Understanding the Bottom Line in Business

Understanding the Bottom Line in BusinessUnderstanding the Bottom Line in BusinessThe world of geschftlicher umgang is filled with a variety of terms, jargons, and odd phrases along with an ample supply of acronyms. The term bottom line is often used and refers to the profitability of a business after all expenses are deducted from revenues. Bottom line profits are net profits after all the costs of the business have been accounted for. The remainder is either a positive or negative figure. The phrase has also morphed into everyday business usage in conversations where someone is attempting to communicate a final conclusion, outcome, or recommendation. For example The bottom line is, we are not able to manufacture more than 10,000 widgets per month without an expansion in production capacity. Or, My bottom line price is $4.55 per unit. I cannot go any lower. The Bottom Line Is the Outcome of All of the Work of the Business It is not uncommon to hear some variation of the phrase, we are managing to the bottom line. It is a misnomer. A company may set bottom line profit targets, but circumstances in the marketplace (and the firms strategy and operations) ultimately combine to create the revenues and costs that determine the bottom line. For example, an organization chooses to invest its resources in a strategy to find and keep customers. It develops products or services and markets those offerings, helfende hands its customers and then repeats the cycle again and again. At the end of each accounting period, the company calculates what it received from customers (and other revenue sources) and subtracts all the costs incurred in the process. After accounting for ansicht costs (including taxes, interest on debt, and various accounting-driven numbers including depreciation and amortization) the company arrives at a bottom line number. It is either the net profit or net loss number. Planning for the Long-Term What a company can (and should) do to stay health y is monitor and control expenses while striving to minimize unnecessary (or wasteful) expenses. It should all be done while, concurrently, optimizing the allocation of resources to support the companys strategy. This type of managing to the bottom line is reasonable and healthy. Organizations that focus predominantly on costs and choose not to invest in current strategies (or fund investments to support future initiatives) often struggle in the long-term. The Bottom Line as an Indicator of Business Performance The bottom line numbers are an important component of the scorecard for management. Positive and growing profitability over time is a testament to a variety of factors including Good market and customer selectionThe creation and delivery of products and services valued by customersEffective allocation of investment dollars in support of targeted customersEfficient control of costs across the organizationPositive marketplace and macroeconomic factors Alternatively, declini ng or low bottom line numbers over time is an indication of challenges in one or more of the areas mentioned above and should be examined by management. Shareholders, the board of directors, and employees all rely on the bottom line numbers after each accounting period (usually quarterly) to assess the effectiveness of the companys marketplace strategy and internal management. Of course, when bonuses or annual salary increases are tied to bottom-line results, employees naturally pay more attentive to these numbers. The Limitation of Bottom Line Numbers as an Indicator of Performance Although profitability numbers are important measures of a companys current success (and are used to compare previous time frames), they are not a tell-all. They do not tell management, directors, shareholders, or employees what worked or what failed. Poor profitability numbers are an indication that something is wrong, ranging from strong competition to adverse economic circumstances to a failed str ategy to runaway costs. Likewise, positive numbers do not highlight what part of the companys overall approach is working. It is possible for strong economic conditions (or competitor failure) to lift revenues and improve profits, in spite of poor cost control or a weak long-term strategy. In financial reporting for publicly listed and traded firms, it is important to look at the detailed notes including footnotes. It helps management (and other stakeholders) understand the assumptions, accounting approaches, and final derivation of the bottom line number. The Bottom Line on the Bottom Line Profit is an outcome of all of the activities of an organization. It is an important indicator of overall conditions in the companys target markets. It is also a barometer of managements effectiveness in selecting strategies, investing in products and services, marketing, and cost control. Profit should be compared over a period of time, and those involved should look carefully at all variabl es to understand the factors leading to a companys bottom line.

