Boost Your Focus: Why the Right Workspace Matters for Each Task
Have you ever tried tackling a complex project from the comfort of your sofa, only to find yourself scrolling through your phone minutes later? Certain spaces seem to foster focus, while others are distraction traps. A comfy chair is great for relaxing but isn’t ideal for serious work or study. If you’re struggling to complete a task, consider changing to a more suitable location. Building awareness of how different locations impact your focus can help you choose the best environment for each task.
Choose the right space for each type of work
Different types of tasks thrive in different environments. From my own experience, I’ve found it helpful to adjust my location to fit the task. It helps me focus more quickly and stay focused on what I’m working on.
Collaborative work is often more effective in person than remotely. For example, rather than setting up a formal Zoom call with your manager—which can default to a 30-minute meeting—stopping by their desk for a 5-minute chat can be more efficient. On the other hand, deep work that requires focus is usually best done in a quiet, distraction-free home office.
Similarly, when I was a full time student, I preferred to study in the library, rather than in my room. The atmosphere of having other students around helped me to focus on my task. I would often run into classmates to chat about the work or ask questions. Studying at the library also gave me motivation to work efficiently so I didn’t need to spend longer than necessary on the task.
Tying rituals to locations
The idea of linking a task to a specific location and time is explored by Cal Newport in his book Slow Productivity. Newport suggests you ‘put tasks on autopilot’ to reduce the mental load of recurring admin or project tasks. For instance, try doing your weekly expenses after lunch on Fridays in the office kitchen, then reward yourself with a coffee before returning to your desk. Or, each Monday morning, start by updating project management trackers. This technique of scheduling a recurring task in a dedicated location leverages rituals and spaces to help you fall into a regular rhythm. The combination of ritual and location makes it more likely you’ll accomplish the task week after week without overthinking.
This technique is particularly effective for tasks that are necessary, but not particularly enjoyable. If you can connect a regularly recurring task block to a specific location, perhaps paired with a little ritual that helps initiate your efforts, you’re likely to fall into a regular rhythm of accomplishing this work. The combination of ritual and location makes it more likely you will actually do that task, week after week, without actually thinking much about it.
Context switching
Context switching means associating certain spaces with specific tasks. When you step into that location, you immediately connect it with the relevant task, helping you get into the right mindset. This is obvious when going to a physical office for work, but you can also create spaces at home that signal different tasks. For example, a comfortable chair next to a bookshelf might signal reading time.
For computer-based work, rather than setting up a generic home office with plain shelves and neutral decor, consider tailoring the space to support the work you do. If you work as an aviation engineer, add model airplanes to your desk. For me, I keep inspiring books on my home office desk (mainly on self-improvement, productivity, wellness, and personal effectiveness). When I was a student, I found it helpful to study at the university library among focused classmates and shelves of books.
Final thoughts
Thinking carefully about the right location for each task has been a powerful productivity boost for me. Now, whenever I’m struggling to focus, I consciously consider whether a change in location might help. This small adjustment has made it easier for me to focus quickly, minimising distractions and cutting down on procrastination.