Creating a Productive Work Environment
ByI’m feeling pretty proud of myself for actually managing to put pen to paper today. It’s the first day back to work after the Easter break and I’m having a great deal of trouble cranking up the energy, not least because it’s a beautiful, sunny, spring day.
But these are the times when it’s especially important to keep your agreements with yourself. The longer I let things slide the harder it is to get going again and the longer it will be before I see results that will help to motivate me further. And, in the meantime, there’s the little boost in energy I always feel, when I’ve kept my agreements, especially when it took some effort to do so.
So, here I am in my favourite cafe, treating myself to a cappuccino and writing. And of all the “tricks” I have for developing my writing habit this one is my favourite. I find it very hard to write at home. It’s the same with any task I’m resisting. There are just too many distractions – too many excuses. But taking myself off to an environment I enjoy being in works a treat.
I find that even when I’m really struggling to write I will always produce something when I’m in the cafe. Even if it’s not particularly good. I also enjoying writing in the public library (reminds me of happy college days) and on a bench on the prom overlooking the beach.
A productive environment is an important factor in relation to motivation so I recommend experimenting with what works/doesn’t work for you. It’s not just about physical space either. I find I can’t write, for example, if there are songs playing in the background. Classical music I can manage but anything with words I can hear and I just can’t concentrate.
Sometimes I find lighting a candle on my desk helps me to tackle tasks I’ve been putting off. No idea why. There’s just something I find comforting about it.
So, I encourage you to experiment with different places and environmental conditions and build up a selection of circumstances that help you feel more motivated to work on those tasks you have been procrastinating over.
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