Steal ideas from other people None of us can do it alone

Steal ideas from other people None of us can do it aloneSteal ideas from other people None of us can do it aloneIsaac Newton is one of the most accomplished human beings ever to set foot on Earth.His work on the laws of motion and universal gravitation changed how we see the universe, and his influence on fields ranging from optics to astronomy to calculus can be felt today.As a person, however, he was often petty, egotistical, and very difficult to get along with. There are many known stories of him behaving in extremely erratic ways with the people in his life.And yet, by all records, there appears to be a kampfstark distinction between the Newton that the public and the community dealt with, and the Newton that pursued his scientific endeavors.Although he wasnt particularly inspiring as a colleague or acquaintance, the way he treated his fascination with understanding why the world worked the way it did was different.When it came to the art of invention, Newtons approach was that of great humility. He saw himself simply as a curious student wandering the shore of an ocean of undiscovered truths.In a letter exchanged with a rival, Robert Hooke, in 1676, he gave us perhaps one of the greatest insights into the process of discovery when he wrote the following wordsIf I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.Collective intelligence is ur successHumans have been around for approximately 200,000 years, but up until about 70,000 years ago, we werent too different from any of the other animals in our impact on the environment.Then, in a relatively short period, we became the dominant predator on Earth. A few 10,000 years later, we began settling into agricultural communities, and less than 9,000 years after that, we learned to write. Since then, our rate of progress has only gotten faster.The gammeln world we enjoy today is inconceivably different from the world weve lived in for the majority of our existence. It begs an import ant question. What changed?The answer lies in our ability to pass down knowledge. No other animal can do it as we do.It began with the stories that our complex form of language enables us to tell each other, it was compounded as we started to write down information, and it shifted into a whole new gear when Newton and his predecessors kicked off the scientific revolution.Alone in the wild, were no match for a lion or a gorilla. Together as a species, our collective intelligence has enabled us to rule the planet. Our power grew from large-scale cooperation.If Newton hadnt first read the work of Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo, he wouldnt have known where to start. He had what he called a Waste Book where he stored any important passages from the texts he read. It inspired many of his discoveries.Through written words and our communications systems, we have the ability to connect from across seas and centuries. Without our collective knowledge, wed be starting from scratch with each n ew generation, and our impact on Earth would be astronomically different.2Nothing is entirely originalThe words discovery and invention often refer to something new something useful that didnt exist before. And given this connotation, when most of us think about a discovery or an invention, we think of it as something groundbreaking that seemingly came up out of thin air.That isnt an entirely accurate way of looking at it. In actuality, any new idea, process, or method is in some way a combination of old concepts and information.Sometimes, the connection between existing knowledge may well be loose and abstract enough not to be immediately visible, but no discovery or invention is completely original.The basic notion of creativity which is what leads to something new is that its a process of seeking relationships between what we already know. Its about combining a mental inventory of the past and mingling it around in a new way that somehow contextually works.In science, for examp le, new ideas go through a process of refinement. They begin as a hypothesis, and they develop into theories if they consistently pass the experimentation phase. Any theory is held firm until its proven wrong by another reliable experiment.Hypothetically speaking, nothing can ever be proven right. It can only ever be falsified or proven wrong. Science is an approximation game of being less and less wrong over time.With that in mind, the context of Newtons brilliant insight makes even more sense. To discover and invent what he did and to see what he saw, he had to have known the work of those who came before him. He had to start at a higher vantage point than anyone in history.Old discoveries pushed knowledge closer to the truth so that Newton could push it even closer. Without an awareness of past ideas, his own point of reference wouldve been off.Discoveries are never a product of pure single-handed originality. That doesnt exist.All you need to knowToday, Newton is considered the father of modern science. He looked far beyond what had previously been seen, and he pushed our knowledge of physics and mathematics forward.Ironically, he knew better than most that it wasnt all him. He had a deep appreciation and understanding of how the process of discovery occurs. He knew he had help.If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.Its a simple yet clear sentence about how we make progress. Its a reminder to share the credit for our successes and to harness the power of what others can teach us.Our prosperity as a species rests on our collective intelligence. Alone, and without the power of past knowledge, we wouldnt be where we are today. Wed be starting from scratch with each new generation. We rely on others more than we depend on ourselves.Even the inventions and discoveries we consider original arent entirely so. Theyre a product of both a simple and complex combination of existing elements of our reality. The creative proc ess is just a way of finding relationships between what is already known.None of us can do it alone, and we dont have to. There is inspiration to steal everywhere.Want to think and live smarter? Zat Rana publishes a free weekly newsletter for 30,000+ readers atDesign Luck.

5 Ways to Cover Your Web Tracks

5 Ways to Cover Your Web Tracks5 Ways to Cover Your Web Tracks5 Ways to Cover Your Web TracksFacebook.LinkedIn. Twitter. YouTube.Recognize those names? They may be little more to you than fun, creative, online forums to voice your personality. But youve heard the warning before If you want something to be private, dont post it online. In the age of social networking, ignoring that warning can prove disastrous. Its no secret that recruiters and hiring managers use the Internet to filter candidates before they even make initial contact. If youre on the hund for a new job, take my advice and follow these five tips to cover your own web tracks1) Google yourself. Weve all done this before. Even out of pure curiosity, we want to know what everyone else in the world will find if they search for our names. Give it a try and see what pops up. If you cant find anything within the first 3 or 4 pages of results, then youre probably in the clear. But if you do spot some relevant links, move on to ...2) Review your profiles. Typically, the links that show up in your search lead to profiles on social networking sites (such as Facebook and others listed above). Review these profiles to see what others will see if they do the same. Not happy with what you find? Take the necessary steps to a more professional profile and ...3) Remove embarrassing pictures and content. The best part about social networking is the ability to express yourself and connect with friends when its convenient. But when youre looking for a new job and interested recruiters can easily view your profile, clean it up a bit by wiping out any pictures of yourself half-naked, wrestling in a pit of mud and beer (well, you get the idea). If its not professional, it could skew the professionalism youre trying to project to future employers. Also, make sure that nothing you have on your profile contradicts the qualifications and skills you put on your resume. If you claim to have excellent communication skills, don t let your About Me description show otherwise with misspelled words and sloppy sentences. Dont want to dismantle your online personality to such a degree? Then simply ...4) Change your privacy settings. Every networking site has user-changeable privacy settings, and if youve never played with them before, nows the time. If you did a web search for my name right now, youd discover that Im an author on something called The Blog and that I have a Facebook account. I dont want to give the world access to every Facebook detail about me when they click on that link, so I tailored my profile to show only what Im comfortable with. To do the same, just find the settings that control your public profile and tweak them until it (a) no longer shows up in a web search, or (b) displays only what you want the world to see. But remember, the web is not always something you can control, so just try to ...5) Relax. If youve exhausted your efforts and just cant fix or remove your own web tracks, cons ider this If an employer fails to consider you for a position based solely on your social networking profiles, you probably dont want to work for them anyway.

Study Toddlers respond much more to print books over e-books

Study Toddlers respond much more to print books over e-booksStudy Toddlers respond much more to print books over e-booksA laboratory-based, counterbalanced study published March of this year in The Journal Pediatricsexamines the reading habits employed by parents and their two to three-years-olds.Researchers at the University of Michigan initiated the study with 37 pairs of parents.All parents were asked to read similar stories using three different formats traditional printed books, electronic books on a flachrechner and enhanced printed books equipped with interactive animations and sounds. All interactions were videotaped.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreToddlers prefer the gold standardAs it turns out good old fashioned printed books inspired the most positive verbal interactions between toddlers and their parents. These included questions and remarks that indicated generally focused engagement.The study reports,Parents and toddlers verbalized less with electronic books, and collaboration was lower. Future studies should examine specific aspects of tablet-book design that support parent-child interaction. Pediatricians may wish to continue promoting theshared reading of print books, particularly for toddlers and younger children.The first author of the study,Dr. Tiffany Munzer, found that reading through a tablet seemed to stiflethe rich back-and-forth turn-taking that was happening in printed books. The researchers believe that the inherent distractions associated with electronic devices generate the wrong kind of dialogue. Things like dont touch that button, or stop adjusting the volume, in addition to mini disputes about who got to hold the respective devices. Generally speaking, tablets are associated with independent use which also impedes socially interactivity.There are certainly benefits to more interactive forms of taking in information, but to ddlers in particular benefit from energetic communal-synergistic learning experiences.Because some recent studies suggest reading for fun tends to decline as children enter the world of academia, its vital to introduce reading as an enjoyable social activity as early as possible. Independent research has shown that children that read with their parents very early, express skills of concentration, linguistic proficiency, and even empathy.Dr. Munzer confirms, saying, Shared reading promotes childrens language development, literacy, and bonding with parents.Unlike older children, toddlers tend to retain information much less readily when its presented digitally. Parents that are enthusiastic and interactive with their toddlers while reading with them will ensure that the childs love of literature will follow them wellinto adolescence.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study fi nds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

