Environments as a way to change how you feel
Work smarter: Library beats stove every time
If you wanted to study for an exam, where would you rather go?
The fruity smell of old books, faint sounds like rustling paper and shuffling feet, high ceilings and solid walls, bright lights from big windows, and countless concentrated faces behind wooden tables staring at computer screens. Awe-inspiring.
My brain’s reaction: “Marc, get to work.”
This is totally unconscious. Libraries are powerful environments when you want to get something done.
Contrast this with being at home. Yes, there are big windows too, but also innumerable distractions. A piano over there, a fridge in the other room, green plants that need some care, and a comfortable couch with a soft white blanket…
This is a place that makes productive work hard (but not impossible – guess where I’m writing this right now).
Your surroundings determine how you think and how you feel. But they also determine what you think and what you feel. And most importantly, what you do.
You might be in environments that aren’t helpful for you. But you can use the power of changing your environment to get closer to your goals, to challenge you, and to shape your behavior in positive ways.
Environments are not limited to physical locations. The same place can feel totally different depending on the context. Your home stops being a place for rest and relaxation when you’re throwing a party, but becomes a place for dancing and laughter instead.
The impact environments have on us is enormous. Let’s use this to our advantage.
💡 Reflecting on your Environment
(Like always, you can download the Notion template of this issue of Grow Your Mind to take structured notes.)
In which environments do you spend your time?
You can think about environments as physical locations, like places where you work, play, or meet others. Also think about social environments (like family or friends) and cultural environments (like norms, values, or practices). Where do you work, play, or meet others? Where do you wind down and relax?
What impact do these environments have on you?
Think about how your surroundings affect your mood, energy, relationships, and behaviors. Also think about productivity and creativity. Are your environments suitable for their particular purpose?
How could you improve your environment(s) to make good behavior come naturally?
If I wanted to practice the trumpet more often, I would place the instrument in the center of the room to see it more often. Can you change your environment in ways to help you reach your goals? Could it make sense to leave some environments?
🙏 Thanks!
As always, I hope you found this useful.
After spending three months traveling this winter, I returned home and immediately felt the impact my environment had on me. As I exited the train station, I was hit by the distinct smell of winter. At home, I walked through each room, taking in the scents and memories, triggering enormous amounts of joy.
Sometimes leaving your surroundings makes you appreciate them more.
With gratitude and until next time,
Marc