Creating an Inspiring and Motivational Workspace

Finding a workspace that suits your work style and promotes productivity is a game changer! I have noticed a huge shift in my mindset when I finally created “my space.” I hope to share a few tips and tricks to create a space that cultivates the same positive experience, but first, a bit about me.

As someone who has a background in Interior Design and a type-A personality, setting up a space where I enjoyed spending time on task was crucial. Organizing is fun for me and when I get in the “zone,” there’s no stopping me. It’s like an itch I can’t not scratch. Just ask my husband! After learning about how environments - indoor and outdoor - have strong effects on our emotions, behaviors, and moods, I vowed to create life-giving spaces wherever I went.

I also realize everyone works differently and the area in which you work can look quite different if you start comparing them. One of my favorite projects I worked on at university was an educational facility. My concept centered around “bringing the outdoors in” because in my experience, there wasn’t enough of that going on in the buildings I was visiting on campus. One of the largest elements I focused on was creating unique study spots so all different personality types could find a fit. Some invited community and groups while others were more secluded for individual work time. All this to say, the way you set up a space can contribute to its intended purpose if it’s thoroughly thought through.

Now that you know a bit of my background and maybe trust me a bit more, I want to share some practical things you can implement to create an inspiring workspace of your own.

Deem a space “yours.”

Notice I said space, not spare bedroom with a polished desk and bookcase! This can be an entire room, part of a room, a corner in your living room, or a chair at your dining room table. Wherever you decide on, create a nook where you set up shop and can go to get things accomplished. Have fun with it and make a nameplate if it gets you excited to work there!

If you live with others, let them know where you chose to work and think about setting some boundaries for that space. If I am in my office space, my husband rarely interrupts because he knows when I’m there I am focused and on task!

Limit the mess.

I believe all things have a place, but especially when it comes to your workspace. Clutter is very distracting and can steal productivity right out from under you! It’s okay to have a junk drawer (or closet) where you can hide stuff away and out of sight. It doesn’t have to be perfectly spotless, but if you feel yourself lacking concentration, re-evaluate.

Distractions can also be linked to our phones if they aren’t being used for work. If you find yourself scrolling or constantly checking for notifications, then uninstall the app, turn on airplane mode, and set it aside!

Think about color.

I had to dig back into my college archives for my “Color Theory” lecture notes for tips on this one! Have you ever noticed how most fast food restaurants have red in their logo? That’s because the color red can be linked to passion, excitement, or stimulation. Color is an element that can impact your mood greatly and it’s an important aspect to consider when creating a space you frequent. You can dive deep into color theory, so if you want more insight into the research and psychology behind color, I found this article super helpful. If you want some bullet points to follow, here are some practical tips.

Choose colors you are drawn to.
Consider colors that have a calming effect.
Less is often more and simple is best.
Adopt my own personal motto: “when in doubt, grey it out!”

Visual Motivation.

I’m a pen and paper person when it comes to dreaming, drawing, or scheming. I have always been a visual person and as things have become more digital by the day, that desire for tangibility has become even greater. This is also true for my workspace. Since I was a little girl, I would flip through magazines, cut out inspirational images, and hang them where I could see them.

These images can be anything. Quotes, future vacation spots, loved ones, or yummy foods. I try and think through the life I want to achieve by the work I am doing. It also helps me remember why I do what I do. The “why” behind what we do leads us to how we do it. The why helps keep us grounded and focused on our mission.

Keep it at an arm's reach.

This is a pretty simple concept, but it’s still worth noting because it may skyrocket your productivity. We probably all have work supplies that we use anywhere from every day to once a month. It’s important to think through your work and make a list of the items you might need to stock. Here are some ideas: notebooks, pens, a planner, tape, sticky notes, mailing supplies, a stapler, or a printer. Remember to forget the clutter, so focus on quality over quantity. Stock only the essentials and if you find you're getting up multiple times to grab something, should that thing be moved closer to you? This can help with your overall efficiency as well.

Okay, now that we all have workspaces that encourage, inspire, and motivate, I also want to provide a few tools I use to spark creativity when I am struggling or just need some pretties to look at.

Pinterest. By now, we all know and love this resource, but I remember how excited I was when this first launched. It helps me visualize a look or feel I can’t quite put into words. Create a workspace board with some inspirational images, then use them to create your own spin on it! The thing about other designs is it usually won’t turn out the same as you see it, but that’s okay! It’s yours, which is an even better version!
A Simplified Life, by Emily Ley. This book is a great resource for implementing intentional living habits. Emily discusses a range of topics from space and style to meals or technology.
Magazines. I know this may make me sound old school, but I am a sucker for print products, including, but not limited to, journals, planners, & magazines. Local magazines are usually free or less expensive. I also like to flip through magazines at the grocery store or Barnes & Noble before purchasing to make sure it’s something I connect with. You can also recycle magazines and utilize them to create vision boards for motivation and encouragement!