What Is So Fascinating About Resume for Job?

What Is So Fascinating About Resume for Job? A stylist is going to want to concentrate on special treatments theyve learned and a retail associate might want to display their merchandising expertise. If youre attempting to obtain work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. There are multitude of tasks involved with production administration. Accounting and finance managers may wish to see your technical understanding. Your jobs could be varied, your experience and techniques vast, and it can be challenging getting it all on paper. If you dont are unique, your work experience is going to be limited (which is the reason why you list your education first). Your experience should deal with every necessary qualification in the job announcement. Volunteer experience is also a great add-on to healthcare resumes as it shows the hiring manager which you have compassion off the work also. A superb production manager needs to be in a position to explain fluently all o f the business targets, procedures and timelines to everyone involved with the practice. Production managers job requirements vary based on the essence of the industry that you want to get into. Find out more about the business and the position, even when youve completed the very same sort of work for decades. Write If youre applying for work abroad or a position in a business that is employed on an international degree, you will need to demonstrate that you have what is necessary to stay informed about their fast paced work environments. Just make sure, whichever format you pick, which youre targeting it for the job that youre applying to. Well, a part of software analyzes your resume for sure keyword phrases and provides you a score based how well your resume matches a predetermined collection of keywords chosen by the business youre interviewing with. When you format your resume you need to be sure your leave enough margin space to permit for printing. Have a peek at these examples to choose which format is right for you. Resume for Job - the Conspiracy With the targeted CV, youre tailoring yours to the position and making it simpler for them to find the keywords they will need to discover whether youre fit for the job or not. Your resume may also make you a special person in the view of employers. Resume Help It is a great instance of a traditional CV that could work whatever position youre applying for. Notice how the example resumes are extremely specific when it has to do with technical skills. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Resume for Job Visual CV There is always likely to be another person that has the similar qualifications as you but not everybody will present it in exactly the same way. The issue is, plenty of people dont see it like an art formrather an obligation. Most men and women look at writing a resume as just something youve got to do to have a job. Your job (while youre attempting to find a job) is to make sure that you fit what theyre searching for. Its possible for you to use our resume building software to produce your own from scratch. A number of the most effective professional designers have been working day and night and thats just the main reason why we can give you the finest graphic CV example. Decide on a resume template which suits the essence of the job that you want to apply to and build upon it to create a winning resume that you are able to trust. Drafting a great infographic resume is a time intensive and a tricky job and therefore to assist you with the very same, various infographic resume templates are readily available. Since your resume is really the very first impression you give, it is critical that you make it as simple as possible for other people to read it and comprehend this, or else you probably wont get an opportunity to make an impression in person. Quite simply, write your resume to fit the job that you want, not the one that you need to leave behind. Each time you put in an application for a new job, check your resume to make sure that it is not only targeted, but in plus-rechnen current. A summer job may be a good method to develop valuable work experience while earning extra money.

