We all know that part of being productive and at our best when we're doing our work is creating an office space that accommodates greatness. For some of us, that simply means keeping things neat and organized in a chaotic, busy work environment; for others, it could be methodically managing an organized mess; and for others, it's all about steering clear of clutter and welcoming zen.
No matter what group you belong to, here are a few tips for things you need to get rid of today if you want your office space to be a place of peaceful productivity and calm inspiration:
How To Declutter Your Office Space in 2024
1. Outdated or miscellaneous files... whether digital or paper
Listen, I'm the first person to tell you that I am a digital file hoarder. I'll keep emails for more than a decade, save files on the cloud and forget about them for years, and don't even get me started on my digital photo albums. In my line of work there's a lot of downloading and uploading, so I empathize with anybody who can't bring themselves to delete things.
That being said, delete 'em. There are certain best practices when it comes to tax documents, accounting records, payroll stubs, invoices, and the like, and there's a lifespan for every file.
And if your company is into paper files, find out the procedures related to purging from your manager, HR rep, or other professional who knows more about the file-keeping and file-shredding protocols. Figure out an organization process and find ways to go digital when you can. Address this quarterly or even bi-monthly, and get some assistance. Either way, you want to get rid of file clutter and free up valuable space both on your tech devices and physically in your office.
2. Those extra knicknacks, mugs, children's drawings, or expired snacks in or on your desk
We all love those special drawings we get from the little loved ones in our lives, but you can't keep every scribble or class project at your desk. A great way to enjoy these while at work is to take photos of them and include them in a digital photo album on your desk or as your screensaver on your computer. You can also utilize wall space and frame them to put up.
Also, let's purge those little Rasta-man figurines from your last Jamaica vacation, those three impulse-buy Stanley mugs gathering dust in your bottom drawer, or at least throw away those stale snack cakes you were saving for a rainy day.
If you really love certain knicknacks, they'll be top-of-mind and useful. If you have the space, add a bookshelf or floating wall shelves that can house three to five select items that are simply there for mood-boosting or to spark inspiration. Otherwise, take them home, donate them, or sell them.
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3. Old tech or equipment
It's a good time to consider whether you need a tech upgrade or a total replacement, and this applies to your computer or laptop, your work phone, and other tools you use to do your job. (Here's a good guide on how to decide or at least what to consider when pitching to your manager or the IT team for the budget approval to do so.)
If you're using tech that's not helping you in the ease and efficiency departments and have the power to get rid of it or at least upgrade the components (i.e., programs, apps, or actual equipment), take the time to do that now. Do your research on the latest technology that will make you and/or your team more competitive, productive, and fulfilled, and tech that will save you time and stress in the job that you do.
Incorporate tech that will help you automate some parts of your job like scheduling meetings, responding to emails, or relaying information, and get rid of tech that's archaic, not a good fit for the people you work with or the job you do, or simply isn't a good product.
And you don't necessarily have to go big or expensive for this. It could be something as small as recycling or selling an old monitor to get a new, larger one with better resolution or trying a wireless mouse and a new mousepad. It could mean finally donating that old printer you've had in a corner, or calling your phone carrier to negotiate a deal on a newer phone. Look into the warranties that you might have on equipment, coupons, sales, or other ways to purge and replace.
4. That busted or uncomfortable desk-and-chair situation
This is often overlooked, but the comfort and set up of your office desk and chair can play a major role in negatively contributing to not only your productivity but your overall health as well---especially if you spend the majority of your time at a desk during your work day. It's very important to have a desk-and-chair setup that is ergonomically sound, and if you work for a company, this is something that should be a priority for them as well.
If your work chair is half broke-down, the seat or other padding is worn out, it's made of hard uncomfortable material, or it's not adjustable for your height, the height of your desk, and a comfortable eye level to your computer screen, it's time for an office makeover.
Maybe even consider a standing desk and a walking pad if you want options that will spark activity, productivity, and wellness while you work. Figure out the best positioning of your desk and chair or other nontraditional options for this. Trust me, your back and mental health will thank you in the long run.
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Now, with more than 20 years of experience in professional aviation, starting with American Eagle Airlines and then on to becoming a captain at American Airlines, she has continued to pay it forward. In 2022, she made history as the first commercial airline captain to lead an all-Black, women-led flight crew. She has also written a biography on Bessie Coleman, the first African-American and Native-American woman to earn a pilot’s license, and produced and directed, Discovering Bessie Coleman, working alongside the family to get the project completed. Add to that her role as a founder of consulting firm LadyAv8rBeth, which offers a guide of pathways into aviation, and as a podcast host covering all things aviation.
For Women’s History Month, xoNecole caught up with the busy pilot, in between flights, to talk about her career journey, her role in a Bessie Coleman documentary and book, how she balances self-care and safety, and how other Black women can add to the aviation legacy:
xoNecole: You’ve built an successful career in aviation. And you were only 15 and already had your first flight. Were you afraid at all, or did it feel like second nature to you?
Beth Powell: It felt completely natural. There was no fear, just excitement and curiosity.
