I've always felt this way! I don't mind doing light work (admin, emails, planning, etc) in cafes, but if I really want to focus I prefer my home office. I much prefer cafés for catching up with friends.
For years I've had the exact opposite experience. Perhaps on account of ADHD I'm generally FAR more easily distracted at home. Dishes, phone, that pile of mail, books, cat, thirsty plants, omg dust bunnies!! I also live in a 514sf studio so that might be part of it. At a coffee shop I can hyper-focus, tune out the crowd and there's nothing left to distract me there (sometimes I do need headphones and an ambient soundtrack but often the background becomes a blur on its own). Additionally, because people might look over my shoulder, I don't even get tempted by social media (in this respect the performative aspect works to my advantage). My ritual is to stretch a single Americano out for two hours, but it is still a pricey habit so you have me there. I'd say productivity depends on the coffee shop, the music, and the writer's particular mental proclivities.
I'd say we're all different, and my mileage may vary. I'm impressed with your ability to compartmentalize. I have a monkey brain--dangle something shiny in front of me and I'm off chasing.
Years ago an American magazine (I don’t remember which, perhaps Saturday Evening Post.) wrote a profile of Belgian writer George Simenon. The introductory photo showed Simenon entering his study, manuscript in hand. The article’s title read, ‘Excuse Me, I’m About to Have a Novel.’
Simenon is famous partly for his prolific writing, having produced over 400 novels. I not certain that any of those books were inspired in a coffee shop, but I doubt he would have welcomed the distraction.
Hi Cassandra--I have no idea what this means. I can't impact what you write as you write it. Sounds like a glitch if you're saying your comment disappeared. Really sorry you had that frustration. If I could fix it, I would for sure.
I don't have enough time in my world for vibe. I would rather use it for work. Such a funny article making a great point!
Thanks, Mimi!
I've always felt this way! I don't mind doing light work (admin, emails, planning, etc) in cafes, but if I really want to focus I prefer my home office. I much prefer cafés for catching up with friends.
Right on!
For years I've had the exact opposite experience. Perhaps on account of ADHD I'm generally FAR more easily distracted at home. Dishes, phone, that pile of mail, books, cat, thirsty plants, omg dust bunnies!! I also live in a 514sf studio so that might be part of it. At a coffee shop I can hyper-focus, tune out the crowd and there's nothing left to distract me there (sometimes I do need headphones and an ambient soundtrack but often the background becomes a blur on its own). Additionally, because people might look over my shoulder, I don't even get tempted by social media (in this respect the performative aspect works to my advantage). My ritual is to stretch a single Americano out for two hours, but it is still a pricey habit so you have me there. I'd say productivity depends on the coffee shop, the music, and the writer's particular mental proclivities.
I'd say we're all different, and my mileage may vary. I'm impressed with your ability to compartmentalize. I have a monkey brain--dangle something shiny in front of me and I'm off chasing.
me too, I cannot be trusted at home with my monkey brain!
My experience exactly!
Years ago an American magazine (I don’t remember which, perhaps Saturday Evening Post.) wrote a profile of Belgian writer George Simenon. The introductory photo showed Simenon entering his study, manuscript in hand. The article’s title read, ‘Excuse Me, I’m About to Have a Novel.’
Simenon is famous partly for his prolific writing, having produced over 400 novels. I not certain that any of those books were inspired in a coffee shop, but I doubt he would have welcomed the distraction.
Great story, thank you! I am very susceptible to distraction so coffee shops aren't for me.
I tried to leave a comment but you let me get so far and when I mentioned the abstract pieces by philosophers you wiped me! Shan’t try you again.
As I said, you’re right…..and you’re wrong.
Hi Cassandra--I have no idea what this means. I can't impact what you write as you write it. Sounds like a glitch if you're saying your comment disappeared. Really sorry you had that frustration. If I could fix it, I would for sure.
Finally, someone exposes the ugly truth, lol. I tried it just once. Didn't get a thing done.
Leave it to me to stir up controversy, ha!