<p><span><b>Do not put your smartphone on your work desk. </b></span></p><p><span>Even though turning off all notifications and turning the device to silent mode might eliminate distraction, having it physically there would give your mind a subconscious signal that someone might be looking for you.</span></p>

Throw distractions away 

<div><p><span>You'll find yourself more focused and motivated. </span><strong>The key here is having lots of desk space where you could draw and write things on</strong><span>.</span></p><p>It takes discipline to keep the work desk as clean and simple as possible, but it is certainly worth the effort and is a great habit to have.</p></div><div><h4></h4></div>

Keep your desk setting simple

<p><span>Ask yourself: </span><em>“</em><strong><em>How can I alter and create a work environment to work towards my productivity?</em></strong><em>”</em></p><p>Put things that you currently focus on in front of you. </p>

What symbolizes the current focus

<div>
<h2>3 simple techniques you can implement at your desk without spending a buck in your pocket</h2>
<figure><img src="https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/0*JF3RQw2FS7XNwgNv"> </figure> <h4>1. Throw distractions away from work desk</h4>
<p>I am going straight to the point here&#8202;-&#8202; <strong>Do not put your smartphone on your work desk!</strong> I learned this lesson in my previous company where I charged my smartphone on a standing phone charger that was placed on my desk. Every time a new notification popped up on the lock screen, my mind immediately turned the attention to whatever that was popped up. It was impossible to focus on getting a single thing done.</p>
<p>Even though turning off all notifications and turning the device to silent mode might eliminate those kinds of distraction, having it physically there would give my mind a subconscious signal that someone might be looking for me.</p>
<p>Same apply to any devices that trigger attention, such as smartwatches and activity trackers (I refrain from wearing them when I need to get things done), or printers that someone else in the office might use anytime.</p>
<p>I understand that sometimes we might need smartphones to complete specific tasks, but I always think of alternatives that would not give unnecessary distractions. For example, if I need to attend a meeting in 30 mins on time, I use a simple digital watch to alarm me when it's time to go, rather than using my smartphone or smartwatch to do it. Because whenever I turn on my smartphone, I would have the intention to check my Email and other social media.</p>
<h4>2. Keep work desk setting simple and clean regularly</h4>
<p>This might sound weird to people who worked with me before, as I was known for having a ton of stuff around my work desk. Yes, I've changed and I mean it, keep the work desk settings as simple and clean as possible, regularly.</p>
<p>I learned that from multiple millionaires and leaders who I saw as my life mentors. One common trend that I realized they all shared is that they only have a few items on their work desks with lots of desk space. I mimicked that on my work desk and found out that I was so much more focused and motivated. <strong>The key here is having lots of desk space where I could draw and write things on</strong>.</p>
<p>It takes discipline to keep the work desk as clean and simple as possible, but it is certainly worth the effort and is a great habit to have.</p>
<h4>3. Display things that symbolize the current focus</h4>
<p>I always ask myself: <em>"</em><strong><em>How can I alter and create a work environment to work towards my productivity?</em></strong><em>"</em></p>
<p>My answer to that is putting things that I currently focus on in front of me. There are usually a few items (within 5 items) on my desk, I call them my focus-triggering symbols. For example, I put my water bottle near my desk to remind me to drink water regularly in order to maintain a fresh and healthy brain. I also put cash notes on my desk to remind me that my current focus is on generating new streams of cash flow.</p>
<p>All the items I put on my desk has a specific meaning to it. Whenever I saw them, it creates a positive force and energy for me to work on the goals I have set for myself.</p>
</div>

1. Throw distractions away from work desk I am going straight to the point here -  Do not put your smartphone on your work desk! I learned this lesson in my previous company where I charged my smartphone on a standing phone charger that was placed on my desk.

Office Productivity Tips: How to Setup a Desk to Create Better Focus

Throw distractions away

Keep your desk setting simple

What symbolizes the current focus

Theodore H.'s ideas are part of this journey:

Related collections

Similar ideas