Going to the library has not only offered me a place for consistently getting work done, it’s also opened my eyes to some of the bigger issues of the last few months. Through a combination of complacency and laziness, I allowed the change in my environment to excuse a long term behavioral shift. With the turn of the new year, I looked back and came to terms with my bad habits and began to put them to rest. While going to the library was a simple practice, it set the stage for a number of good habits.
Environment Design
The underlying goal of this trial was to make a space for being productive. It’s easy to say that this was a success. I’m writing more consistently as well as progressing on other projects. Regular trips to the library built the foundation, but with several weeks of getting things done, I’m able to do all this even while not at the library.
Environment doesn’t exist only as physical space, but can be influenced by all five senses. I’ve been enjoying a particular nighttime tea while reading or writing practically every night. The cup not only made the activity more enjoyable, I looked forward to engaging because delicious tea was in store.
Another alternative is music. I’ve found an artist recently that I really enjoy listening to while reading. While there is singing, it’s in Japanese so I don’t get pulled into the song. I often read just before bed, so the calm, melancholic tunes help get me primed for bed too.
All Part of the Plan
In most areas of life, having a plan beats not having one. Knowing what to accomplish and how has been huge for me not only at the library, but also week to week.
Making plans can easily become an excessive practice, but pinning down the major strokes has guided me to make better decisions. Focusing in on one major thing each week has helped to push me toward overall goals. I’ve long had this feature of my weekly reviews, but I feel like I’ve only just started really reaping the benefits of it. One week is as simple as getting the right amount of sleep, and it sets the pace for multiple weeks now.
Creating momentum with trips to the library has made working at home even more productive. Setting high but manageable expectations for myself each week helped create the mindset I need to work well regardless of where I am.
The Testament of Trials
Returning to using the framing of a trial for posts also pushed me to publish more consistently. Framing the possibilities to only the things I can relate to what I’m currently working on makes getting started and limiting to where I can actually get things finished.
Trials not only give me a direct subject to build on, but provide a general sense of motivation. As I’m performing the actions or even just reflecting on them, I have an excitement about what I’m experiencing and want to share that excitement.
Reestablishing a weekly deadline has probably been the most critical decision in writing. Doing so forced me to write more consistently, because I knew I needed something by the end of the week. Otherwise, I’d just have to publish the post in its current state, whether I’m happy with it or not.
With the year starting off with a solid foundation, it’s time for the next trial. Instead of focusing on things to do, I’m looking to see what manual tasks in my life can be minimized or completely automated through heuristics and technology. I haven’t completely settled on the areas to focus on, but I do have some ideas including a few things like email management and automating electronics.
Trying Out Before Buying In 