I’m not sure if I’m correct – JK Rowling wrote her first novel in a cafeteria. Now, if you want to define distraction, what place can be more distracting than a cafeteria (or may be not?)? I was just now reading this interview at Tim Ferriss’ blog about designing your workspace and optimizing your performance as a result.
As I wrote in one of my recent posts I shifted to my music room to work. Previously my desk was in the main room, bang in front of the entrance door and distractions were right, left and center. I couldn’t write a single sentence without getting interrupted, unless it was midnight and everybody was asleep. I initially settled in the main room because it’s very spacious and open on two sides, so lots of cross-ventilation and bright natural light during daytime. The present room is darker, no cross-ventilation, and quite cramped because lots of stuff is lying around here and there. Distraction is 60% less (you cannot eliminate it completely if you have a hyperactive 3-year-old running around) and performance has improved more than 100%.
I’m constantly thinking of how to increase efficiency and performance and I think surroundings play an important role. Your surroundings should eliminate distractions as much as possible, they should be pleasant and they should help you improve your performance. It doesn’t have to be lavish like a five-star hotel. Just a clean room with well organized papers, books, wires and other paraphernalia, can bring about a dramatic change in the way you look at your work and perform. This is extremely important if you are working from home because surroundings take a backstage because of the extra effort and sometimes expense involved but I think this is worth the effort. Even if you have to spend some extra cash you should create a pleasant aura around your workspace because you spend a major part of your life doing your work. You should create a workspace that you find welcoming and look forward to coming to every morning (afternoon, evening, whenever your schedule starts).
Mahatma Gandhi used to say that cleanliness is next to godliness and I totally subscribe to this view. Even if you don’t have expensive furniture and latest gadgets, a clean workspace brings you a sense of peace and harmony.