This week was a rather odd one for the conclusion of this experiment. I spent most of it camping with some friends, causing all of my rules to be effectively useless by design. While out in the woods, I still thought about each space we were in and the activity associated. First, a recap.
Results of the Rules
My goals from the beginning of this trial were to reduce distractions while working to 15 minutes per day, fall asleep within 15 minutes of laying down, and to start a morning fitness routine.
The first, I feel has seen progress over the experiment. Before this trial, I fell into the bad habit of throwing on entertainment content while working at my day job or on personal projects. Eliminating the ability to watch said content at my desk, aka the creation station, has led to greater focus when at the desk.
Using my bed as only a place for sleeping was probably the biggest challenge across the goals. There were a number of long days that I wanted to lay down and watch a video before sleeping, but I had to resist and choose either sleep or watching elsewhere. It’s hard to say if I have hit the 15 minute goal exactly, but I know it’s around there based on a sleep meditation I listen to as I go to bed.
The fitness routine wasn’t so much a challenge as just not happening. The first couple of weeks started okay. Seeing the mat rolled out prompted me to do some form of exercise. As time went on, I was still getting a decent workout in, but it just happened after work, a long-standing habit of mine. Perhaps I need to accept my fate of not being a morning workout person.
All in all, I plan to keep the rules in place. I really think they are benefitting me across several areas in life.
Beyond the Spaceship
Throughout the past week, a few friends and I went camping in Northern Minnesota. The trip consisted of several hours of canoeing in between each site. After reaching our site for the day, we would set up camp and relax. Each time we set up, I thought a lot about the space we were in.
The sleeping space was clearly defined as our tents and hammocks. The recreation station was around the fire in which we would get a lengthy chat going each day. The remaining two are a bit strange in this case, because our work and fitness were kind of intertwined. The canoes themselves were a workout to get to our objective each day.
This has me considering spaces wherever I go. As someone who has worked remotely for nearly two years now, I’ve worked in a number of places – from coffee shops to friends houses and even a highway rest stop once. The places I go can always be used for anything. I think it’s important to maintain the sanctity of the stations, beyond the ship itself.
What are some places in your life where you need to create boundaries for your stations?
What’s Next
This next trial has been a challenging one for me to find. I typically take a combination of my latest interests and where I can see improvements. This experiment may or may not click for some and may interest others.
I mentioned previously a growing interest in the game Destiny 2. In an attempt to get better at the game, and PC games in general, I plan to start an “aim training” regiment. The goal is at least three days a week following a series of routines credited to an author known as “AIMER7.”
Trying Out Before Buying In 