Soft jazz. A burning candle. A clear desk. Early morning. And a cup of coffee.

This is my recipe for peak productivity. But why does this particular combination work so well?

Let’s explore how our surroundings shape our ability to get things done.

Each element in my ideal workspace serves a purpose:

• Soft Jazz: Blocks distractions without demanding attention
• Burning Candle: Scents can boost alertness and concentration
• Clear Desk: Reduces visual clutter, allowing for better focus
• Early Morning: Fresh mind, quiet world, uninterrupted time
• Coffee: Beyond caffeine, it’s a ritual signaling “work mode”

Our brains constantly process information from our environment. By creating a space that minimizes negative stimuli and maximizes positive ones, we set the stage for peak performance.

While jazz and coffee work for me, your ideal setting might differ.

The key is to identify what helps you enter a state of flow:

• Sound: Music, white noise, or silence?
• Lighting: Natural, warm, or bright?
• Scent: What energizes or calms you?
• Organization: How much order do you need?
• Time: Night owl or early bird?

Experiment until you find your Sweet Spot. What works for others might not work for you, and that’s okay!

Once you create an environment that boosts productivity, you may notice improvements in other areas of life. Enhanced focus can lead to better decision-making, reduced stress, and a greater sense of accomplishment.

This week, pay attention to your environment when working. Notice what helps you focus and what distracts you. Then, make one small change to optimize your space for productivity.

Remember, you have more control over your productivity than you might think. 

By crafting an environment that supports your best work, you’re setting yourself up for success in ways you never imagined.

Until next time, may your environments inspire your greatest work,

Aligning Your Surroundings

Your environment will eat your goals and plans for breakfast.

~ Steve Pavlina

While we often focus on our immediate workspace, our broader environment also plays a subtle yet powerful role in our productivity. Consider how your community, relationships, and digital landscape shape your output.

Are you:

• Surrounding yourself with ambitious peers who inspire growth?
• Cultivating relationships that energize rather than drain you?
• Curating your digital environment by managing notifications and creating separate profiles for work and leisure?

Remember, productivity isn’t just about your desk - it’s about the entire ecosystem you inhabit. This week, examine your wider environment. Which elements nurture your goals, and which ones hinder them? 

By aligning your broader surroundings with your aspirations, you set the stage for sustainable success.

Hatch Restore 2

Peak productivity starts with quality sleep. That’s why I love how the Hatch Restore 2 smart sleep clock optimizes my rest and helps me to supercharge my waking hours. Its soothing sounds and gentle sunrise alarm create the perfect sleep environment, while a phone-free routine eliminates bedtime distractions.

Enhancing your sleep doesn’t just improve your nights – it transforms your days. With the Hatch Restore 2, you’re investing in your productivity around the clock, setting the stage for more focused, energized, and efficient days.

How to Create Productive Surroundings

Wish you could supercharge your productivity? In this week’s podcast, we explore the art of crafting an environment that boosts your workflow AND your productivity.

I’ll delve into the psychology of how surroundings affect focus, share tips for optimizing your workspace, and discuss how to create a productivity-boosting routine. Plus, I’ll reveal my personal productivity hacks.

Whether you’re a busy professional or simply looking to get more done, this episode will equip you with strategies to reshape your surroundings and boost your productivity.