What’s in Your Desk?

By: J. Mason
Online Career Tips Staff

This morning I was inspired by this Huffington Post article on what several editors keep near to them in their desk. There are some obvious things like post-it notes, pictures of loved ones, and even some strange pieces. As a writer I can appreciate Sittenfield’s phone book that helps them pick out names for their story characters, and I felt the signed image of George Clooney was pretty great as well. It got me to thinking though, what do I really value that I keep at my desk?

While my list may not consist of framed pictures of the President, or handwritten notes from celebrities, they are things that support me through the work day.

1. My son’s artwork. It’s not framed, just in it’s raw state from daycare. I smile when I see them and they inspire me as well.  More thought may go into those squiggly lines than you think!
2. Lots of pens. As a writer I jot things down frequently, and I like the feel of transferring my ideas onto paper instead of through the keyboard.
3. My spiffy headphones. I use these things when I need to crank out a post, project, or an email. Pandora is my best work buddy at times!
4. The New Yorker cut-up cartoons from my desk calendar. I find humor, and inspiration in these. The ones I find especially useful I cut-up and tape around my desk for a good laugh during a hard day.
5. Cards from friends. I have a card from a good friends wedding, a good friend departing, and a thank you from a shower. Another inspirational tool that helps when I’m stuck on a problem for work.