How To Organize Your Space
Oftentimes the “where” of writing is just as important as the “what.” What do I mean by that? Your writing spot is just as important as the words that you write.
Your space can either help or hinder your creativity. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for this either, but there are some tips and tricks that can help you.
The first thing you have to do is know yourself. Sounds simple, but it may not be. As yourself these questions:
Does background noise bother me when I’m trying to concentrate? If so, a coffee shop may not be the best place to write.
Does music help or distract me when I’m writing? If it helps, what kind of music is best? For example, when I was in college I discovered that if the music had words, I ended up singing the words in my head instead of focusing. But if it was instrumental, I was able to drown out other sounds and still study.
Does my comfort level keep me from focusing? Do you get cold/hot easily or feel the need to fidget when in an uncomfortable chair? Then maybe sitting in a drafty library on a hard wooden chair may not work as well.
Is home calming or chaotic? Often for me, being home makes me think of all of the things I need to be doing, which hinders my focus.
Do I have a dedicated workspace at home? Is there a desk where your laptop and notes can stay all the time, or does your kitchen table double as the desk, meaning that your things need to be moved often? I’ve had it both ways and I figured out what worked best for me in each season.
How does nature factor in to my creative process? Does nature give you inspiration? Are the sounds and visual stimuli distracting? Comforting? If you enjoy nature, a park is always a great option. Or if there’s inclement weather, working by a window can have a similar effect.
One thing that researchers can agree on is that visual clutter in the workspace creates mental clutter in the brain. This article published by the North American Journal of Psychology details a study done on the workplace (because remember, no matter where you write, it’s still work!).
So if you’re working from home at your kitchen table, clear it off before sitting down to write. If when you look up from your screen, you see dishes in the sink, turn and face the other way so you’re not faced with the clutter.
If you’re in a coffee shop, make sure you pick a table that’s big enough for what you need to write. Don’t pick the tiny round table that barely fits your laptop or you’ll be juggling things in your lap.
Challenge: Answer the questions above about yourself and your preferences. And if you don’t know the answers yet, that’s okay! Test it out and see what works for you! Once you know the best combination for productivity, do your best to replicate that every time you write! Yes, life happens and it may not be the perfect blend every writing session, but make every effort to create an environment that fosters focus and creativity.