New Ideas Into Writing a Resume with Transferable Skills Never Before Revealed

New Ideas Into Writing a Resume with Transferable Skills Never Before Revealed Transferable skills are universal skills that could transfer from 1 job to another, in nearly any career field, regardless of the kind of work. Transferable abilities, also called portable abilities, are qualities that may be transferred from 1 job to another. Generally, you truly must adhere to a conventional job application. Thankfully, its not tough to understand which skills an employer is searching for as theyre normally clearly specified in the job postings. Many times, in turning in an application for a work position, it is helpful to demonstrate you have transferable skills to provide a position or industry-especially, if youre changing careers or forms of positions. With a Indeed Resume its possible to select your abilities and experience visible to employers and supply them an effortless ways to speak to you about relevant jobs. What You Must Know About Writing a Resume with Transferable Skills To begin with, you need to learn how to take advantage of your transferable skills. Learn about the three sorts of skills you can highlight and the way youre ready to include them into your resume. Go through the list and identify thetransferable resume skills youve got. Listing your skills provides a chance to showcase your abilities and experiences to prime employers for the remainder of your resume. The Importance of Writing a Resume with Transferable Skills Moreover, writing lesson plans may appear daunting, but not to worry since youre an expert at writing procedures for your workplace. Superior writing skills are as vital as having the ability to speak to someone clearly. Your resume is only going to matter after you buy a referral and have to deliver your resume, or at an interview as soon as the particular person whos interviewing youll ask questions off your resume. A variety of people are really hesitant in regards to create resumes for themselves and have a specialist to find the business done. Type of Writing a Resume with Transferable Skills Effective leadership and management involves taking charge and motivating others to accomplish certain goals on a person, team and business level. Writing work application is normally an intimidating issue. Make certain you list an assortment of skills your befhigung employers are looking for, including mentioning your skills in creative content strategy, social networking analytics and search engine optimization (search engine optimization) for a position as a social networking manager. Its possible to transfer leadership skills to a lot of unique industries because most employers value people who are able to organize teams to reach shared objectives.

