fit the way you write or your understanding of Feng shui?
Tell me in the comments.
Flora, my reality includes a super-cluttered desk (out of sight…out of mind…) and books stacked on the floor. I don’t use a stand up desk but if I did, I’d be wearing crocs, not high heels. But I love the wall colors in this imaginary office!
Thanks for your perspective. I always love it!
Sandra Beckwith
Hi Sandra,
After I published this post I went back and added the photo of Mark Twain’s desk. If I’m going to emulate someone, I think he’d be a better choice.
I’m glad you and I are on the same page (pun intended) when it comes to a super-cluttered desk. I don’t trust anyone with this level of neatness shown in that infographic.
Excellent choice, and not just because my desk looks like his!
SB
I like the bookshelf and the couch!
Yup Mark shows how it’s done – although I can’t live with a desk that messy – that’s how mine looks too! Thanks Flora.
Confession is good for the soul. Thanks for weighing in on Mark’s desk and yours too.