There are so many places to be a boss these days. But whether your work from home, an office, a co-working space or a coffee shop, never underestimate the impact of the setting on the quality of your output. Writer and creative Srinivas Rao says that designing your life starts with designing your days, and designing your days starts with designing your environment. By curating the right space – adding what you need and eliminating what you don’t – your desired results can become a natural consequence of your surroundings.
TIDY UP
As someone whose desk perpetually looks like it sits next to an open window, this one does not come naturally to me. I felt marginally vindicated after reading a study about how messy people are more creative and more likely to innovate by diverging from the status quo, but I realized I couldn’t take a pat on the back to the bank. If, like me, you’re prone to clutter and chaos (and stacking…oh, the stacks), you don’t have to do away with your inspiration altogether. Take advantage of desk drawers to keep priorities front and center and make small adjustments that can boost productivity. Instead of writing notes on whatever stray paper is lying around (guilty again), keep thoughts organized with a service like Evernote. Use HiddenMe for a cleaner computer desktop. For years, opening my laptop in front of other humans prompted gasps of shock and horror and, contrary to my long-held belief, did not position me as a loveably wacky free spirit. Untidiness is one thing, but unchecked disorganization can compromise your credibility as a professional.
PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE
The CEO of Prada notoriously insists that employees in the fashion house’s Milan headquarters maintain perfectly clean desks devoid of anything personal. While this minimalist aesthetic works well for the brand’s products, the policy may actually be detrimental to employees. Several studies have found that personalizing your workspace brings psychological benefits, providing comfort and motivation. Resist the urge to go overboard, but consider adding photos, mementos or keepsakes to your line of sight – objects that remind you of your purpose and passion, like inspiring words or pictures of loved ones. Consulting guru Sam Ovens recommends conceptualizing where you want to be in four years and keeping that vision nearby. He even made a moodboard to conceptualize his own ambitions, including how much he wanted to earn, what he wanted to wear, and the Manhattan apartment of his dreams. He reached all his goals and exceeded his projected income by millions of dollars. Not saying it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, but visualization unlocks a critical component in goal setting and even releases endorphins, which sounds like a positive asset to keep handy at your workspace.
ELIMINATE NEGATIVITY
Have you ever noticed how certain objects in your life create subconscious associations with the past? Neuroscience has demonstrated that involuntary processes play an important role in achieving creative insights. Perhaps souvenirs left over from painful seasons don’t need to take part. Toss them out – you can value the lessons you’ve learned without setting yourself up to relive the dark chapters.
BRING NATURE TO YOU
While splashing a little greenery around your desk won’t exactly transport you to the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse office of your dreams, the presence of plants can bring a noticeable boost to productivity. A 2010 study found that plants in the office significantly increase workplace satisfaction, concentration and productivity by as much as 15%, allowing you to feel more physically, cognitively and emotionally invested in your work. Pro tip: they also make your desk that much more photogenic for your side hustle on Unsplash.
CLEAN YOUR TOOLS
There’s no reason to have a layer of dust coating your monitor and the no-man’s-land between the screen and the keyboard. Crumbs jammed between your keys? Not acceptable. Are you a professional? Then get any tell-tale sneeze splatter and your kid’s grubby handprints off that thing you stare at all day, for heaven’s sake. You’re disgusting.
TREAT YO’SELF TO THE CHAIR YOU DESERVE
According to the Mayo Clinic, poor posture and a uncomfortable chair can lead to fatigue, headaches, back and neck pain, pinched shoulders, jaw pain, and even breathing problems. Personally, after a full day of designing on my laptop, I inevitably snap out of the work stupor to find myself hunched over the keyboard like Bent Neck Lady with two lobster claws where my hands used to be. It’s not a good look. So if you plan to be seated at your desk for any extended period of time, go ahead and upgrade that ish to a more ergonomic situation.
Chasing a dream is a difficult task and personally, I’m looking for every advantage I can get. By relentlessly upgrading the quality of your environment, you set the tone to create your best work.
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Cover photo by Ella Jardim
