The “ideal workspace” means something different for everyone. Some prefer a clean, sparsely decorated area that’s free of distractions. On the other hand, some feel more comfortable having everything they could possibly need at their fingertips, from pens and books, to snacks and coffee, to several dozen tabs queued up in their browser windows.
The workspaces of the brilliant and creative Steve Jobs, Ray Eames, Jane Austen, and Albert Einstein illustrate just how different “effective” workspaces can be:
“This was a very typical time. I was single. All you needed was a cup of tea, a light, and your stereo, you know, and that’s what I had.” — Steve Jobs on his 1982 workspace, via digitaljournalist.org
Workspace of designer Ray Eames, via blog.ounodesign.com
Workspace of writer Jane Austen, via buzzfeed.com
Workspace of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, via life.time.com
Considering that workspace preferences are not of the one-size-fits-all variety, here are a few points to mull over when pondering if your creative workspace needs a change of pace:
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Which parts of your workspace do you dislike? If you cringe at just the thought of hunkering down in your uncomfortable office chair, get miserably sleepy as soon as you enter your poorly lit space, or recoil when you see the giant stack of papers on your desk, it’s time to make a change. Focus on the repellant areas of your workspace and do what you can to get them to a more tolerable level; admittedly, your workspace probably won’t ever feel like a vacation destination to you, but you shouldn’t dread it.
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Does your workspace help you focus? For some, only a completely clean desktop can ward off distractions. For others, it’s necessary to keep books, documents, etc. at arm’s length for easy and accessible reference when working to complete a project. Find your happy medium.
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How does your workspace lift your mood? Perhaps you’ve got a great view that brightens your day. Maybe a framed desk photo of loved ones or a nice piece of art lightens your mood. Or perhaps you enjoy listening to music on your office headphones when you can or getting some steps in at your treadmill desk. If you can’t think of any ways your workspace lifts your mood, work on finding elements that boost your spirits and continue to focus on these positive aspects.
What are some of the elements of your ideal workspace?
