Chapter9: HowtoFindYourOptimalWorkEnvironmentandBoostProductivity 93 productivityandareverypersonal.Ialwaysthoughtitwasstrangetolikehaving TVrerunsoninthebackgroundwhileIworkuntilIlearnedentrepreneurNate Kontny does this, too. Nate built the first version of Draft while watching The WestWing,becausehefoundthatworkedwellforhim. “I knowthisisn’trealcommon,butI’vealwaysbeenprettygoodabout working while watching television. It can’t be some really cerebral show that I’ve never seen before, but things like re-runs of Felicity or West Wing are perfect. The core of Draft was built while watching theentireseasonofWestWingoveragainat1AM.”-NateKontnyon the Brightpod blog Aside from TV, others like working with music on, though some need com- plete silence to concentrate. The type of work you’re doing can change what sounds make you most productive, too. One study published by the Journal of Consumer Research found that creative work is easier amongst ambient noise, which encourages us to think outside the box. If that’s you, check out an app called Coffivity, which offers soundtracks such as “Morning Murmur” and “Lunchtime Lounge”. Silence is more suited to work that requires deep focus rather than creative thinking. And if you like working to music, your own preferences will obviously play a part in what you choose to listen to. Lastly, pay attention to howmuchlightyourworkspacehas,andhowitaffects your productivity. I tend to need more natural light when I’m working than others, so I look for spaces to work near windows. On the other hand, a study published by the Journal of Consumer Research found that our creative thinking is enhanced by dim lighting, which helps us to feel less inhibited. So test out your own preferences if you’re not sure about them, but keep in mind the type of work you’re doing when you adjust your workspace, as well.