Shaking Up Routines to Spur Productivity and Creativity

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As I was going through a pile of articles that got misfiled, I ran across Productivity Without Electricity. I found it interesting not so much from the perspective of being without power and the alternative uses of time, but from the perspective of what happens when we shake up our routines.

One of the most productive programming sessions I have ever had was when I picked up everything and took over a carrel at the local library. Away from the distractions of noise and the internet, I was able to crank out code at an amazing rate. Lately I have taken my computer out into our gazebo and worked there, writing while absorbing the natural world around me.

These change of sceneries are definitely the spur for creativity, but I wondered if it could be downsized? I can’t very well pick up at work and go out into the parking lot. I can, however, change the usual screens for my applications as a way to spur things on. (Please note I run a dual-monitor system at work). I tried it, and I was able to get past a snarly logic problem that had me stumped the day before.

It is an interesting thought. If I am stuck and not making much progress, I need to look for ways I can change things up a bit to see if it will jar me loose. If nothing else, it will keep things from getting monotonous.