A lot of us know our zodiac sign, but do we know our learning style? Simply put, we all learn differently. Our learning style is the way we best receive and process information. The three main learning styles are Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic/Tactile.
While we all utilize different learning styles at different times, there is one that reigns supreme when it comes to how you learn best. What you may not realize, is your learning style comes into play in all different areas in your life. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just want to learn more about yourself, your learning style is important when it comes to living and working productively.
This blog is number one of three in a series on how to incorporate your learning style into your space or office environment. Doing this helps you create a space where ideas can grow and where you feel productive and understood. To find out your learning style, start by taking this quiz: https://www.thoughtco.com/learning-style-quiz-4076781?quizResult=cb6da9af.
Got your learning style? Good.
Keep it in your back pocket for this blog and the next two. Keep an eye out on social media as I share these tips there as well.
Today is for the Visual learners!
You like to SEE things. You process information best when you are able to see it with your own eyes. Understanding how this works when it comes to learning may seem obvious, but how does this translate into your space or office?
- Block off regular times for decluttering, filing, etc. and only do one space at a time: Give yourself breaks in between decluttering and filing. Focus on tackling one smaller space at a time and work in chunks rather than diving in at once.
- Avoid stacking trays because you might forget what's on the bottom: Stacking trays may cause you to forget about documents you may actually need. All but the top tray is like a black hole for visual people! Try using clear bins instead, which let you see what’s inside. Since your learning style is visual, use labels to identify what is in the bins you use. Labels help you feel more organized and eliminate confusion.
- Color coding is your friend: Color coding makes your visual learning heart sing! Use labels, markers, post-its, or your organizational tool of choice to color code your schedule, items, and documents. Designate different colors for different responsibilities, sections, or categories. Find a system that works for you - I’m happy to help with this!
- Create a space with good lighting: Can you clearly see all parts of your office? Good lighting is not only an energy booster, it benefits you as a visual learner. Take it one step further by incorporating various sources of light. Combine sunlight with different lamps to enhance your space even more. Aside from various means of light, lighting can also be used as a decorative tool to make your space visually appealing and reflect you as an individual.
- Use clear bins: Clear bins aren’t just for documents. Using them to organize any items you need creates a visually appealing space and lets you identify based on sight!
- Create big spaces where planning and brainstorming can happen: As a visual learner, you like to write stuff down or draw it out. You may even find yourself doodling throughout the day! Having an area like a white board gives you space to SEE what you’re doing and process it that way. To get even more visually creative, find some awesome colored markers.
- Open filing systems: Open filing systems for action files and current projects are essential. Using graduated desk file holders, clear file boxes, or even clipboards for projects allows you to easily see and access files you need. Filing systems tucked away might leave you feeling like something is left undone or you’ve forgotten something.
Are you a visual learner? Maybe these ideas appeal to you but you don’t know where to start? I’d love to talk further about incorporating your learning style into the organization of your space and office.
Tuning into what makes us unique helps us feel happier and more productive in our environments.
Next month is for the audio learners!
Until next time,
Kerry