The Power of Place: Optimising Your Workspace for Cognitive Performance
Strategically alter your surroundings to shape your thoughts
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Whether you're trying to generate new ideas or solve complex problems, the space you're in can have a significant impact on your cognitive processes.
"Your environment is the invisible hand that shapes your behaviour"
James Clear, Atomic Habits
Often we try to enhance our thinking by focusing solely on mental techniques or brainstorming methods.
These techniques can be helpful. But our physical environment has a big influence in shaping our thoughts and behaviours. So let’s use it to our advantage.
Divergent vs. Convergent Thinking
When it comes to thinking, there are two primary modes: divergent and convergent.
Divergent thinking is about exploring possibilities, generating ideas, and thinking outside the box.
Convergent thinking, on the other hand, focuses on finding solutions, analysing information, and making decisions.
Physical environment plays a significant role in determining thinking modes. By strategically altering your environment, you can encourage how you think at any given moment.
Environmental Influence and Nudging
“If you want to encourage some activity, make it easy.”
Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
Our brains are highly adaptable and respond to the sensory inputs we receive from our surroundings.
Different environments can stimulate different neural pathways, influencing our thinking and behaviour.
This is where the concept of ‘nudging’ comes into play.
Nudging is a psychological principle suggesting subtle environmental changes can guide our choices and actions without realising it.
By incorporating nudges into your workspace, you can gently steer your thinking in the desired direction, whether it’s towards creativity or problem-solving.
Nudging in Action
Here two examples how I funnel and fight needs:
I’m working on a creative project (writing long form content like this article).
I will open my inspiration notes. I’ll take a few minutes to absorb the content. Then I go for a walk to allow the ideas to percolate while encouraging creativity.
Nudge: Not being able to write the newsletter nudges me to run through more ideas before I start writing.
Environment: Also the open outdoor environment literally allows my thoughts to expand.
I’m doing analytical work (like creating a content plan for the next month).
I’ll declutter my desk, close all open apps on my Mac and put a drink on my desk.
Nudge: I remove negative opportunities for distractions (like being thirsty).
Environment: I sit at my desk which faces away from windows and distractions. The room is more compact than being outdoors which helps my mind naturally focus on the task at hand.
Build Your Thinking Spaces
Here's how you can create your own thinking spaces: