I turn around. I thought I heard a sound behind me. There’s no one there. It reminds me that it’s probably just the echoes from the past.
I’m walking, close to an elementary school, and I’m all alone. I have no idea what time it is. It seems that most people are sleeping. I can’t see a single light on in any of the houses that I’m walking past. I keep walking until I get behind the fence of the elementary school. I’m at the playground, watching the door, watching the three windows, and the fountain outside.
I can see myself as a kid. And, I’m thinking about what life used to be like, thirty years ago. I was walking the same steps as I am doing right now. My feet were so much smaller. My mind so different. But I’m still the same. I just didn’t know it back then. I’m looking through the window, and I see the chair I used to call mine. It’s in the left corner, behind the chair of a friend. I realize that I can’t remember his name. It’s thirty years ago, but I should be able to remember his name.
The reason I’m walking, and the reason I’m back at my old elementary school, is that I’ve been thinking about how great minds think, and how to create my best work possible, and how important it is to get high quality work done.
It used to be so hard.
I used to be locked inside a room all day, and asked to create and produce something brilliant. I felt like I was forced, and that people kept staring at me. They wouldn’t stop staring until I surrendered, or until I was saved by the bell.
Now, that I have started my own business, I keep testing ways to be more creative, and ways to be more productive, and walking to my old elementary school, is part research for a new novel, and part adding pieces of the past to the present and to the future.
I have always believed that work shouldn’t be forced, and not limited to time or place. In most cases, it’s not the hours that are important, but the results of what you’ve done. It wasn’t like that at the University, but it will be like that in my new business. My clients won’t care if I’m working late at night at the playground at an elementary school, wearing nothing but my pajamas or at my office, wearing a suit. Because, they’ll never know. I’m only going to reveal the results, and I’ll be sure that the results will put a smile on their faces.
Some of my best work has been created in a couch, while I have been watching TV, and using my MacBook Pro on an iLap. Some of my best work has been created while I’ve been walking for hours in a forest somewhere far away, while I have been listening to the sounds of nature, or a podcast.
While watching the chair that I used to call mine, I’m thinking about the future, and if there ever will be such a thing as the perfect work environment, or if I’ll just work wherever I feel like working, and whenever I feel like working?
I’m working at home, in a closet, I keep calling my office. I’m listening to music in headphones to keep my family from waking up, and to keep me from listening to their heavy breathing. This works great, but only for so long. I need to get outside, where motivation and inspiration always finds me. I’m using my iPhone and Evernote when it does, and I process everything when it’s time.
Twitter: hajraks
Seems like you are enjoying working from home, eh?
But isn’t working in pajamas so much fun? I recently left my day job to focus on my freelance work but I feel I need to get out. Seek inspiration and find motivation to just keep going!
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Hajra invites you to read.. Will they call you over for a Bloggers Party?
Twitter: berget
Hi Hajra,
I’m really enjoying working from home. I get to do what I love, where I love to do it. My problem is that I should get dressed as I was going to the office, and not as if I’m just woke up from bed
But, I keep walking and finind inspiration in the strangest places.
Twitter: harleenas
No wonder you love walking Jens!
I could see you wandering off to your good old days when you were in elementary school- and your thoughts trailing down must have brought back good old memories
I guess after sometime that we have been home, we do get used to a certain lifestyle we follow, the clothes we wear, the place we sit or the way we sit and work, or simply stated- we find our own comfort level to work things out. Anything other or outside than that does make us uncomfortable
Am sure you will do well working from home, though yes, keep looking out for inspiration and motivation just as you do from your walks or posts, and the people you connect with
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Harleena Singh invites you to read.. How to Nurture the Perfect Woman Within?
Twitter: berget
Hi Harleena,
I really enjoy to visit places from my childhood. It’s so many things I have forgotten, that comes back when I’m there. Just looking at the elementary school brings back so many memories.
Twitter: LowCostingLocks
I agree, in a way. Walking can be a great way to clear the mind and help spur creative and deductive thought!
I tend to listen to audio books while walking but often have to pause them to note down a thought or two
Twitter: barry_wells
Hi Jens,
I can see why you wanted to write a novel, you’ve got such a way of telling us the story that it grabs the attention and draws us in, it does me anyway mate
I’ve got loads of sayings that I use to keep me focused and sum things up. One of them is “it’s the results that matters, how you get there doesn’t matter”. That’s the beauty of working for yourself and using the technology that’s available to us. We can work where we want and the hours that suit…… as long as we get to where we want to be.
Like you say our clients don’t care as long as they get the result they ask for.
Best of luck with everything Jens,
Barry
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Barry Wells invites you to read.. How To Create A PowerPoint Presentation Part Two Adding Animations
Twitter: berget
Hey Barry,
That’s what I’ve been thinking about too. It’s the results that matters for our clients. It’s a little scary since I’m not used to being all alone. I used to work at a University with a lot of people, now that I’m all alone, I have to hustle more than ever to create some awesome results.
Thanks a lot Barry.
Twitter: thejackb
Finding the right place to work makes a huge difference. I know what you mean about that because I notice the distinction in my work when I am outside versus indoors.
Jack invites you to read.. What Happens When Nothing In Your Life Goes As You Planned It To?
Twitter: berget
Hey Jack,
I actually do a lot of work on my iPhone. I add tasks, projects, and a lot of notes, and I reply to emails. I do everything while I’m walking. I guess I’ll be talking to clients as well. And that’s the thing. I have realized that there are so many things I can do while I’m outside, and that makes a huge difference.
Another great article from you Jens! It only shows that you are good working at home and you
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easily find time to write.
Becca invites you to read.. Emergency Locksmiths Woodvale
Twitter: berget
Hi Becca,
Thanks a lot for the feedback
Twitter: dropping
Jens,
I come to this site via @thejackb among others. Great post, man. I love the prose style. Nice feel.
I am reading Daniel Pink’s book Drive right now which is centered around the idea of autonomy among other topics. What’s cool about it is that Daniel’s hypotheses lead me to think about purpose over produce. He demonstrates that purpose and autonomy drive creativity and higher levels of happiness and therefore productivity.
Thanks for the insightful post. Cheers.
Ralph invites you to read.. Can Dr. Seuss and The Lorax teach us about sustainability?
Twitter: berget
Hey Ralph,
Thanks a lot for stopping by. Jack is awesome, and I understand why you’re reading his blog, his one of the best writers on the web, that’s for sure. I need to take a closer look at Daniel Pink’s book, sounds interesting, and I can relate to the importance of purpose and autonomy.
Jens P. Berget invites you to read.. OptinSkin – I Made My Buying Decision in 3 Seconds
I always wanted to be like you, a person who can do the best job and it is something he likes.
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Mark invites you to read.. AUTO MOBILE TRAFFIC Review-WASTE OF MONEY?-Read What Ian Ross and Seth B Says…
Twitter: berget
Hey Mark,
Thanks a lot for the feedback
something tells me you are enjoying working from home, tee hee. wish my office was in the forest picture……………..zero stress there!!!
Twitter: berget
Thanks a lot for the feedback
Twitter: adriennesmith40
I love these posts Jens when you share more of you in them.
I just purchased a laptop, my first one, last Sunday. Now I’m fighting with the WiFi connection, had to take the router back twice because I kept getting faulty ones. What a waste. I want to sit out by the pool and get some inspiration, I’m tired of sitting at my desk all day long. I think it will be fun to get out of the house and actually work too.
I take walks every afternoon so some of my inspiration comes while on those as well. I know how invigorating they can be but trust me, your scenery has mine beat three times over.
Hope you’re happy working at home now Jens and am looking forward to hearing your success stories now!
Enjoy your weekend.
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Adrienne invites you to read.. The Secret Of Making Great YouTube Videos
Twitter: berget
Hi Adrienne,
I’m going to write a lot more posts from now on. I feel that I finally have more energy and more time to do what I love to do.
I carry my laptop with me everywhere, and sometimes I use my phone or my iPad. I’m thinking about buying an iMac for the office, but I’m not sure. I like to work at different places
I hope you’ve sorted out the WiFi problem and that you’re enjoying your weekend.
Twitter: bdorman264
The night stalker, huh? You know you can arrested for stuff like that; but should make a good post……….
Sometimes it’s a good idea to shake it up when you are looking for inspiration; whether it’s your job or your book. Hopefully you aren’t outside the school in your PJ’s though…..mighty suspicious.
Hope all is well and your journey is still in the direction you want to go. Just keep looking ahead……
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Bill Dorman invites you to read.. Oh happy days are here again
Twitter: berget
In Norway it’s quite normal to walk around in our PJ’s at elementary schools, that’s the beauty of living here
I hope you’re having an awesome week Bill. By the way, I’m about to eat a delicious pizza.
Twitter: missasma
Thanks for sharing free Download link of Marketing Made Simple.
Asma Khan invites you to read.. IBS and Stress
Twitter: berget
Hi Asma,
My pleasure. I’d love some feedback on the book
Jens P. Berget invites you to read.. The Blogging Barrrier to Economic Wealth
I totally like your post. When I started working online, I thought its the length of time that matters. But I proved it so wrong because even I spend too much time in front of my computer doing something in a wrong way, I wouldn’t get any positive result from it. Honestly, there are times that I no longer enjoy to sit in the front of my computer just to work. Simply because I find myself at lost so I always find time to at least unplug myself to any responsibilities, pressures that I can clearly feel inside me.
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Beth invites you to read.. Medical School Grants
Twitter: berget
Hi Beth,
That’s the same with me. I kept staring at the computer screen all day long, and even though I kept working day and night, I didn’t create enough high quality content. Now, I spend a lot of time taking notes, and work on the notes and ideas when I get home.
Jens P. Berget invites you to read.. A Serial Killer is Going To Make This Year A Fantastic Year
Yeah! I can totally relate on your situation. Actually, there are times too that I ended up just organizing my thoughts without starting to work on them. I guess it is important for us to remember that we need to take one step at a time towards success.
