We often discuss mindset, discipline, goals, and consistency when we talk about personal development and success. But one silent killer of motivation is rarely discussed: your environment.
Your environment your physical environment, digital environment, and the people around you can both trigger and destroy your motivation. In this blog post, we will explore how your environment may be sabotaging your motivation without your knowledge, and more importantly, we will focus on how you can take control of it so you can develop a space that triggers your success.
1. The Role of Environment on Human Behavior
Environment plays a significant role in behavior. The environment influences what we think, what we feel, and eventually what we do. Research in behavioral psychology has shown that people are generally more likely to stay committed to their goals when their environment reflects their goals.
For example, research from Stanford University shows how the cues in your environment can trigger habits – both positive and negative. A cluttered room can subconsciously be a signal of chaos and overwhelm, a clean and variable space can create a feeling of clarity and focus.
2. Signs Your Environment is Sapping Your Motivation
You may be oblivious to it – but these signs show that your environment could be stealing your motivation:
- Constant noise or distractions
- A messy or cluttered physical workspace
- Negative or toxic people close to you
- A distractive digital space (social media notifications, updates, etc.)
- Not enough inspiring visual cues (quotes, vision boards or progress trackers).
Motivation doesn’t erode overnight; it’s the byproduct of all those unnoticed ends of the spectrum around us, eroding our sense of determination day by day.
3. How People Shape Your Motivation
You are the average of the 5 people you hang out with most. If you are surrounded by negative people, who make excuses, and are lazy, it is next to impossible to stay inspired. Energy is contagious.
Action Step:
- Start curating your circle. Find those people that lift you up, challenge you and support your goals. You may be uncomfortable, however it will be worth it.
4. Cleaning Up Your Physical Space
Disorganization, uninspiring, and chaotic physical space can work against you focusing your energy. A few ideas:
- De-Clutter: Throw away what does not serve a purpose.
- Organize: Set up a workspace that you are excited to work in, study in, or be creative in.
- Light & Air: Make sure there is natural light and fresh air coming in. These can elevate mood and enhance focus.
- Inspiration: Add positive motivation quotes, a collage of goals, or really anything that gives off a positivity vibe.
5. Shaping Your Digital Environment
Your phones and computers can be either tools or traps, so as a means of protecting your motivation you must:
- Change your notifications
- Unfollow or mute things that are creating negativity
- Use productivity tools (website blockers, focus timers, and minimalist workspaces)
- Follow inspiring creators that match your passion and mission
6. Mental Environment: The Back Layer
Your own internal dialogue is also part of your environment. If your self talk is filled with doubt or fear, motivation cannot persist.
Action Step:
- Practice affirmations or journaling
- Do a daily check-in on yourself and ask, “Is this thought helping me or hurting me?
7. Create a Space of Your Future
Ask yourself this question. Is your current space the embodiment of the person you want to become? If the answer is ‘no,’ it’s time to develop one. You don’t have to replace everything today. Decide to change one small thing; one habit, part of your space or relationships.
Motivation never lives in disorganization. Motivation lives in intention and clarity.
Final Thoughts
You no longer have to rely on willpower alone. When you create a space physically, digitally and socially that fulfills your dreams, your motivation becomes automatic.
Remember: when you change your space, you can change your life.
Get started today.
