Goal of the day: 849 words<\/a>. Written: 944<\/b>.<\/p>\n And here's a fact: an environment full of chaos really does stimulate creativity. As the Chaos and Research from the University of Minnesota, USA<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n But here's the problem...<\/p>\n ...While a chaotic environment increases creativity... it does not increase creative productivity. Or, to put it more simply, yes, we have a million ideas... But we only implement a few.<\/p>\n In fact, several of my friends have a similar problem - they come up with millions of ideas in their chaotic homes. But most of them die<\/a>.<\/p>\n || So what do you suggest, Daniel?<\/p>\n I'm proposing an old idea, but new to a lot of people (maybe you too?): create two work surfaces for yourself. Two desks.<\/p>\n And while it sounds complicated (well - doubly so, since there are now two surfaces!), it's not that hard to implement. The writer I mentioned, Austin Kleon, in his book Steal like an artist, talks about how he made it happen by simply bringing a second desk into his workroom. He filled the first one with handwritten papers and left the second one empty except for the computer.<\/p>\n But if you can't bring a second table into your room, don't worry. There's another way to solve the problem of two desks - by moving from one creative space to another. Let me explain... \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n Let's say you work from home. In your kitchen. It's tidy, it's clean, it's nice, it's not cluttered, because the kitchen is nice when it's tidy. Let's say it's surface A.<\/p>\n Where could your surface B be? Your chaos-filled work corner, where you could, for example, go to create even things that are not directly related to work?<\/p>\n There are many options. It could be your garage if you have one. It could be a table in your salon, covered with pictures of children. Maybe even a desk in your child's room, if they are young and you don't let them go to kindergarten? The added plus is that you would have more contact with your child(!).<\/p>\n It can even be a public space. And you don't have to rent a table for a Talent Garden - a library reading room will do. Here, for example, I can show you a picture of a moment in time, gathering ideas (using the Cloud method) for this article you are reading.<\/p>\n So what? Did someone come and tell you that you shouldn't relax in the reading room? In the library? Nobody said that. Although I do it many times. And if I did get kicked out, I would go to a caf\u00e9 or leave the chaos at home and look for order in the city. On the contrary.<\/p>\n So the principle is simple: don't just have a tidy or creative desk. Because while a tidy desk helps you concentrate, a chaotic one helps you create ideas...<\/p>\n ...And you need both to create. An idea without implementation, however, is worth nothing. And implementation requires concentration.<\/p>\n (By the way: I recommend reading this Joel Runyon's article on the Workplace Popcorn system<\/a>. This approach to productivity and alternating creative spaces fascinated me! And I use this system myself.)<\/p>\n But the components of a creative environment don't end there...<\/p>\n So what else do scientists and creative super-powered people urge us to consider when building a creative fortress?<\/p>\n Well, here's what...<\/p>\n While some people think it's a critically important aspect of a good life, others don't think it's important at all... The truth, as always, lives in its favourite place - in the middle.<\/p>\n Technical University of Denmark carried out a whole series of experiments back in 1999 and 2004<\/a>to determine the effect of air on our performance and thinking skills...<\/p>\n ...And found that the effects of air, while relatively small (i.e. less than those of noise, for example), are still worthy of attention. It turns out that working in a polluted environment can reduce our working capacity by 6-9%. Other studies have reported exposure ranging from 5 to 10%.<\/a><\/p>\n So, working in a - pardon the pun - overcrowded environment, we lose up to a tenth of our creative abilities.<\/p>\n || So what would you advise me to do?<\/p>\n An open window or an opportunity to buy an air conditioner (and an air purifier) is your decision.<\/p>\n Personally, since I live very close to the suburbs of Kaunas, I just open my window in the summer and spring. Of course, I have to close the window soon because of the noise from the dogs, but those few minutes, say, at lunchtime, are enough to air out the room.<\/p>\n If I do go to work in libraries or caf\u00e9s, I choose one with proper ventilation. In some of them, the lack of fresh air literally makes you sleepy. Which, let's face it, isn't very helpful for creating... \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n If you're going to create (or have already created) your workspace at home, the personalisation effect will come to you. Inevitably.<\/p>\n But it's a different matter if you work, or are about to work, in a place that is not your home. For example: an office, a library, a caf\u00e9, a creative environment, or something similar.<\/p>\n In 2010, Craig Knight and Alexander Haslam from the University of Exeter<\/a> found that office workers who got the chance to decorate their workplaces did just that... They were even 32% more productive than those who didn't get the chance.<\/p>\n One third more! Just because they got the chance to put up a photo of a loved one, bring a tiny flower, or stick a picture of their heir on the wall.<\/p>\n Here's a question: why can't we make the most of this without having a permanent office?<\/p>\n Answer. And who is to stop us?<\/p>\n And really, when you go to a caf\u00e9, who can stop you from putting a picture of your beloved muse on the same table as your computer? Or to bring a tiny statue of, say, the Colosseum or the Eiffel Tower to remind you what holiday you're trying to earn money for?<\/p>\n It may seem a bit strange in other people's eyes, but why should you care if it helps you create?<\/p>\n So no matter where you create your creative corner, personalise it. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n And when it comes to air and a pleasant place to work... don't forget plants and windows. Although I've already mentioned both, but:<\/p>\n If you want to optimise your workspace, you shouldn't forget about plants. Already in several studies [1]<\/a>, [2]<\/a>, [3]<\/a>In offices, it has been found that they have not only helped to reduce the level of indoor pollution, but have also helped to reduce the stress levels of employees.<\/p>\n It turns out that even a few small glances at the plants or a few moments of care (e.g. watering) can help to reduce psychological stress and help you get back into a working routine.<\/p>\n || Well, what do windows have to do with it?<\/p>\n And to the fact that large windows look out onto the natural landscape, or even, in the city, onto the ingenious and beautiful architecture or just a few trees, According to research, it also helps you recover<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not to mention the fact that you can open the windows and breathe in fresh or fresher air if your workplace doesn't have adequate air ventilation. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\nA few more parts of a crazy creative environment.<\/h3>\n
No. 1 - Oras.<\/h4>\n
No. 2 - Personal space.<\/h4>\n
No 3 - Plants and windows.<\/h4>\n