Office Makeover. Creating an Inspiring Space.

I sit at my desk a lot. I have lots of computer work to do, phone calls to make, emails to monitor, websites that need attention. I am not that different from others, and I am so thankful that I am not in a cubicle and that I have window.

But sometimes my surroundings don't inspire me.

Look at this picture. Do you feel inspired to change the world?

I decided I was going to do something about it.

I ordered some new organizational tools to manage my files I wanted to keep near me, I got something to handle my phone mess and the Post-its that litter it, and I gave myself a moment to think about things that inspire me.

And then I went to Pinterest and created this board. And i created this board of leadership quotes.

Why should I think up all the creative ideas when someone else has already done it for me? I've always said the best marketing tool is to steal from others and then work to make it my own.

I found this really adorable idea to use clipboards to hold different printables. So I went into the back office to find our stash (I can easily take them off the wall to use for work). I wanted to test this idea, and I started searching the web for inspiring printables.

And these three quickly became my inspiration for the rest of the office. (They are pinned to my board if you want to access them).

And I started getting excited.

And I started collecting things.

And I started putting holes in the wall.

The next step included cleaning my office. I took 15 minutes to remove cobwebs, dust and more. A co-worker came into my office shortly after and remarked how clean my office appeared and smelled. Made me smile.

A clean space always make me feel better.

It's like, "Yes, I am so confident and competent that I even have a clean desk." It made me remember when I took some classes for a Master's in Organizational Leadership (I ended up with a M.A. journalism) and we talked about the meaning of your office appearance. Fascinating stuff...but that is another post.

Then I decided that it was time to clean out some of my things (inspired by my guest blogger Randi who wrote about simplying her life).

Flowers.

That was the obvious next step. I bought some adorable little ones for the window sill. I added one of my favorite pictures of my daughter.

I also found an award that I am really proud of...it was collecting dust in a drawer...and I brought it out to admire.

It makes me feel proud. And, if I can't be my own best champion, I can't expect others to do it for me. So simple. So effective.

I also just got plain 'ol organized. I cleaned up the piles on my desk and made use of the space in my office.

I also have a thing for paper. I LOVE notebooks, heavy paper and Sharpie pens. I am pretty positive it makes a difference in my work life. It gives magic powers. For real.

I invested in a floral notebook. Florals are my new favorite trend and ban. do is my new favorite brand (they didn't pay me to say that).

I also found it was important to add a few personal touches. I added some photos of my family and some favorite photos from vacations. This sassy coaster from a friend was a perfect touch! I need to smile while at work for lots of different reasons!

And, then I got out my hammer.

I didn't measure. I didn't plan it out. I just started hanging.

This is the result. I am kind of sad that the picture doesn't do it justice. It's so much better. My colleagues visit me more often. I am pretty sure it's the decor.

I can't wait to change out the printables every so often to reflect the season or my mood. I've already started creating my own printables. Which of course I am sharing with you!

I am so happy that I created a more personal, inspiring space. Why didn't I do this sooner? What are you waiting for?

(Secret: I actually am not the decorator in my family so this was a big moment for me!).

#inves #officemakeover