The Power of Productivity: Can Your Surroundings Affect Your Work?

Productivity is a hot topic, especially in today’s fast-paced society where everyone seems to be working harder and longer hours than ever before. But have you ever stopped to consider whether your productivity could be influenced by the people around you? According to Kelly Forrister at DavidCo, this is a very real possibility.

In her blog post, Forrister suggests that just like social ties affecting obesity, the people we surround ourselves with could also impact our productivity. If we are constantly surrounded by disorganized and unproductive individuals, we may subconsciously adopt their behaviors and become less productive ourselves. On the other hand, if we surround ourselves with productive and motivated individuals, our own levels of productivity could be boosted.

This theory is supported by a comment made during one of Forrister’s seminars. A participant proudly declared that her email inbox was at zero when she walked into the room, only to be met with a snarky remark from another participant who suggested that she must not have enough to do. This highlights the unfortunate reality that sometimes, those who strive to be productive and organized can be seen as outcasts in a disorganized environment.

So, what can we do to ensure that our surroundings are conducive to productivity? One solution is to seek out like-minded individuals who are also interested in productivity and organization, either in person or online. This can help us to form a supportive community where we can share ideas and strategies for staying on top of our work.

Speaking of online communities, there are several social networks and groups that focus on productivity, including GTD (Getting Things Done). While these may not have the same impact as surrounding ourselves with productive individuals in person, they can still provide a positive influence and help us stay motivated.

Some popular GTD groups include:

– Facebook
– Yahoo!
– Virb
– 43things
– DavidCo
– Flickr [PileOfIndexCards]
– Moleskinerie (not productivity focused)

If you are interested in joining a GTD group, it may be worth exploring each of these options to see which one is the best fit for you. Keep in mind that some groups may be more active than others, so it may require some trial and error to find one that is right for you.

In addition to seeking out productive individuals and groups, there are other steps we can take to create a productive environment for ourselves. This could include decluttering our workspace, creating a schedule or to-do list, and eliminating distractions such as social media and email notifications. By taking these steps, we can create a space where we can focus on our work and be more productive.

Overall, the idea that our surroundings can impact our productivity is certainly worth considering. By surrounding ourselves with productive individuals and seeking out supportive communities, we can create an environment that helps us stay motivated and on track. Whether it’s in person or online, finding a community of like-minded individuals can make all the difference when it comes to achieving our goals and staying productive.