Hey everyone,

Whenever we’re getting things done, we tend to focus on what, when, and how. What am I going to study today? When do I plan to finish the project? How can I work more efficiently? But people often disregard where we get things done.

For the past year, I’ve been frequenting the same nearby cafe nearly every week, on the same day, at the same time, to write, study, read, and think. It’s reached the point where all the waiters and managers know me by name and remember my favorite drinks.

In July of last year, I began taking piano lessons again. At the time, I had also been writing the first article for my website. Because I enjoyed the process and was visiting the mall anyway, I decided to try writing in a cafe. It felt like something a writer would do.

After returning to the cafe in the succeeding weeks—and overcoming the anxiety to do so—I eventually discovered that I was doing my best work here. Once I receive my glass of caffeine, wear my earphones, and play some music, my surroundings vanish. The cacophony of espresso machines brewing, metals pounding ceramics, and customers sharing their latest tsismis fade away.

The mishmash of ideas in my head turns into coherent (and hopefully competent) ideas much quicker. Words cascade from my mind to my fingers to the screen. Before I pause to take a break, I would have been writing for two hours without noticing. Standing up becomes a moment to breathe, a repose from being submerged in my thoughts.

This cafe has also evolved into a prime location for my studies. I’ve watched hour-long video lectures, completed problem sets, and reviewed for exams all in the same seat. I often learn and retain more in the two to three hours I spend here than in an entire day’s worth of lectures in school or studying at home.

So if you struggle to perform deep, focused work or want to do it more consistently, I encourage you to leverage the power of being intentional with your location. Significant portions—sometimes the entirety—of every article and newsletter piece I’ve released have been written away from my room simply because other locations have become my go-to writing stations.

And cafes are far from the only viable places. School libraries (be particular with the floor), vacant classrooms, and coworking spaces are all possible places. Lately, I’ve found success in the study hall at my apartment building on days when I have to go to school.

Here are a few considerations when selecting places to do your best work:

1. Distance - Closer isn’t necessarily better, but don’t visit locations that are thirty minutes away just to work for an hour. The farther away the place is, the less likely you’ll visit it consistently.
2. Environment - Ensure the place is clean, orderly, and comfortable. Quieter places are preferred, but everyone’s noise tolerance is different. If you can afford them, noise-canceling peripherals make a huge difference.
3. People - Avoid locations where you’re likely to run into a lot of people you know. Being surrounded by other people is fine—it can even motivate you. But it’s hard to get into the flow if you’re constantly greeting or chatting with friends or family.

Don’t underestimate the role that psychology plays here. The eyes that surround you in public areas or the deafening silence of isolated locations can fuel your motivation.

In his book, How to Become a Straight-A Student, Cal Newport highlights how important location is for top-performing students:

Finally, don’t forget to be consistent. Visit your chosen locations after the same weekly class or meeting. Block out your calendar to do the work you enjoy at these places. Treat them like sanctuaries. Turn your visits into rituals separated from the rest of the world, even briefly.

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P.S. Yes, I am a day late in regards to my biweekly schedule. But I didn’t want to sacrifice the quality of the piece for the sake of following my self-imposed deadline. Never mind the fact that I wrote most of this just today...

What I’m Working On

I’ve begun writing my next long article to post on the blog. The title, as of now, is Ambition is Tiring. Pretty ironic considering the topic of my last newsletter piece. I just started it though, and with school not getting any easier, I might take a while to finish it. But I’m enjoying the process. I found a lot to say in only my first hour of writing.

What I’m Reading

I’ve started reading Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. The title makes it seem like more self-help junk, but it’s a genuinely amazing book. It’s among the most profound and philosophical books I’ve ever read. I’ll likely include some excerpts from the book in my upcoming article.

What I’m Listening To

Lately, I’ve been listening to video game soundtracks again. Because our orchestra’s production and the upcoming recital at my music school are arranging pieces from video games, it’s rekindled my love for music from the medium. These pieces in particular have been ringing in my ears for the past two weeks:

• ​Hopes and Dreams from Undertale
• ​Dolphin Shoals from Mario Kart 8
• ​Kaleidoscopic Core from Xenoblade Chronicles 3

I cannot bang my head enough.

What I’m Watching

This video, 7 Lessons Schools Didn’t Teach You, from Ali Abdaal provided a lot of interesting and unique insights. It’s not your typical hip advice for young people like investing while you’re young or learning every day—though those aren’t bad advice either.

That’s all for this week. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and I hope you have a wonderful day (or night)!

- Enrique

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