Helpful Tax Deduction Tips for Writers

Helpful Tax Deduction Tips for WritersHelpful Tax Deduction Tips for WritersWhen April 15 is getting close, and its time to file your taxes as a book author, the more you know about your deductions, the better. Sure, your pens, computer printer ink, and paper are tax-deductible- but there are other tax deductions you may be eligible to take. If youve never before filed taxes as an author but would like to, first determine whether your writing efforts qualify as a geschftsleben, as opposed to a hobby. Of course, general good record-keeping rules of the IRS apply here. Save receipts, note the names of guests at meals or events, and make sure to clearly state the business purpose of the expense, and be sure to double-check assumptions with your paid tax preparer informed. That way, if the IRS audits you, youll have a clear recollection and confirmation of your legitimate business deductions. Deduct Paid Contractors, Freelancer, and Agency Fees Did you pay an editorial freelancer to edit your manuscript? Did you pay a graphic artist to design your book jacket? Photographers, illustrators, copyeditors- the fees paid to book development contractors are tax-deductible, as are the costs of outside services, such as a freelance publicist, a website developer for your author website or a video producer for your online book trailer. Literary agents send authors their royalty checks during the year with the agency percentage fees already deducted off the top of their income, and the year-end a 1099-MISC form an author gets from his or her agency would reflect that. If thats true in your case, of course, you wouldnt claim the agency fees as a deduction, because they already been deducted from your income. Claiming them twice would be double-dipping. If you pay an independent contractor or freelancer more than $600 on your book project, youll need to send both the contractor and the IRS a Form 1099-MISC (assuming you did not withhold any taxes from the contractor or free lancers fees). What Is Meals and Entertainment Expense? Most meal and entertainment expenses that relate to your profession as an author are deducted at 50%, as long as the event has a clear business purpose, you keep records of the discussion, and you keep receipts for anything over $75. That meansif youre paying for lunch with an bewerberinterview subject for your book, or are having lunch with your freelance publicist to discuss book publicity campaign strategy, half of the expense is tax-deductible. However, the IRS allows 100% deductions if you provide meals, entertainment, or recreational facilities to the general public as a means of advertising or promoting goodwill in the community. For example, neither the expense of sponsoring a television or radio show nor the expense of distributing free food and beverages to the general public is subject to the 50% limit.(1) If you rented space and to hold a public book reading party for your new novel, the costs of renting the fac ility and paying the caterer may be deductible at 100%, because the purpose of the event is to advertise and promote your newly-released book. Author Advertising Expenses The Schedule C category Advertising is used broadly to encompass many expense items on your book marketing and publicity plans related to promoting yourself and your writing.Some examples of Advertising items specific to authors are Ads- the design, creation, and placement or media fees of print (newspaper or magazine), TV, or Internet advertising. This includes pay-per-click fees, or paid placement in a catalog related to your book (for example, having your book listed in Ingram or Baker and Taylors book wholesaler catalogs or listing).Branding and logo design- for you as an author to establish a recognizable look to attract readers to your book or series of books.Flyers, brochures, mailers, business cards- for your public appearances, like readings or book signings at a book festival. You can deduct the cost of design, printing, and distribution. Promotional items or giveaways (some examples might be bookmarks, book bags that promote your title or your book jacket design, aufgussgetrnk shirts, pens, pads, etc.)Signage (for example, to announce your book signing) and display costs. This could include banners, posters- even a billboard if you had the budget for itWebsite costs- these include the design and development of your author website, as well as monthly or annual hosting fees.Newsletters- if you pay for a newsletter service like (like Constant Contact or MailChimp) to send out newsletters to your readers, the monthly fees are tax-deductible. If you are a self-published author who paid an all-inclusive fee to publish and promote your book, make sureyou check to see if promotional items are included in your package. Depending on your tax status, you may be able to break out the cost of these advertising fees to include them in your Schedule C deductions. This article is meant to giv e a general insight into tax information that might apply to writers, and to provide readers an entry point so they can research further. While every effort welches made to ensure the information in this article was accurate at the time it was written, the Book Publishing site guide is a writer- not a tax expert. Therefore, anyone filing their taxes should consult a qualified tax preparer or tax expert for updated federal and state income tax and sales tax laws and further specifics on how these rules might apply to an individual tax situation. ?For specific IRS resources regarding the subjects mentioned in this article, refer to IRS Publication 334 (2012), Tax Guide for Small Business. The general information included in this article is not to be used to avoid tax penalties that might be levied by the IRS (see the Treasury Circular 230 regulation for the specific provision).

Tips for Veterans Trying to Crack the Job Market

Tips for Veterans Trying to Crack the Job MarketTips for Veterans Trying to Crack the Job MarketTips for Veterans Trying to Crack the Job MarketToday is Veterans Day, an often overlooked holiday (since it involves no candy or pumpkins no turkey or football games). But its an important holiday, when we stop to remember and honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces, especially the many thousands wounded or killed. If not for their service and sacrifice, wed be living in a very different world.Those who wear the uniform dont necessarily stay in the military forever. Most will eventually transition into the civilian workforce after serving their tours of duty. They may be looking to use newfound skills, or maybe go to college to take advantage of benefits provided them by the federal government under the GI Bill.Not having served in the military, I cant offer firsthand experience about transitioning into the civilian job market. But I can offer some basic advice we can impart to those in uniform who, like any career changers, need to show prospective employers how their past experience can apply to a new position in a different arena.Know how your skills can transfer into the private sector. Do you have successful leadership experience? If so, maybe a management position lies in your future. Figure out the industries and job roles that could accommodate someone with your skill set. Maybe you worked in logistics, engineering, or vehicle maintenancethose are all highly transferable skills.If you need help focusing on a potential job role or industry, try these web sourcesMilitary.comU.S. Department of Labors Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS)Career One StopJob banks via Career One StopPrepare a resume. Once youve figured out what you want and what industries and companies youre targeting, make sure you prepare a resume thats free of military jargon. If hiring managers cant understand the terminology on your resume, they wont understand how your skills can fit their needs.Search the Web for resources that can help you translate military terms into language civilian employers can understand. Here are two other resourcesMilitaryStarsMilitary.comConsider outside help. If youre having a hard time making the transition or devising a strategy, consider hiring a career coach, preferably one who has expertise in a military-to-civilian transition.Meet others online and in part. Since news of many, if not most, job openings is passed around by word of mouth, it helps to network in person and online. Look up local networking groups and job search clubs, and take advantage of social networking sites such as LinkedIn.If youre a veteranor notwhat advice would you have for those making the transition into the civilian workforce? Add your views below.

