As the cooler air of fall settles in, it feels like the perfect time for a reset. I’m currently writing this from a very cluttered desk and a messy office—thanks to a recent decision to move some furniture around. Was the mess inspiration for this week's newsletter? Perhaps. Has it made it harder to concentrate and write? Most definitely.
Maybe it’s the back-to-school energy in the air or the promise of a fresh start after summer’s chaos, but like a lot of us, I feel this urge to declutter and organize when fall rolls around. There’s something about this time of year that feels like an opportunity to reorganize your space and reignite our focus. It’s like nature’s nudge, reminding us that with every season change, we have a chance to refresh. And, believe it or not, this simple truth points to something powerful: our environment shapes how we think, act, and ultimately succeed.
Understanding Environment Design: The Key to Building Better Habits
Environment design might sound fancy, but it’s just about setting up your space—both physical and digital—in a way that helps you become your best self. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, puts it, “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.” By being mindful of how we arrange our surroundings, we can nudge ourselves toward the habits and mindset that help us thrive.
The Power of Environment Design
The Broken Windows Theory: Ever notice how one small mess can lead to a chain reaction of clutter? Psychologist Philip Zimbardo’s research on the Broken Windows Theory showed that even one visible sign of disorder—like a broken window—invites more chaos. In our own lives, this happens when small messes—like a cluttered counter or laundry pile—spiral into bigger patterns of neglect. The takeaway? Small messes matter. Tackling them early keeps our spaces from turning into overwhelming disasters, and that clarity helps us feel more in control.
Sensory Optimization: Your senses are the gateway to your productivity and mood. Ever walked into a room with natural light, a calming scent, and soft music playing? It instantly feels different, right? That’s sensory optimization at work. Whether it’s using lavender to calm your nerves, citrus to boost energy, or creating a playlist that keeps you in the zone, the right sensory setup can make your environment work for you. It’s like giving yourself a small boost of motivation without even trying.
Minimalism: Minimalism is more than just decluttering—it’s about creating space for what truly matters. When your environment is packed with distractions, it’s hard to focus on your goals. But by reducing clutter and simplifying, you give yourself mental space to breathe. A minimalist approach doesn’t mean stripping everything away; it means keeping only what serves you. Whether that’s a clean kitchen to make meal prep easier or a tidy space for better sleep, minimalism helps create environments that support your healthiest habits. It’s clarity, focus, and peace wrapped into one.
6 Practical Ways to Design Your Space for Success
- Create Visual Cues: Want to work out more? Place your workout gear where you’ll see it every day. Looking to eat healthier? Keep a bowl of fruit in sight. When your goals are front and center, they’re harder to ignore.
- Eliminate Negative Triggers: If your kitchen is full of junk food, it’s going to be harder to resist. Instead, stock your fridge and pantry with nutritious options that make healthy choices a no-brainer.
- Designate Spaces for Specific Activities: Just like I have a spot for client calls and a corner for workouts, designate areas in your home for specific tasks. Whether it’s a reading nook for winding down before bed or a standing desk for work, giving every habit a home makes it easier to follow through.
- Practice Inbound Minimalism: Be thoughtful about what you bring into your space. Whether it’s new workout gear or kitchen gadgets, focus on quality over quantity. This helps you stay intentional about your environment and your habits.
- Outbound Minimalism: For every new thing you bring in, let go of something old. It’s an easy way to keep clutter in check and ensures you’re only keeping what adds value to your life—including tools that help you stay healthy and organized.
- Incorporate Movement Breaks: Design your space to support regular movement throughout the day. Whether it’s a yoga mat by your desk or space for a quick workout, making movement part of your environment helps both body and mind stay sharp.
The Link Between Environment, Mindset, and Achieving Your Goals
It’s easy to underestimate the impact our surroundings have on our mindset. A cluttered, chaotic space can make us feel scattered and overwhelmed, while a clean, organized environment brings calm and focus. Think about it—when your space is clear, you have more mental bandwidth to focus on your goals. Whether it’s prepping healthy meals, planning your workouts, or ensuring a good night’s sleep, an intentional environment makes the right choice the easy choice.
Even small changes—like setting out your workout gear the night before or creating a cozy sleep environment—can make a big difference. These seemingly tiny tweaks build momentum, helping you reinforce positive habits over time.
Bringing It Home
As we lean into this season of change, let’s also think about how we can design our environments for success. It’s not just about tidying up, it’s about creating a space that empowers us to show up as our best selves every day. What’s one small tweak you can make to your space today to set yourself up for success tomorrow?
Here’s to a fall filled with intention, clarity, and a little less clutter!
