High ceilings and high hopes

I just finished reading an interesting book by Scott Belsky that helped me to re-think the ways in which I work. I definitely recommend it if you like to reflect on your own systems.

One idea that I found fascinating was that you should choose a space depending on the kind of work you want to do. Before this book, I definitely thought about the environments in which I was most productive, but that was my only prioritized outcome - productivity.

I thought about:

- how much light I needed - natural light always a plus
- music, no music
    - if music, how loud and what type
- people, no people
    - if people, how friendly, how aloof, how busy, how chatty, could I trust them to watch my laptop when     I needed to go to the ladies room?
- food/beverages, if needed

At this point, I was feeling pretty good that I had the right idea of what circumstances led me to a super productive day. But don't get me wrong. I still have those days that whiz by, leaving me wondering if I did enough, or did the right things.

Belsky took it a step further - productivity, but what kind? He talks about considering the actual shape/size of the room depending on the kind of work you want to do:

- Spaces with high ceilings for creative work where you are imagining and thinking about many possibilities.

- Confined spaces with low ceilings for implementing and executing; work that you just have to get done that doesn't require a lot of creativity.

It makes sense and jives with what I typically get done in certain spaces. The next time I need to be creative, I won't box myself into a small space. I'll think big and let the space follow...

Does this ring true with where you do your best creative work? Your best get-it-done work?

Comments

[Theklarichter]

Sounds like a great book, I will definitely have to check it out. I do find that space impacts my productivity and that there isn't just one kind of ideal space. When I am doing creative work, sometimes I like a wide expansive space but sometimes a close, familiar, comforting space can help with going deep inside - maybe a bit like a womb?

[Jen Chau Fontán]

Yes! Hope you find it useful.

And yes, this makes a lot of sense. Comforting womb-like space...that may be good for my writing! :) I'm going to try that.

Thanks for your comment!