Now, it’s what they call STEM, and my teacher at the time thought that I was really good at numbers. He recommended three career paths, and I tried the first one.
I didn't understand why it made sense back then at 15, but as I grew up and met other pilots, I recognized that the reason I liked math and physics was that we were technical learners. So we like to break things apart and put them back together. We like to check procedures. We like to write manuals. We were technical artists.
xoN: That’s such an important message. Many young women and girls are often discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM or aviation, so it’s incredible to hear your story. Now, fast forward a bit—how did you transition into your corporate career with larger airlines?
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BP: After that first discovery flight, I quickly finished my high school classes and graduated at 16. By 17, I had earned my private pilot’s license, and by 18, my commercial license. Then, I moved to the U.S. to attend flight school in Florida. While working on my degree in professional aeronautics, I began working for American Eagle Airlines at just 21. Over the years, I’ve built my career and have now spent 25 years in the airline industry, including 14 years at American Eagle and 11 years at American Airlines. In terms of leadership, being a captain is key.
As a captain, I’m responsible for the aircraft, the crew, and the passengers. It’s a huge responsibility, and you learn a lot about leadership when you’re in charge of so much.
Being a captain definitely teaches you leadership. You’re in charge of every aspect of the flight from the moment you sign in to the moment you sign out. From overseeing the crew to managing the safety and well-being of passengers, you have to make quick decisions and take responsibility. Even when you’re starting out as a first officer, you’re learning vital leadership skills that prepare you for the captain role.
xoN: There's a lot going on with airlines right now that might make someone feel afraid in terms of some of the tragedies that have recently happened. How do you sustain your self-care balance and your resilience in the aviation industry when those sorts of things happen?
BP: I truly believe that aviation is still the safest and the No. 1 safest means of transportation. I say that proudly. For any airline, any pilot, any air traffic controller—anyone who works in the industry—safety is our number one priority. However, of course, we see things happening in the news, and it is concerning to passengers.
What I'm telling everybody to do right now, including myself, is that it's very important to have your source of strength. I'm a Christian, and one of my sources of strength is prayers. I go deep within my prayers every morning, and I pray to God, giving things that I can't control to him, and the rest— I can do my best to deal with.
No. 2 is meditation on the Deepak Chopra app. Ever since COVID happened, that was the first time I thought that I needed something more than just my prayers to help me go through to calm down the noise around me.
And last but not least, I'm really big on self-development. I read, I read, and I read. If your foundation is strong, you have something to build from. And so, when I read, I learn a lot about myself. I learn about what triggers me and when something triggers me. I literally hear the Kendrick Lamar song, "TV Off" in my head, because sometimes you need to shut the noise off.
xoN: That's amazing—the combination of faith and just being excellent at what you do. Now, how did you get involved with the Bessie Coleman project?
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BP: I sit on the board of advisers for an organization called Sisters of the Skies, and was at a gala celebrating with all our Black women of our achievements. At the end of the night, Dr. Sheila Chamberlain walked up to me. She was the first Black woman U.S. combat intelligence aviator in the Army. So, if she's walking up to me, it's very serious. She said, ‘I have a favor to ask.’ I said, ‘Yes.’ I did not hear what the favor was. I didn't know what she was going to ask me, but somebody like that walking up to you saying, ‘a favor’? The answer is yes.
She told me [the project involved] helping the Bessie Coleman family elevate the story. ‘I'd like you to ask your company if they will do a flight in honor of Bessie Coleman.’ I went to the different departments at American Airlines, and the rest was literally history. We did that flight on August 8, 2022, and it became a historical flight because everyone on that flight, from the ground up, was a Black woman.
Gigi Coleman, Bessie’s grand-niece, was also on that flight. We started chatting at the end of the flight. Another night, we were hanging out—Sheila, Gigi, and I—and she kept telling me she wanted to write a book, that she wished there was a movie, and that people approached her about it. Nothing had been done as yet. And I thought, sounds like another mission.
I literally took it on. We do have a documentary with the family sharing their perspective of who Bessie Coleman is. And we do have a book called Queen of the Skies.
xoN: For the young women who are looking for career paths in aviation, what are some skills they need to thrive?
BP: While you don't necessarily have to love math to be a pilot, technical knowledge is important. You’ll need to understand aircraft systems and aerodynamics. This includes weather patterns and instrument training. It might seem daunting at first, but the great thing about flight training is that it builds on itself. The more you learn, the more it all clicks. Also, aviation is constantly changing, and you need to be adaptable.
It’s a field where you need to be ready for anything, from unexpected weather to technical issues. Being open to learning new things and adjusting to change is crucial.
My daughter, who has her private pilot’s license, once said, “This journey is both challenging and rewarding. I feel like I’ve grown so much since starting.” It’s important to keep going, even when it gets tough.
To help others, I’m outlining how they can go from “zero to hero” as a pilot. I offer this information freely on my Instagram account, and it’s something I’m passionate about sharing. I want everyone to have access to the resources they need to follow their dreams.
For more information on Beth Powell, the Bessie Coleman documentary, and aviation career resources, visit LadyAv8rBeth.com.
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