The conditions we need to succeed in business

Creating Ideal Conditions for Business Success

The extraordinary composer P. Tchaikovsky said:

“If we wait for the mood, without endeavouring to meet it halfway, we easily become indolent and apathetic.”

Creating, making, making connections with others, showing up, it all requires effort.

Of course there are times when we can do some things more easily than others (see my obsession with seasonal and cyclical living). But we can’t organise all of our work entirely around cyclical living - sometimes we have deadlines or pressures that have to be met.

Today, let's explore the significance of creating ideal conditions for our work and what it takes to achieve them.

Let’s consider:

1. Time of day - Are you a morning person or a night owl? Identify when you're most productive.

2. Physical space - Find a workspace that suits your needs, whether it's a cosy cafe, a quiet corner at home, or a bustling co-working space.

3. Other people - Determine if you work better alone or in a collaborative environment.

4. Resources - List the tools and resources essential for your work, from technology to stationery.

5. Routine or lack of it - Decide whether a structured routine or a more flexible approach suits you.

Now, let’s get specific. Which of these aspects can you control, and which need flexibility? As an example, I KNOW that my optimum conditions are fairly specific. My ideal workday involves:

• A cafe setting: I thrive in a cafe that serves good coffee, is reasonably buzzy, but not too distracting (not many kids). I will have walked there listening to a podcast, in workout gear so I walk quickly. This gets my brain going and makes me feel alive before I need to sit and concentrate.

• Background noise: I wear headphones, spoken words in background (not that I necessarily listen to it but it helps my ADHD tendencies brain work).

• Essential tools: I ensure my laptop is charged, I have my iPad Pro with Apple Pencil to take notes, and also my planner and pens. Not forgetting the most important tool - Trello so I know what to work on.

• Movement breaks: I don't need loads of breaks (as a teacher we don't really get them and are used to flitting from task to task), but I do need to move my body at least once every hour, if only to stretch.

• Hydration and nutrition: I do need to remember to drink water and eat regularly. These are crucial!

I suppose my perfect work day is drop off kids, walk to cafe, work, bus home, time to do some house-min, time to do nothing, get kids from school.

Obviously not every day can be crafted in that way, so what are your non-negotiables? For me, it’s Trello, a stretch, keeping hydrated, charged laptop, and my trusty headphones.

Now ask yourself: What are the optimum conditions you need, and how can you make them happen? Is it better for you to work 5 short days or 2 long ones? Is investing in a posh coffee machine not really worth it if you enjoy the art of an expert making one for you (I do!)? What are the minimum resources you actually need (as in Trello, phone, headphones, and laptop for me)? When do you work best?

Ultimately, understanding and prioritising the conditions that enable your best work can significantly impact your success in business. Don't wait for the perfect mood—proactively create the conditions you need to thrive.

I’d love to chat more about this with you in the comments below. Come and share your perfect conditions with me.

With love,

Laura x

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If you enjoyed reading this blog post, here’s a few more that you may find useful for your creative small business:

1. The importance of creating as a creative

2. 8 useful writing prompts for when you can’t think of anything to blog about

3. Having multiple jobs does not mean you’re cheating