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Beth invites you to read.. College Grants For Law Students
First off thanks for the eBook Jens, I’m just waiting for it to travel the 4000+ miles of distance and land in my inbox!
This story brought me right back to my own School days! Man 30 years sounds like such an eternity when you’re young and then one day your looking back that many!
I’m still looking for my creativity. It comes and goes as it see’s fit. Some days content comes out effortlessly, others it takes work and stubbornness on my part!
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Twitter: berget
Hey Warren,
I hope you enjoyed the eBook, and at least that you’ve received it
I’m always testing new ways to find creativity, and to me, walking is usually the best way.
Jens P. Berget invites you to read.. OptinSkin – I Made My Buying Decision in 3 Seconds
Hi Jens,
I love working in my home! There are lots of advantage! But sometimes the place is suffocating and we need to go out and smell a fresh air! Great post! I think you can write a novel you have a talent indeed!
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Eleanor P. Richardson invites you to read.. Local SEO Services
Twitter: berget
Thanks a lot for the feedback Eleanor
Twitter: rzive
Jens, I can’t wait for summer to break here in Canada so that I can start ‘working’ in the backyard by my pool! That is arguably the greatest perk of having your own business as a freelance copywriter. As long as I can take my trusty laptop with me, my office is pretty much anywhere I choose. In the waiting room of my yoga studio, at the nearest Starbucks, in the carpool line-up at my daughter’s school or snuggled up in my bed on a Sunday afternoon.
Granted, some ‘offices’ are more productive than others, but being able to mix it up is a super treat!
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Ruth Zive invites you to read.. The Critical Twitter Tweak that Most Businesses Completely Overlook
Twitter: berget
Hi Ruth,
You have a pool? Wow. That’s something I’ve been dreaming about. I can’t wait for the spring/summer and carry my laptop to new places. I haven’t been working at coffee shops at all, but I’ve been a lot outside, working from a bench in a park or at the porch. That’s awesome
Oh-oh, sounds funny Jens that you look yourself as a kid but well, that’s what makes you nice. One of the best things that we can when it comes to work is working at home because you can do anything you want in your workplace. You can sleep while working, you eat whatever you want. That’s it, it is really nice working where you belong.
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Nicholle Olores invites you to read.. Timber Joinery Showroom At Allkind Joinery And Glass Nearly Complete
Twitter: berget
Hi Nicholle,
I’ve been thinking that working from home will be a struggle, in order to get things done, and not start to do other stuff… like do the dishes, and start cleaning the house etc.. but, on the other hand, I’m thinking that I’ll get a lot more done, since I have the freedom to do my job when ever I feel like it
Hahaha sounds like me Jens, I use to do household work when I feel it but when I don’t feel it I don’t want to do it anymore.
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Nicholle Olores invites you to read.. Timber Joinery – Learn Why Joinery is the Perfect Addition to Your Home!
Twitter: berget
It’s important to stay focused when we work, and that’s why I keep walking instead of staying at home. I always look at the things that I need to get done when I’m home
Hi Jen,
I think this is such a good thing that you brought this up. I guess the very workplace anyone is going to be confident in staying is their every own casa/home. Well, it goes different with people though. Some prefer to work in an office and some in the field.
Twitter: berget
Thanks a lot for the feedback. I prefer to work in an office and the field
Jens P. Berget invites you to read.. Long Tail Pro – A Video Review
I think work place doesn’t really matter for as long as you have the passion to take responsibility of any work you have that lead to more quantity as well as quality products that will be delivered on time. Have focus to every task you have and you’ll soon realize that work place isn’t that important.
James Martin invites you to read.. London 2012 Olympics Trailer
Twitter: berget
That’s exactly what I believe
Thanks a lot for your feedback James.
Twitter: LogAllot
Show off! LOL! I loved this. Normally I sit on my couch with my family as my man starts jabbering until I give him a look of death. He still keeps chopping at the mouth, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being anywhere he is and I couldn’t imagine working without him. Other times, I work when they are sleeping and no one is talking and I find that my concentration is even higher and I feel complete relaxation.
Now, I am envious that you get to work anywhere, but like you said, no matter where you are, the work must be done and done well. Great post Jens!
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Sonia invites you to read.. Blogger Spotlight: Jan Bierens, BlogORama
Twitter: berget
Hi Sonia,
I stay on the couch as well. I do that, and I keep walking to new spots. And sometimes I just stay in my office and get things done. It all depends on where I want to be and what I want to get done
I usually do the tasks that needed more focus when my kids are already in bed. When focused, I can accomplish mo in shorter time.
Twitter: berget
I am also a lot more focused when my kids are in bed
I’m working from home full time in a month from now. I would like to really be into online marketing and would like to find means and ways to getting traffic for my site in time. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I’m learning and getting inspiration from articles of this type.
Twitter: berget
Thanks a lot for your feedback, much appreciated
Hi Jens,
Working at home is so much easier for the creative side of a person because I think you feel more relaxed and at ease when you’re at home rather than in an office. I believe when working with creativity, one needs to be in an relaxed and comfortable environment rather than being forced.
Make it a great day,
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Daniel
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