How to make your work spark joy
Decluttering queen Marie Kondo revolutionised the way we tidy and sort our homes. Now she’s on a mission to transform how we work
When Marie Kondo burst on to our screens in 2019, advising us to fold our clothes vertically and organise our homes according to what sparked joy, she became an overnight sensation.
Her KonMari Method of sorting and storing on Netflix’s Tidying Up With Marie Kondo was an instant hit, watched by millions around the world, and has changed the way many of us declutter for good.
She admits her global success took her by surprise.
“Ever since I was a little girl I devoted myself to tidying and I’m an introvert. When I worked with clients, they were one-on-one sessions, quietly confronting their belongings,” says Marie. “So I was a little taken aback by how popular the Netflix show became. However, I’ve always been very passionate about spreading the message of tidying.” Tidying, says Marie, is a way of life. “It is not just about organising,” she says. “The KonMari Method starts with physical objects, but often those things are just symbols of the larger self-reflection we need. Evaluating the things that no longer bring us joy and keeping the things that will help us achieve the vision of our future.”
And now, having sorted out our houses, Marie, 37, who lives in Los Angeles with her family, is turning her attention to our workspaces.
“No matter where you work, it’s important to create an environment that helps you focus,” she says.
And it’s easier than you might think to tidy it up. So if you want to streamline your schedule and update your office, read on.
Here Marie shares her top tips for a wonderful workspace.
Where do you want to work?
It’s important to think about where you want to work, if your job allows it. “We often think of our desk or office as a space for just the daily functions of our jobs. But these spaces are important parts of our lives because we spend a lot of time there, whether it is a physical office or a remote home office,” says Marie.
Is there a particular room in your house that inspires you, or a desk with a view in your office?
“Your workspace should bring you joy and inspire you – not just the day at hand, but for your future career plans.”
Take control of your space
Take each item in your workspace and ask yourself why it’s there.
“Tidying allows you to reflect on the past and evaluate what is working and what is no longer needed in order to achieve your goals,” says Marie.
“It allows each of us to take inventory of what we own and also ask ourselves why we own that item.”
Does it spark joy?
“Be honest with yourself and remember that holding on to something that is no longer delivering joy is also taking away space from something that could help you shape your future,” says Marie. “Everyone has a different level of comfort in the amount of things they can possess and maintain.
“Through the tidying process, they will find the right amount just for them – it all starts with thinking about how they want to live their life.”
Develop your decision-making skills
Deciding what to keep and what to get rid of can be tough, but practice makes perfect. And this decision-making is a skill that is hugely beneficial to your working life too. “Tidying your workspace can help you get in touch with what you really want, show you what you need to change and help you to find more joy in your environment,” says Marie. “Through tidying, you learn to trust yourself and your ability to make decisions. “It’s the first and most effective step towards realising your vision of a joyful career.”
Who are you?
Tidying is a great way of working out what makes you tick. Do you prefer super clean or a little mess?
When you work this out, you’ll reap the benefits.
“Whether you thrive in a tidied space or a cluttered one, the tidying process will help you discover what kind of workspace makes your creativity bloom,” says Marie.
“It’s only after tidying that people realise what kind of environment sparks joy for them. By creating a calm, uncluttered environment, it will help enhance productivity and joy.”
Choose one beautiful thing
“Whether working at home or in an office, identify the items that are crucial to getting your work done.
“When it’s time to work, move all unrelated items off your workspace and add one thing that sparks joy when you look at it. For example, I always keep a crystal or small vase of fresh flowers on my desk,” says Marie.
Mark the start of the working day
Knowing when to switch off is important and helps to keep your day organised and calm. “Do something that marks the start and end of your workday to help keep structure in your schedule,” says Marie.
This could be playing a song, or setting out your pens.
Tidy your calendar
Too many meetings? It’s time to tidy up your day. “When tidying up your calendar due to too many meetings, make sure you schedule downtime too. “Block out windows of time each week to turn off notifications, take a walk or simply let your mind wander,” says Marie. “Having time to refresh and rejuvenate will help you plan your schedule so you can work efficiently the rest of the time.”
A calm and uncluttered environment will help to enhance productivity
Say no
“It’s OK to say no. I’ve learned how to do this and how to delegate. I have also made a point to prioritise joy in my life, especially when I’m busy,” says Marie.
“There is so much you can do in a day and you can’t keep working when you are completely drained. Allowing space for a joy-sparking time will help you continue to do what you are passionate about.”
Joy at Work by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein (£14.99, Bluebird) is out now