Have a lengthy to-do list? Are you feeling unmotivated? Or, even overwhelmed? Take a step back and reflect on your environment; create a space that you can be successful.
Your environment is everything. Whether it’s the way you decorate your home, the climate you live in, or the location you choose to work, your surroundings influence your mood and your productivity. One of the things I loved about studying abroad in London this past semester was my environment. Not necessarily my living situation, but the fact that people were constantly out and about. The hustle and bustle. The human connection. Since I’ve been home, I’ve realized the importance of the environment you create for yourself, but more specifically, understanding the environment you need in order to succeed.
I’m back in my college town right now, on a job hunt if you will. Oh, how’s it going you might ask? Well, I am striking out left and right, but that’s a story for another time. I packed up my things this morning, ready to make that trek back home to St. Louis, yet I quickly realized I should probably stay in town a bit longer if I wanted to get shit done.
My environmental settings have a drastic impact on my productivity levels. While some people like to work in a quiet library, my ideal work environment consists of immense amounts of natural light, a hint of hustle and bustle, and a delicious beverage. Actually, it would be anywhere I could simultaneously get sun and work, but that’s not realistic considering my laptop overheats the second it sees the sun. Some of those factors are a mindset thing, such as the need for an iced coffee or a diet Coke to get anything done. But, what can I say? I’m a drink girl. Other aspects of my ideal environment are backed by research, such as the use of natural light. It helps us feel more engaged and more creative. Now, as far as the hustle and bustle, I might be the odd man out. I need other humans and a little bit of distraction to stimulate my creativity. (Now, don’t get confused. The latter use of the term “distraction” does not include my phone, which is a true interference.) All things considered, I know if I drove back to St. Louis right now, I would avoid my to-do list.
There is something about being home that just diverts my focus, often from my work to my phone. Maybe it’s because I feel too comfortable. Maybe it’s because I correlate home with a sort of inactivity, a break, after being away at school. I mean, maybe it’s because there isn’t enough hustle and bustle, just my mom trying to play 20 questions… I don’t know. I only know how I feel when I am there—unmotivated.
So, as I sit at the front window bar of Shortwave Coffee, watching the city of Columbia in action this fine Thursday morning, I am taking note. Taking note of the fact that I am getting shit done, much more than I would in my bedroom, or living room, at home. For me, this blabber I just wrote is a method for accountability. There are no excuses for being unproductive when I have clearly determined what conditions I need to succeed. For you, I hope this encourages a reflection on your environment. Where do you find yourself the most motivated? Inspired? Think about it. And, go get shit done.
Written August 10, 2023
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