The idea of being able to centralise all of our activities in one space has undeniable appeal. Such an approach sounds like it would significantly simplify and streamline life. However, as great as this sounds, it’s not an approach that works for most of us, and more generally, should be actively avoided.
Instead, it’s often a better idea to carefully create several different spaces for each activity or goal you have in mind. While not always the easiest or most convenient way to live, there are some profound advantages to this type of setup that can provide appreciable benefits. So, what do we mean by this exactly, and how could you get started?
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Different Setting, Different Mindset
The concept behind the importance of creating separate spaces for separate tasks is simple. As sensitive, complex beings, our environment affects our moods and our habits. Our moods and our habits, in turn, affect our performance. Since different activities have different requirements and require different mindsets, it is best to develop setups without any issues of overlap.
Consider if you have a workstation setup that you also use for social media browsing. Internally, your brain will build an unconscious connection to your space and both of these activities. This could make you keep thinking about social media scrolling when you’re working, making you less efficient. Simultaneously, you could be having fun talking to people on social media, only to be distracted by the thought of a current work project. Neither of these is ideal, so we want to build around them.
Creating a Personalised Space
Building separate spaces for separate activities can be accomplished through fulfilling a few general guidelines, but it’s worth noting that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What you enjoy, what fosters the right energy, and what makes you productive are all highly personalised, so creativity and attention to your own internal needs are key.
Say you’re creating a place for entertainment, for example if you’re a fan of the games you’d see in an online casino. Ask yourself what’s involved, which specific elements you enjoy, and how you can enhance them. You might start by collecting bingo promotions, claiming deposit bonuses or free tickets, and then jumping in. Do you add themed decorations around you that you can tie into bingo, or do you try something more generic, nostalgic, or family-oriented?
In a workspace, your requirements will be different, since you’ll want a less distracting environment to help you focus. Where is the line in personal decorations in a workspace? Do lighting and sound setups help you, and can additions like incense burners keep you tied into a mindset? Each element can be experimented on, and don’t be disheartened if finding the right fit doesn’t come quickly.
Source: Pixabay
The best way to be productive, whatever you do, is to put yourself in a positive frame of mind. This can be challenging, and you never really know how long it will take to develop an environment that’s right for you. Even when you do succeed, changes depending on the season and even the time of day can have profound impacts. It might seem overwhelming at first, but take it slow, go one step at a time, and you’ll eventually find the perfect fit for what you need.
