How to Engineer the Attentional Feng Shui of a Room
Attentional Feng Shui is the practice of purposefully and beneficially architecting the attentional landscape of a room to emphasize your priorities. The how-to section is at the very end, and you’re welcome to skip directly to it. In the mean time, let’s talk about…
False Dichotomies
In a self-help climate that favors the mind over the body, the non-physical over the physical, and heaven over earth, it can be easy to forget that physical environments have a very real affect on us. And they should. While The Secret tells us that “thoughts become things,”? it is also true that “things become thoughts.”? And whereas the Emerald Tablet is often quoted as saying “as above, so below,”? authors too often neglect the tablet’s follow-up: “as below, so above.”?
People are quick to point out that our environments are products of our creation, and that we should look past external circumstances. They are right, of course, but this is only a partial truth that ignores the dynamic interchange between physical and non-physical realms. The influence and casualty runs in both directions (from physical to non-physical, and vice-versa) and I’m glad it does.
I began thinking about all this as a result of an article written about . . .
The Relationship Between Large Monitors and Increased Productivity
The productivity blogosphere recently went nuts over a University of Utah study demonstrating that larger monitors can result in hours of additional productivity per work day. Researchers had participants perform tasks like copying numbers between spreadsheets on one of three sized monitors: an 18-inch monitor, a 24-inch monitor, and two 20-inch monitors. The experimenters concluded that a larger monitor could save 2.5 hours per day. (For a discussion about why this study doesn’t apply to most people, see the comments section below). I can’t imagine the number of spouses cajoled into new monitor purchases with this study.
Anyway, after reading the study I went out and purchased this . . .
At first it was great! I couldn’t keep my eyes off the computer and couldn’t stop focusing on work. And then things got really bad: I couldn’t keep my eyes off the computer and couldn’t stop working (the computer’s located in my bedroom). Anyway, every email, every tweet, EVERYTHING took up more psychological space. I was more focused on computer-based work activities than ever before.
My computer had become the 1000 pound gorilla in the room because the large monitor consumed heaps of . . .
Attentional Resources
During workdays, the larger monitor did make me significantly more productive. Because of the monitor’s increased presence, it became easier to focus on computer tasks in the midst of clutter and other distractions. The larger monitor also eliminated the need to constantly open and close needed windows because it allowed for several to be open simultaneously. But the 1,000 pound gorilla began sitting wherever it wanted to, and it became a salient symbol of work left unfinished.
Anyway, all of this got me thinking about . . .
The Attention Landscape of My Room
In any physical space, there are a variety of things competing for our attention. Generally speaking, things that move or make noise take up more space while things that remain still do not. When I switched from a 14-inch monitor to a 22-inch monitor, the attentional landscape of my room changed significantly. It’s not that I’m against large monitors, in fact I’m now very happy about my large screen. But for a brief period, the attention economy of my room was off. (The large monitor wouldn’t have been a problem at all in an office, but in a bedroom it presented a problem).
The moral: in the bedroom, bigger isn’t always better.
The solution turned out to be pretty interesting. I moved a plant, coved up the monitor with a Guatemalan textile when necessary, re-positioned my vision board, etc.
In the process, I ended up learning quite a bit about . . .
How to Engineer the Attentional Feng Shui of a Room
Attentional Feng Shui is the practice of purposefully and beneficially architecting the attentional landscape of a room in a manner that reflects your priorities and consistently aids you in attending to the things you most care about.
There’s a very real value that comes with being able to manipulate your attention with external cues. Indeed, because attention magnifies the value of your time, I consider Attentional Feng Shui to be a time management tool.
Here’s an oversimplified, but hopefully helpful, guide to attentional Feng Shui architecture…
Step 1
Look at you room and notice the things that immediately command your attention. Notice both objects (e.g. plants, television screen, bed, etc.) but also general impressions (e.g. disorganization).
