Tag: Easy Ways to ‘Clear the Decks’

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Easy Ways to ‘Clear the Decks’

“Clearing the decks” is all about removing the mental and physical friction that stops you from actually starting. Think of it as aggressive simplification—getting the “small stuff” out of the way so you have a clean runway.

Here are some low-effort, high-impact ways to clear the decks right now:

1. The “Mental Dump” (2 Minutes)

Your brain is a terrible office but a great factory. Stop using it to store lists.

  • The Brain Dump: Grab a piece of paper and write down every single thing nagging at you—from “fix the porch light” to “email the boss.”

  • The “Delete” Filter: Look at that list. Cross off anything that isn’t actually essential this week. Just seeing it on paper reduces the “open loops” in your head.

2. Digital Surface Cleaning

A cluttered screen is a cluttered mind.

  • The “One Tab” Rule: Close every browser tab that isn’t related to the current task. Use a tool like OneTab or just bookmark them for later.

  • Clear the Desktop: Move all those stray files into a single folder named “To Sort [Date].” You don’t have to organize them now; you just need the visual calm.

  • Nuke the Notifications: Put your phone in another room or turn on “Work Focus” mode. If it’s not in sight, it’s not in mind.

3. Physical Workspace Reset

You don’t need a deep clean, just a “clearance.”

  • The Arm Sweep: Take anything on your desk that isn’t essential for the next hour (dirty mugs, mail, random pens) and put them in a physical “inbox” or a basket.

  • The Reset Trigger: Wash one dish, throw away three pieces of trash, or file one paper. This creates “micro-momentum.”

4. Administrative “Quick Wins.”

Clear the small hurdles that cause “micro-stress.”

  • The Inbox Sweep: Archive everything in your email that is older than 30 days. It’s still searchable, but it’s out of your face.

  • Pre-decide Your Basics: Pick your outfit for tomorrow or decide what you’re eating for lunch right now. One less decision later means more energy for the big stuff.

The “3-Minute Deck Clear” Checklist

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just do these three things:

  1. Physical: Clear a 2×2 foot square of space directly in front of you.

  2. Digital: Close your email and Slack/Teams.

  3. Mental: Write down the one thing that, if finished, would make today a success.