Where do you do your best work?

We are told the greatest “creatives” ensure they get ten minutes thinking time daily, but how do we take that concept and develop a mindset that is even more meaningful whilst still part of our daily routine?

How often do we idly clock-watch – tasks ever increasing – but motivation at a low? Why don’t more of us do the school run (by choice because it’s a good thing to do), enjoy watching THAT hockey match guilt free; all the while knowing we can pick our work back up when dinner is done and the house goes quiet? Who really enjoys those “enforced” Friday afternoon trips to the pub for “bonding” when really we’d much prefer to get our work done and start the weekend early? Start the weekend; start the mower or start the car and head to the beach.

The concept of J4 Projects without an office is one which bemuses and impresses simultaneously. Whilst it takes a bit of discipline and self-control to focus on work and avoid all distractions (Test Match Special included), it allows individuals to nurture new ideas and innovations at a time of their choosing and when most focused to do so.

Why 9 to 5 with dead travel either side when a pick and choose throughout the day may be far more efficient? Why work after lunch when your concentration is poor if you are more tuned to the night and can deliver in spades (once Newsnight has finished).

Why sit in that sterile office, surrounded by wilting pot plants, feeling the blues every morning when you can sit in the conservatory, bathed in the sun, surrounded by the décor that you spent over a year to perfect?

Where do you do your best work?

For Jenny this week in the inspiring Spring sun, a client call from a viewpoint was so much more productive than sat at her desk. To explain where you are and what you’re looking at may brighten the day for both caller and client alike.

Jon worked at 125 mph as he hurtled through tunnels whilst drinking British Rail tea. In reality he likes it as an alternative to driving; it feels so stress free and the journeys feel shorter. Sometimes too short; if only he had an extra half hour on the train to finish the report. This week I parked up outside school, worked in the car and ticked “family boxes” at the same time.

Using our spare rooms, kitchen tables, trains and coffee shops instead of renting an office also has the rather positive effect of feeding back into the circular economy too. This system aims to minimise waste, and focuses on making the most of resources.

As well as nurturing life styles and wellness, circularity helps us start to address the environmental agenda which is very real and demands our attention – in our work and home lives respectively. Our sustainable working world positively enhances our output – clients often agree that having their PM hot desk in their offices means they are on tap, instantly responsive and in complete understanding of the culture of projects and organisations.

So where is your creative happy place? If swimming lengths produces new ideas or helps solves a stubborn issue, our wellness agenda is a multi-tasking marvel.

Working remotely supplies us with more benefits than just reducing our overheads; it’s apparent that J4 attracts a certain mindset. Organisational skills are a must – but the rewards are multi layered. It would seem that sparing the environment a suite of leased pot plants and a fleet of idling photocopiers helps us all breathe a little easier.