10 things you need on your desk for a happier work day

10 things you need on your desk for a happier work day10 things you need on your desk for a happier work dayWhen I sit down at my desk at the beginning of a workday, the state its in usually sets my mood for the day. Like, when you sit down to a pile of paperwork, a dirty coffee mug from the day before, and have to literally push things aside to find the keyboard, its nearly impossible to be in a cheery mood. Even if your desk is organized and clean, if its dull or sparse then there is simply nothingmood-boostingabout it.On the other hand, if your desk is tidy and equipped with all the tools you need for a disaster-proof day, AND it also has some color and life to it, then you are going to feel more cheery and probably be more productive too.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreEssentially your desk is a reflection of your work and personality, plus its where all the magic happens, s o it makes sense to utilize the space and bring it to life.For me, a non-negotiableend of workday ritualis to tidy my desk so it looks the same as when I arrived. This brings the workday full circle and gives me a fresh space to start the next day in, which is particularly useful if you have had a crappy day at work since you definitely dont want to carry that stress on into the next day. Taking behauptung 5-minutes to organize myself instead of rushing out the door, has honestly been life-changing, plus my pretty workspace deserves to stay cleanSo once youve got the organization and tidiness side of things down pat, all you need to do is add a few things to bring the space to life which will ensure you have a happier workday.10 things you need on your desk for a more cheerful workday1. Your daily plannerWhere would your life be withoutyour daily planner? Of course, this trustworthy companion is a must-have on your work desk for a stress-free day.But, instead of just using a boring plain planner or even worse, one of your standard company ones provided to you that every other co-worker uses, try investing in one that actually helps lighten your desk.Yourplanner should motivate you, and something mundane just wont do the jobMy recommendationUrban Outfitters Printed Daily Planner Journal2. GreeneryThere is no doubt thatadding a plant to your desk gives it a welcoming feel. But beyond the aesthetics, studies have shown that plants in the office can improve indoor air quality, reduce stress and help increase productivity.In particular,a study from Washington State Universityfound that productivity increased around 12 percent when people worked in a room with plants in comparison to one without.Alive plant is the best vorkaufsrecht(try a small succulent or something that needs minimal work if you are concerned about caring for it) to reap the most benefits, but if thats not possible a synthetic plant or alike can still help bring a welcoming and cheery feel to your desk.My recommendationLVLY Little sucker3. Good quality headphonesTheres a better way to escape the stresses of work than with a pair ofgood quality headphones. Once you put on a comfy pair and start playing the perfectly curated playlist (tryThe Office Stereo playlist on Spotify) to make you feel cheery, or a really motivating podcast (like ourA Day In Progress podcast) to help boost your productivity, your mood will likely skyrocket.Beyond this, good headphones are also really handy to have on your desk for when you need to jump on a phone call or join an online meeting and dont want to waste time messing around with technology.And you can even style your headphones on your desk to make your workspace look both sleek and lively. Investing in a headphone holder (like this one) not only looks great on your desk, but it also helps keep those expensive headphones in perfect conditionMy recommendationBose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones4. Warm lightingOffice lighting so often f eels clinical, with either an uncomfortable amount or lack of illumination. This not only strains your eyes causing headaches and fatigue but often affects your mood too.While some desks have access to natural light, many dont, meaning the only source of light is the fluorescent office lighting.Adding in a lamp produces instant warmth, particularly if you opt for a full-spectrum bulb that simulates natural light. positiv they can always be turned on and off dependent on whether or not you need it. You could even get one with a wireless charger for your devices, for an added sleek bonus.If you dont have room for a lamp on your desk, try adding a string of fairy lights to make your desk feel more lively.My