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Sometimes things are not as simple as they appear to be. Experts suggest that when it comes to clutter, the physical "stuff", your possessions, and whatever is taking up space in your workspace or office is usually not the real problem. The real problem is the "stuff" or "clutter" that's taking up space in your mind. Accumulating clutter often comes down to fearing change, difficulty making decisions or an inability to manage your time.
Fear can be a significant roadblock to workplace productivity. For example, if you fear you are the only person who can accomplish a task, or you find yourself saying "only I can do this the right way", the fears hidden in your sub-conscience could be making you resistant to change. In this case, really believing that you are the only one who can do a task soon becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You will resist asking for help and probably fail to acknowledge the efforts of others when and if they do help.
Ask yourself the following questions?
What hidden fears might be holding you back from clearing away clutter and changing the balance in your life? Make a mental (or paper) list of all the work-related tasks that you feel only you can do. Have items on this list prevented you from going home on time? Prevented you from taking a vacation? Resulted in you doing all the work while your co-workers enjoy themselves and balance their lives?
When you compare yourself with others, do you see in yourself a pattern of perceived incompetence, which undermines your self-esteem? Are you hanging onto things; paper, files, old contacts, tasks, as a way of showing or proving you can do it all? Recall and write about a recent occasion where this could be true. Do you find yourself working extra hard or taking on tasks that you don't really feel comfortable with, or have time for; just because you think you have something to prove? Are there experiences in your past that might be preventing you from making changes in how you manage your time? For example, did your mother or a teacher expect perfection and that expectation have followed you into your adult life?
How many times a week do you find your mind confused about making the right decision and fixating on the "what ifs"? Think about how you currently make decisions and how much time you waste in the process? Is there a pattern?
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Now, look around your office or workspace. What are you hanging onto? Books you've had for months but never read? Maybe you are trying to make yourself something you're not, just to meet perceived expectations. Are papers, files, and resource materials piling up? Maybe you're striving for perfection, can't make a decision so hang onto everything - just in case, or you are just disorganized.
Think about it, what's in your clutter closet? Taking a few minutes to figure it out could same you all sorts of time, energy and money.