Step 2
Decide which of the noticed items and objects merit de-emphasis, and then deemphasize them. You can deemphasize objects by moving them, covering them (putting a cloth over your television), hiding them, etc. You can also deemphasize objects by increasing the salience of other objects competing for your attention.
If nothing sticks out except clutter, then stronger medicine might be necessary.
[Side note: My favorite clutter solution is a daily de-cluttering "power hour." During this hour, I do nothing but single-mindedly clean at breakneck speed. I don’t answer phones, I don’t listen to books on tape, I don’t check email. It’s a sprint, and it’s fun.]
Step 3
Review your goals, and make sure they’re reflected in the layout of your room. Try to physically represent goals to the extent possible, making sure that your most important goals are represented in a manner proportional to their importance.
Recognize that every room has its own attention economy. Make sure your priorities are noticed: vision boards and visual mantras are both very good in this regard. Set the background of your computer to something significant. Play music that helps you focus, prominently display your calendar, etc.
Step 4
Create the proper “balance of power” by including important objects, sights, and sounds that might not be related to your goals. If your desk includes only a computer and a calendar, then you may be projecting a work for work’s sake attitude. Try including a plant or a picture of loved-ones so that the focus of work is balanced out by a focus on nature and family.
Now go harness your chi and get to work!
Prevent your attentional chi from slipping into oblivion by subscribing to The Growing Life.
Photos by Makkididge, Ikelee, Clay Collins, and Arun Kumar Sinha (in that order).
[tags]feng shui, attention, large monitors, time management, productivity[/tags]
Tom Stine said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Can I relate to the big monitor! I have a 30″ Apple. It is a work of art. But honestly, I haven’t used it in 6 months. I discovered that I’m far more productive putting my laptop on my…. wait for it…. LAP! Who’d a thunk? I sit in the living room, on a comfy couch, and work. My shoulder pain is gone, I’m happier, my butt is less tired, I’m sitting next to a gorgeous Norfolk Island Pine, you name it. Much better. I’m gonna eBay the 30″. But it is a beauty.
Charlie Gilkey | Productive Flourishing said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Excellent post, Clay. I recently moved my office downstairs in the room we just finished, hooked my laptop up to my 20″ monitor, and immediately went to work. I couldn’t stop. And then it got excessive.
Then I moved back to typing on my little MacBook. Result? I get as much as I need to done in a more sustainable way. And I enjoy it more.
By the way, I love how each of your posts end in a subscription request relevant to the topic at hand. Very nice touch.
Hunter Nuttall said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Tom, I thought I was the only one who kept my laptop on my lap! Actually, most of the time it’s next to my lap, beside me on the couch. I definitely prefer a comfy couch to an office chair.
Clay, very original post. My favorite part is actually all the stuff in the beginning that you gave us permission to skip.
Art Gonzalez said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
Great tips on improving one´s workplace. I did experience a jump on my comfort level and productivity when I switched from a HP L1706 17″ monitor to a HP LP2465 24″. My kids have also enjoyed the extra “landscape” for their PC games.
Many blessings,
Art Gonzalez
Check my Squidoo Lens at: Quantum Knights
Vered@MomGrind said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
My home office is pretty sparse. The idea of balancing out the focus on work with a focus on nature and family is great. I have a couple of frames childhood pictures that I’ve been meaning to hang on the wall, over my desk.
I’m on it. :)
Laurie said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 4:54 pm
I fully realize that I’m a fourteen-year-old boy, but this made me laugh really hard:
In the bedroom, bigger isn’t always better.
I think there are some who would beg to differ…
Jonathan from JonathanMead.com said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
I’ve recently got into trying to balance the functional energy of my workspace and other spaces as well. I think it’s important to have the energy flowing naturally and creatively.
In my workspace I’ve done this by clearing out all the clutter and only having one thing out to work on at a time (the one that’s the most important). I’ve recently brought in some plants and am working on getting some new photos in.
