The Art of Creative Organization: Sticky Notes, Coloured Pencils, and Other Essential Desktop Items
In an increasingly digital world, it may seem anachronistic to talk about repositionable sticky notes, pencils and notebooks. Yet, these "analog" instruments not only stand the test of time, but are experiencing a real rebirth. The reason? They are practical, stimulate creativity and transform the desk into a personal and inspiring space.
Repositionable Sticky Notes: Small but Brilliant
Repositionable sticky notes are the perfect example of how something simple can make a big difference. For years they have been the symbol of fast organisation: ideal for flying notes, reminders, to-do lists and colourful messages on the computer monitor.
Today they exist in every shape, colour and size. The repositionable ones allow them to be moved without ruining the surfaces or losing grip, making them also perfect for brainstorming, planning and visual methods such as Kanban.
A tip: use them with color codes to organize priorities. For example: yellow for urgencies, blue for daily activities, pink for creative ideas.
Pencils: not just for children
Pencils are also making a comeback on adult desks. They are perfect for those who love visual thinking, to take notes creatively or simply to relax by colouring during a break.
In the workplace or at school, they help to highlight concepts, outline ideas and make notes more legible (and memorable). It is no coincidence that many communication and project management professionals use them in their bullet journals or sketch notes.
Pro tip: Always keep a set of pencils on hand. The best ideas sometimes come just as you scribble.
Notebooks: the space of ideas
There's something magical about writing on paper. Notebooks offer an intimate and concrete space where ideas take shape. Whether you are a lover of writing, a professional or a student, having a notebook with you always means being able to stop thoughts, inspirations, lists and projects wherever you are.
You can choose between striped, checkered or blank page notebooks, with minimal or illustrated covers. Notebooks with a hard cover, perhaps with an elastic closure, are ideal for everyday use and last over time.
Creative idea: start an "idea notebook": every day, write at least one thing that inspired you, even if small. After a month you will have a personal collection to draw from.
Other Desk Items That Make a Difference
A well-organized desk is not only aesthetic, but also functional. In addition to sticky notes, pencils and notebooks, there are small items that can improve your productivity:
- Desk Organizer: to keep pens, highlighters, clips and other accessories tidy.
- Document holders or stackable trays: to better manage the cards.
- Magnetic boards or weekly planners: useful for an overview of commitments.
- Table lamps: to work without straining your eyes.
- Timers or hourglasses: to practice time management techniques, such as the Tomato method.
Returning to analogue tools does not mean giving up technology, but integrating them to improve concentration, creativity and well-being. Repositionable sticky notes, pencils, notebooks, and other desk items are not just objects, but real everyday allies.
Rearrange your desk with what inspires you, and you'll discover how productive (and enjoyable) it can be to work surrounded by simple yet functional tools.
