Create An Oasis where you can

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day and she said that since she has such a long commute to the office each day that she brews her favorite coffee each morning, puts it in her favorite mug, brings her favorite CD, eats her favorite breakfast food: pop-tarts, opens her sunroof and makes the most of it.

This conversation made me think about how infrequently we make the most of our surroundings. Really what she had done was create a little oasis in her car with all her favorite things.

Same deal with a client of mine who was setting up a home office. I said, what would make that environment so inviting you actually wanted to work in it. We talked about natural light coming in, music he liked, pictures of people he admired, a comfortable chair and a couch, plants, a dart board, a personal coffee maker and a printer right beside him so he never had to get up. You can imagine that once all this is setup, it will be a dramatic difference from the typical cubical that lacks all comfort and creativity.

I have a surfboard on the wall in my office to remind me of my love of travel (and that I need to get going to pay for that next trip). I have a stereo, a fridge, pictures of my grandfather (who inspires me), a whiteboard with quotes that inspire me, natural light, a table with all the thank you cards I've gotten over the years. Trying to live up to my own ideas.

Why don't people get more deliberate about their work and play environments? I think its because we are so busy we don't stop to consider how we can simply, and easily, make the little moments and environs better. Why not take a moment to consider what parts of your house, office or car you hate and see if you can't brighten them up with some of your favorite things!