Great advice, timeless wisdom, shifted into a different perspective.
Adam King said,
Wrote on April 9, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
I am in the process of doing this in my shop. I take one area at a time. It has really improved the work flow. After reading this, however, I am looking around the desk……uhhh…..yeah, I’m gonna have to do something about all of this! Great post! Very informative. Thank you.
Evelyn Lim said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 12:48 am
What a hilarious post!!
Alright, here’s what I’ve long decided. The worst place to have my PC in is the bedroom. I would simply be glued to the monitor all night long. I’m not sure if it adds to productivity. Time on the PC does not necessarily mean time well spent.
A monk advised me, however, to place a stalk of flower on my desk in the PC. He said that it would help to counteract any negative radiative energies. It would also be helpful in the balancing of mood and as a reminder of love and joy. How appropiate, I thought, since I’ve started to focus more of my work on my self help site.
Thanks for sharing, Clay. Great post!!
Evelyn
Daniel | Winning Everyone said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 1:43 am
Woah. I don’t mind having that uber huge giant-fish-tank of a LCD screen plastered on my wall. Haha.
I have a 22″ LCD monitor by ACER that fills my desk now. It’s pretty neat. And does help solving some space problem by forcing me to shift my desktop to another place just to make space on my table for that screen. :)
Lynda said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 7:26 am
What a great way to start my day! I couldn’t agree more with the other commenters and with this Feng Shui post as a while. Get those computers out of your bedroom! We all work enough without having to seal in work energy into the space where we’re supposed to be relaxing. The instant I removed by computer from my bedroom, I felt a difference immediately. Come to http://www.ArtOfPlacement.com for more great advice.
Pat R said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Great post, Clay. I work off my laptop from my kitchen table that’s in need of a Feng Shui overhauling. Can’t imagine what it would feel like working from the wonder of a 22-inch monitor. Whew!
Your post is just the nudge I need to get to that spring cleaning and decluttering. There’s a freeing of the spirit when you get rid of all the old stuff.
Barbara Swafford said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
Hi Clay,
I’ve dabbled in Feng Shui over the years. With it being a 5000 year old Chinese philosophy that’s stood the test of time, I’m beginning to believe there’s some truth to it.
I work with a 22″ monitor (in my office), and when I’m using split screens/browsers, it’s phenomenal. Such a time saver.
Now if I can just figure out a way to make all of this paperwork that’s on my desk disappear,(and magically file itself) my chi could flow without any distractions.
Clay Collins said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
@Adam: Good luck to you. I love woodworking and carpentry studios and wish I had one of my own. Your work looks awesome, by the way.
Clay Collins said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
@Laurie: I’m really glad someone got it, because it was rather intentional :-).
Clay Collins said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
@Jonathan: Yeah, plans, pictures, etc. are really important. It’s nice to have symbols of the bigger picture around as we work. For me that definately includes family.
Clay Collins said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
@Charlie: I love little stories like this. Advertisers and companies often force feed us with information that simply isn’t true. Less often is more.
Clay Collins said,
Wrote on April 10, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
@Tom: Gorgeous Norfolk Island Pine? Nice. I’m really surprised that there’ve been so many similar experiences to my own.
@Stephen | Productivity in Context said,
Wrote on April 11, 2008 @ 6:05 am
I have too much crap on my desk. When I get back from SOBCon I am going to get a second monitor to attach to my laptop, then I will be forced to move the extraneous supplies, index cards, etc.
Then I will be able to really crank out some widgets!
Michael Moniz said,
Wrote on April 15, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Such great ideas here! Really allows you to live more intentionally.
Paul Montwill | SwitchStories.com said,
Wrote on April 22, 2008 @ 8:45 am
I was considering a big screen but maybe I don’t really need it as Spaces in Leopard works great. But I do care to have a minimum of things on my desk - some sheets of paper for sketching and a few pencils. As I have a big desk this space allows me to be creative.