Today's TQ

Daily Lessons in Intentional Excellence
Friday, January 23, 2026

How Many Days Of Work Are Piled Up On Your Desk?

Is there more than one day's worth of work on your desk? Move it! Enter each item in your Master List, and file the materials away for later.

Keep your work area clear of all items you won't get to today.

Today's TQ Challenge: Keep Work Area Well Organized.

Choose to be METICULOUS! What items on your desk need to be put on your Master List and then put away?
Choose to be ORGANIZED! What's on your desk for today that you know you won't get to?
Choose to be EFFECIENT! How are you going to deal with the next thing that stacks up on your desk?

You'll never approach maximum productivity in a disorganized workspace. Make sure your work environment supports and assists you, rather than detracts and resists you. Keep it clean, orderly and well stocked. Invest in the best equipment and furnishings you can afford. Keep them in top condition. Remove anything that impedes your ability to stay at the top of your game. Add anything that improves your attitude or productivity.

"There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self." ~ Aldous Huxley

Think about it. How well and how often do you actually DO Organize Factor 8J?

"I keep my work area organized to support and assist me in maximizing results."

A high commitment (8J rated 8 or better) suggests you enjoy your work area. Your desk, computer, briefcase, phone system -- even the trunk of your car -- are all organized to help you be efficient and productive. Your work area is bright, clean, spacious and comfortable. There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. Your supplies are well stocked and your equipment is well maintained. You can get started on anything immediately, because there is nothing holding you back. Everything you need is within reach.

On the other hand...

A lack of commitment suggests you are someone who produces less than ideal results because you work in less than ideal conditions. Everything is a little more of a hassle than it should be. The fax machine is always pulling more than one page through at a time. You never have the right files in your briefcase when you need them. You can't get to, or even see, the top of your desk because of the piles. You can get discouraged before you even start, and are easily frustrated by your inability to perform up to your best.

What happens when you CHOOSE to do Factor 8J a bit more frequently?

Your work area improves your attitude and supports your efforts. You accumulate performance positives like "Meticulous, Impeccable and Orderly" -- immediately moving you towards the results you expect.

What happens when you FAIL to consistently do Factor 8J?

Your work area is more of a pain than a pleasure. Negatives like "Messy, Disheveled and Unprofessional" start to take their toll on your performance -- quickly moving you away from the success you want.

Now Ask Yourself This...
Is Factor 8J Causing You Problems?

If you believe this factor is a key performance obstacle -- and that it's preventing you from realizing your personal dreams and goals -- then you need to improve it.

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