I clean my desk regularly but I like it dense. It typically gets cleaned every Saturday morning and becomes a hot pile of mess by the following Friday. I like to have a lot of things on my desk — books, notebooks, lots of pens, household documents, delivery packages, sticky notes but within a week it collects stuff that I don't need there like delivery packages, temporary paper notes, messy wires etc.
I wrote this post 4 days ago after cleaning my desk as I found a few things I clean or maintain regularly.
Take wires. Indian homes are infamous for their tangled chargers and rogue cables. Every glance at a mess of wires is frustrating and energy-draining. The fix is to use use binder clips, cable organisers, or even Blu Tack to hide them. A desk without visible wires feels lean and efficient.
Most Indian homes rely on harsh tube lights, the fluorescent equivalent of an open-plan office: bright, impersonal, and exhausting. Swap the eye-piercing bright light for a warm desk lamp or smart bulb.You’ll see immediate results in how you feel about your work. Then there are plants. A small 'lucky bamboo' or snake plant does more than look good.
Imagine a startup that tries to chase every opportunity instead of focusing. It gets overwhelmed, burns out, and achieves nothing. The same principle applies to your desk. Ideas breathe in clear spaces. Resist the urge to fill every inch.
Finally, personalise with purpose. A single framed photo, a well-designed notebook, or a small figurine adds personality without noise. Think of it as branding for your workspace.
So,
Hide wires and organise tools to eliminate friction
Swap harsh lights for warm, focused illumination
Use greenery to bring life and calm without adding complexity
Add subtle objects that reflect your personality without overwhelming
The best workspaces are like great co-founders. Make small changes, listen to what your workspace needs, and see what happens.