Is your environment hurting or helping you?

When I first started my solopreneurship journey, I decided to work from home instead of an office.

I’d sit at my desk, fully intending to work, but somehow, the hours slipped by. Laundry needed folding. The fridge was calling. A quick break turned into an hour of YouTube.

For weeks, I got increasingly frustrated with myself. Why couldn’t I focus? Why was I procrastinating so much? I blamed my lack of discipline, my willpower, my motivation.

Then it hit me. The problem wasn’t me. It was my environment.

I needed a place that signalled to my brain: this is where work happens.

So, I got a co-working space.

Almost immediately, my productivity went up.

Surrounded by others who were focused on their own work, I found it easier to focus on mine.

There were no distractions and my environment made the right habits effortless.

Your environment is always shaping you. If you’re struggling to be productive, build good habits, or stay motivated, take a step back and ask:

Is your environment helping me or hurting me?

It applies to more than just work.

• If you want to eat healthier, but your kitchen is full of junk food, your environment is working against you.

• If you want to exercise more, but your gym clothes are buried in the back of your closet, you’re making it harder than it needs to be.

• If you want to feel inspired, but you’re surrounded by negativity, you’re fighting an uphill battle.

Today’s prompts will help you reflect on your environment and whether it’s setting you up for success or keeping you stuck.

Today’s Prompts

Your environment

Is your environment helping me or hurting me?

Reflect on a time when a change in environment helped you.

How does your social environment affect your ambitions and mindset?

Quote of the day

“Small changes in your environment lead to big changes in your behaviour.” — James Clear

The 'If you don’t have time’ Prompt

What’s one small change you can make to your space today to help you focus?

Get the most out of your journalling:

• Choose one prompt: Focus on just one prompt each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Be brutally honest: Reflect openly and honestly. This is your safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings.

• Take your time: Sometimes it takes a few days to clarify your thinking. Here’s permission for you to take your time to unravel a prompt and not take on any new ones during that time.

• Journal your way: Whether you prefer writing, audio recording, or video, choose the method that suits you best.

• Don't stress about streaks: If you miss a day, don't worry. You can always revisit a previous prompt.

I’d love your feedback

What was your favourite prompt of the day? Is there any specific challenge you want prompts for? How can I improve the content of the newsletter? Reply this mail and let me know!