Blog • A Cleaner Desk

Exploring the Myths About Increasing Willpower

by Ed Stanfield | Jan 31, 2018 | Clarity, Productivity, Self-Awareness, Willpower

A large body of research indicated willpower is like a muscle. We can strengthen it with practice and it also gets depleted with overuse. But, more research has poked holes in this idea. It turns out that a lot of successful people rely on habits more than willpower alone.

A Simple Guide to Setting Priorities that Really Works

by Ed Stanfield | Nov 15, 2017 | Clarity, Priorities, Productivity

The key to a productive day is setting priorities. The reason most people fail is because they don’t set the right priorities and don’t execute. This guide leads you through the steps for setting the right priorities and managing them to a successful conclusion.

Is the Self-Help Industry Actually Helping Anyone?

by Ed Stanfield | Oct 11, 2017 | Clarity, Habits, Journaling, Monkey Mind, Productivity, Self-Awareness

Self help is a billion dollar industry. Is it really helping anyone? How does the clarity journal and improving self awareness fit into the picture?

Should You Get Some Rest or Work Like Hell to Reach 10,000 Hours?

by Ed Stanfield | Sep 14, 2017 | Habits, Productivity, Self-Discipline, Solopreneur

We love the idea that 10,000 hrs of work will make us an expert. What happens if we’re in a hurry and want to reach the 10,000 goal asap? Does that work?

Overcome the Dip by Writing a Letter to Yourself

by Ed Stanfield | Aug 29, 2017 | Habits, Journaling, Self-Discipline, Solopreneur

The Dip, the Resistance, the Wall: It’s that time when you run out of energy and motivation. A letter to yourself offers a path forward to overcome the Dip.

Develop the Self-Discipline to Wear Your CEO Hat

by Ed Stanfield | Aug 18, 2017 | Habits, Productivity, Self-Discipline

As a solopreneur, you need to wear many hats for your business. It takes self-discipline, but you need to get comfortable wearing the CEO’s hat as well.

F-Bombs in the Media are Epidemic

by Ed Stanfield | Aug 13, 2017 | Clarity, Journaling, Self-Discipline

The use of F-Bombs in media is an epidemic. Is this a gimmick or is it the authentic voice of the writers? Is it the end of civilization or a trend that will pass?

Self-Discipline Tips, Training and Exercises

by Ed Stanfield | Aug 8, 2017 | Habits, Journaling, Meditation, Productivity, Self-Discipline

Is self-discipline the cure for our hopes and dreams? If so, what can we do to optimize it? If not, what are the other options?

Why I Finally Gave In and Started Clarity Journaling

by Ed Stanfield | Aug 3, 2017 | Habits, Journaling

This is how I made the transition from a productivity journal to a clarity journal. I discovered you can’t get very productive without a little clarity.