The Power of Creating a Dedicated Space for Focus, Creativity, and Deep Work

Here’s where we do creative work.
Here’s where we assess product quality.
Here’s where I do workouts.
Here’s where I do deep work.
Here’s where we do “this” work.

In this article, I explore why assigning a physical or virtual space to specific work can dramatically improve focus, creativity, and productivity. And how I do it.

Why a Space Matters

Assigning a space for certain work is a powerful technique known as environmental affordance. It removes obstacles and restrictions, creating both a psychological and physical connection to the task at hand.

I use this idea both personally and professionally. Every team I manage has a dedicated place for important work. I also have spaces for my own activities: consulting, writing, music, art, and relaxation.

Even in a remote world, you can carve out a virtual space for “this” work.

Examples in Action

A few years back, as Vice President, we created a room dedicated solely to creative problem solving.

• No meetings.
• No calls.
• No HR sessions.
• Just creative problem solving.

Over time, the team added:

• Whiteboards and sticky notes
• Inspiring quotes and mood lighting
• Prototyping materials

It became the go-to space for generating ideas, collaborating, and thinking differently.

In another company, we created a learning space: comfy furniture, bookshelves, paper, and mood lighting. Again, only for learning.

My Personal Studio

I'm blessed and lucky to have my own office/studio. This is my overall dedicated space but even within this I have zones for specific activities. By zoning in this way, I can maximise each space - and the purpose it serves.

Consulting and coaching – I have a dedicated standing desk used for work. Consulting, coaching, networking, virtual presentations. As the ceiling is quite low, and I am quite tall – I do look like a giant sometimes. Of course, I can put the desk down and sit.

Digital work – The desk on the right hand side is for creative work. Writing, podcasting (although I often use the standing desk for this 😄) - this is where I write, create books, edit films, edit podcasts and create.

Music and reading – a comfy chair for relaxation

Analogue work and art – I have a writing bureau just for my analogue work and stationery. After all, I do co-host the Stationery Freaks podcast.

No tech, just paper, typewriter, and art supplies

YouTube recording – under construction!

You don’t need a large studio or garden office – I'm extremely grateful for this space. Even a small, dedicated area works fine too.

How It Works

When you assign a space to a specific task, you prime yourself to do that work:

• Remove distractions
• Remove anything unrelated to the activity
• Design the space to support focus, creativity, or relaxation

It’s the same idea as time-blocking. You’re creating a physical boundary for your activity and priming your brain to do a certain activity whilst there.

Even simple habits, like laying out gym shoes the night before work on the same principle: reduce friction and make the desired action easier.

Consider the Environment

Think about:

• Natural light
• Comfort
• Noise levels
• Visual and tactile distractions

Sleep specialists recommend removing TVs and phones from bedrooms. The principle is identical: create a space that supports the activity you want to do.

Make sure you have your supplies, are comfortable, have appropriate lighting and it feels conducive to getting the task/work/activity done.

Key Takeaway

Create a space — no matter how small — for your most important work or activities.

“When I’m here, I do this work.”

It’s simple, powerful, and flexible:

• Physical or virtual
• Professional or personal
• Creative, analytical, or restorative

Environmental affordance works. Play with it, and watch your focus, productivity, and creativity improve.