You may have heard of the “broken windows” theory of crime. The idea goes like this: signs of neglect and lack of caretaking of buildings, for example, seem to increase the incidence of crime. Fix the broken windows and clean up graffiti—crime rates should decrease. This was the idea behind Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s clean up of New York City many years ago and it worked. Now, there’s actual experimental evidence to back up this long-held view. Recently, reported in The Economist, you can read the full article here.
When I read this story, it occurred to me that this may explain a lot more than crime rates. Think about the clutter in your office. If someone’s environment can give them the okay to litter, as this research shows, what does your cluttered desk give you permission to do? How about add more clutter? Disorder begats more disorder.
To clean up your environment may do more than simply make you feel good. It may affect your mindset about a lot more. Like what you’re capable of accomplishing (or not). If you’re a GTD-er like me, you already know this to be true. There’s an incredible surge of energy and optimism that accompanies getting “clean and clear.” And when you’re not on top of things, there is a sense of drag that holds you back.
Take a look around—where are your metaphorical “broken windows?” Fix them and you’ll be fixing more than just things. You may be fixing your attitude as well.
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