Many times I find myself thinking "If I only had a desk that was an
inch shorter and a big comfy armchair, I would be able to write more," or
" I can't possibly sew so much until I have a permanent spot where people
won't keep moving everything." Many people have an image of what their
perfect working space will look like: the space where they will finally get all
of their work done. Possibly, the
perfect working space will have a large ornate antique writing desk and large
windows that look out onto a breathtaking vista. This space will inspire and
allow you to do work. It is the perfect space and it is a perfect lie.
Had your perfect working space ever materialized, you might find that
it wasn't the perfect working space. One thousand new problems would
materialize there. The windows might be distracting or the room too spacious.
It is very hard to build the perfect space. This is why this type of perfect
working space is false.
The perfect working space is the space where you actually get work done. You
might already know this space or have yet to find it. But the important thing
is to not wait for the perfect space to do work. If you wait for the perfect
space, you will never accomplish anything.
Many people have accomplished a lot in places that are perfectly average
places. J.K. Rowling found that her perfect working space was in cafes. Thomas Mann
liked to write in a wicker chair with an ocean view. It doesn’t matter where
you work as long as you get work done.
Some tips on being productive especially
when working space is less than desirable:
Keep well stocked.
Even if your working space isn’t perfect, make sure you have everything you
need before you start. It is frustrating to have to stop working every few
minutes to find more paper or some scissors.
Keep a schedule.
Depending on your situation and work you may have to plan to do work early
in the morning, late at night to variable. Just make sure you set time aside to
work. Make an appointment with yourself and don’t break it. It might be from “6
AM to 8 AM” or it might be “45 minutes a day.”
Work toward goals.
Set little goal and big goals. Little goals help break down a colossal task
into smaller, more manageable bits.
Take breaks.
Make sure you take breaks to prevent boredom and alleviate pain. Typing on
the computer, sewing, painting ect. for a long period of time can make working
more difficult. Breaks help keep you refreshed and focused.
I love this post and I really agree on keeping a schedule!
ReplyDeleteAn incredibly helpful post, and I agree with all points, especially the ones on setting goals and taking breaks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sophia!
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I'm glad that it helped.