You’ll be Surprised at the Successful People Who Like a Messy Desk
Perhaps de-cluttering isn’t the key to success after all
I recently wrote an article about how to de-clutter your desk. Because everyone wants an uncluttered desk, right?
Perhaps not.
While researching for de-clutter quotes on the interweb, I noticed something surprising.
Quotes about being clutter-free were numerous, but I couldn’t find any quotes from anyone I’d ever heard of.
In contrast, most people who said things against having a tidy desk are famous.
What does that say about tidying and de-cluttering?
I’m not sure, but personally, I like a good de-cluttering session and a tidy workspace. Probably because no one has ever heard of me.
I found these quotes on thequotesberry.com under the ‘we like a cluttered desk’ section.
“A clean desk is a sign of a cluttered desk drawer.” — Mark Twain
“It’s pointless to have a nice clean desk, because it means you’re not doing anything.” — Michio Kaku
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign? — Albert Einstein
“A cluttered desk is a clear sign of a brilliant mind.” — Albert Einstein
“If your company has a clean-desk policy, the company is nuts and you’re nuts to stay there” — Tom Peters
“In many offices, a clean desk policy means that there is a back-log of work somewhere else.” — Milton Berle
“I love to be among those who are getting things done, rather than spending time organizing or identifying problems. My desk may be messy, but it’s neat in its purpose.” — Lee Iacocca — Wikipedia
I’ll stick with my de-cluttering regime, though as I work better with a tidy desk. It makes me feel organized and more competent somehow.
But if you love a messy desk, you are in good company!
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