Want to feel more in-control of your life? Set your office up for success.

By Jessica Hoelzel
 
Step 1: Make Sure Your Desk is in the Command Position

Often surprised by things? Burn yourself out by dealing with one crisis after another? Feeling helpless or excluded from decision-making?

Take a look at where is your desk situated in the room. When you sit at your desk you should have a view of the door, but not be too close to it or directly in line with it. Ideally, you should be diagonal from the door. This placement is called the command position. “Command” meaning YOU are in command of your work, time, commitments, planning, even attitude and energy levels.

Position your desk so that it is not “shoved” in a corner. (Thus, “backing you into a corner”, making you feel stuck or helpless.) Many office systems – desk, filing, shelving all in one – are designed this way to maximize functionality. However, these units can be limiting; usually there is only one way they work in the room.

If you are in a cubicle, or it is otherwise impossible for you to see the door, place a mirror on your desk so that you see the reflection of the door in the mirror. This way, you minimize surprises. Things aren’t sneaking up behind you or bowling you over, but instead you can see what is coming.

Doors or entrances are mouths of chi, and special attention needs to be paid so that you are able to receive the opportunities and good fortune that comes in, but protect yourself from being vulnerable to too much coming at you at one time.

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