It doesn't matter when......really?

It's at this time of year our thoughts have quite possibly turned to Spring cleaning of some sort.As we start we probably have a very good idea of why we want to do this and exactly what it is that we want to achieve by it.

However we approach it we're usually motivated by thoughts such as: it's time for new beginnings; the days are getting longer and the evenings lighter and it's time to throw the windows open, metaphorically or actually, and let that fresh air in; it's time to shake up the energy in a space after it laying stagnant during the longer, darker winter days; it's time to get clean, get sorted and get ready for the new; it's time to get our heads above the parapet again and be ready for the off....whatever that might be.

So what difference does all of this make to the way that we feel?

Well: it seems to give us more energy; it helps us to feel lighter, less bogged down and more open and creative in our thoughts; we're just more focused and ready for whatever opportunities life may bring us.

If this is the effect that spring cleaning our homes can have on us, then what benefits could it bring for us to spring clean our businesses too?

How could it make us more effective and perform better in our working lives?

Well, it clears our head, making room for creative thoughts, for forward thinking and planning.

It also means that physically we're not distracted by bits and pieces that are lying around on our desks....filing cabinets...computers or wherever else we might keep the " might come in useful" little bits and pieces.

Most of us have a very clear idea of how we would approach spring cleaning our homes but where do we start and what approach do we take when it comes to our businesses?

Well, we could start by spring cleaning our computer... Sorting files out; deleting anything that is no longer relevant or needed. It's time to get rid of things that might've served us beautifully in the past but that are not quite so relevant now.

This way we know exactly what we've got. This means that we know where to find things and so it's easy for us to make use of all the documents, information and ideas as the need arises. It also saves us time...that most precious of commodities.......searching for these things and helps prevent frustration building when we waste said time, either through fruitless searching or being distracted by other things that we discover stored away that we'd forgotten we had.

The list goes on!

We could clear out old paperwork...if we still work with paper.

We could make sure that we have a good and up to date system for keeping business cards we've collected and the vital information on them.

We could take a new look at any posters or sayings we have decorating our walls. Like the pictures we hang in our homes (Crying single women, storm clouds, rainbows, flowers dancing in a sunny meadow, gorgeous shoes) they give out messages. Are these messages still relevant to us? Are they appropriate to who we are, what we believe and what we want to achieve? Do they reflect where we want to be, our goals and our values? Do they serve us in our quest for being amazing?

If not, then change them.

We could take a good look at our work space.......

What have we been putting off that it's now time to change?......chair?.......desk?..... Shelf space?

What is our storage like? Is it enough? Is it well used? Do we need to change it in some way?

Is our work space aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose?

Does it actively support us and our businesses.

If not, is it time to change it in some way?

Now is the time to do these things, no matter what time of the year it is, so that nothing stands in our way of being the best we can be and showing up to the best of our abilities in each and every area of our lives.

Happy spring cleaning .... Whatever time of year you choose to do it......and enjoy reaping the benefits it will bring.