Spring is a great time of year to get motivated about things again. We can be excited that the seasons are changing, our winter woes are in the rearview mirror, and our days’ activities will be heating up, literally and figuratively. And because spring is a time of change, it can present good opportunities to take a closer look at some things we may not notice on a daily basis.
Cleaning Up at Work
Everyone does this to some extent—we’re able to not-see things that we might want to be different, simply because it’s easy to avoid addressing them. We can simply work around them, and focus on the things that obviously need attention. Many of the articles that we’ve published on Lean Manufacturing have mentioned the wastes that can occur on the job, and how “cleaning up” can improve your efficiency and productivity.
In addition, it’s important to remember that “messes” can weigh down our paperwork too, regardless of the degree to which our paperwork is not even on paper anymore. When we’re busy, it’s easy to feel as if cleaning up paperwork, or emails, or files, is a waste of time. Surely, a productive activity would be better, we think. But cleaning up can be considered a productive activity. And it’s much better to invest that time in organizing before you’re really in a time crunch and need to find something! Consider it a little preventative maintenance for your computer and records-based existence. Chances are, you’ll find something that you barely remember you have.
Preparing for the Next Season
Spring cleaning is also a state of mind. It’s a willingness, if only for a moment, to take a step back and ask—is there something I need to fix here? Is there something that I need to “clean up” to make my life more productive, more efficient, or simply “better” in some way? Before the hustle and bustle of summer is upon us, remember to take a moment for yourself. Maybe there is a little spring cleaning that is worth your time and attention this month.