recommendationPixo Optical LED Table Lamp5. Upgraded office suppliesMost workplaces will provide you with all the stationery you could possibly need, and while this is fantastic, the stationery itself is usually not very exciting. Plus every other co-worker will generally have the e xact same on their desk.Upgrading your office supplies to things more personalized and your style is guaranteed to put you in a cheery mood, even when youre jotting down notes from a boring meeting.And you dont have to upgrade everything. I like to think of what I use the most and then simply find a funky style of those accessories that will motivate me at work. For me, that usually means upgrading my pens and post-it-notes since thats what I use the most throughout the day, but for you, it could be completely different (paper clips, highlighters, and staplers are also common items that people like to upgrade).My recommendationkikki.k Slim Inspiration Ballpoint Pens6. A desktop background that sets the sceneYour desktop background can transport you wherever you like, so utilize this and make it a work of art. In fact, this should probably be the first thing you do to create a more cheerful space on your desk because its so easy and entirely free. Also, you dont need to make any comm itment like when you purchase something, so play around with different backgrounds to see how they affect your mood or just change it up often enough so your space feels fresh.I generally change between a beautiful nature picture (preferably one with lots of greenery or the ocean), and motivational prozentzahls, or when I snap a photo Im really proud of then Ill use that, too. Most of the time whatever is featured will depict nature because being stuck inside at a desk usually leaves me craving nature and sometimes this is all I need to ensure I last the day insideMy recommendationBlack and White Youre Killing It Quote7. A funky mugIf you are anything like me, then a good portion of your work day will be spent sipping coffee or tea while working. Having your own cute mug will cheer you up and make those trips to get your coffee or tea a little brighter.Whether youre a sucker for a nice big quote splashed across your mug, or prefer a beautifully handmade ceramic mug, make sure youre sipping out of something that you love. Plus a funky mug is guaranteed to brighten your desk, and perhaps you even have a cute coaster to accompany it.My recommendationUrban Outfitters Sloth-Shaped Mug8. Photos or motivational quotesThere is nothing like a good motivational quote on your desk that you can simply look to whenever you need some inspiration or an instant mood booster. As aspirational beings, its natural for humans to turn to motivational words, and doing so affects us on a primal level.I like to use a wooden stand or two for quote cards, allowing me to easily change up the cards to keep things fresh or choose a particular quote that resonates with me at that point in life. And with a wooden stand, you dont just have to pop quotes in there, either. Sometimes when I have a cute photo or polaroid that I just love (and want to look at all day) Ill slide that in instead. Looking at photos of great moments especially help cheer you up on those really tough days at work, remi nding you that more of those great moments are yet to come.My recommendationBright Ideas Quote Cards9. A pillow and blanketA pillow on your desk chair not only makes it more comfortable, but it also helps bring a dull office chair to life. A cute pillow and a blanket should be a must at every desk, especially when the office AC is cranked way too high, or when you need to warm up from the chilly winter wind.A blanket scarf is a great option because it works as both a blanket and a stylish scarf, so you still look professional while at your desk when needed.You can either keep these items on your desk chair or as I like to do, just pop them in a small basket under your desk so they can be easily retrieved whenever they are needed.My recommendationUrban Outfitters Pink Corduroy Heart Pillow10. A desk tray or organizerHaving a desk tray or organizer is a fool-proof way to keep all your stationary nice and tidy. A clean space helps focus your mind, and this is the perfect tool to do jus t that.Depending on your style, you could get a funky colorful desk tray or organizer or something a little sleeker. I personally love a really simple (transparent if possible), yet practical organiser, that showcases some beautiful or funky stationery.My recommendationRussell + Hazel Acrylic Block Starter SetThis article first appeared on A Girl in Progress.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people