The Geography of Creativity – Where You Create is as Important as What You Create

If procrastination were an art form, I’d be a master. SO many clients and colleagues I talk to agree with this statement. One colleague told me, “The only way I get anything done is because I’m putting off doing something else.”

I’m not talking about typical work project responsibilities. I’m talking about projects that require us to carve out time from our day job or time off the job to put something on the page or on the canvas or in the can. No one can ever find the time to do what they really want to do. And with no feasible way to add more time to the day, something always has to give. What to say yes to vs. what to say no to. But what about having space?

Our physical environment can be a huge trigger to propel us toward creativity or fleeing from it. If I can’t breathe because I’m surrounded by piles of paper and files and whatever else is covering my actual desktop, then I definitely can’t write.

How many times have you heard someone say, “If you could only see my desk!” I know how they feel. Not sure what part of multitasking involves whipping up papers, files, and other elements of a home office into a frenzy, but we all seem to do this when things are moving fast.

I keep my workspace organized – even if it’s at the end of the day when I’m trying to sift through the jagged pages and cryptic remnants of my calls and meetings. But even so, I realize that getting up from my desk and finding a new space – outside or in another room – can be the perfect prompt for me to get clear and focused to shift into that zone where space fades away.

Ironic, that once you’re in the zone, your environment doesn’t seem to matter. But that’s the trick, isn’t it? Finding the space to create, so you can ultimately be transported somewhere else.

For me, finding an open, light filled area with no “stuff” is ideal. That means I have to go outside on some days. Where do you do your best work?