All of these things talked about here are great for getting my creative self in gear. Music is probably one of the biggest though. I have to be in a good, up-beat mood to really get work done, and nothing makes me happier or more up beat than good music that I can really jam to.

Keep cool, man…cause of the office temp comment…get it? :p

I think a lot of it comes from a background where most of my work was very color-sensitive, so I intentionally kept color out of my workspace… I even painted the walls gray in a previous office. So I have gotten used to a relatively spartan area, and no distracting lighting. (That said, my work isn’t as color-sensitive as it was a few years ago, so perhaps I should try adding some color?)

I find that “outlets” and too much comfort end up being more distracting than fueling my creativity.

I will agree, though, with the comment about keeping your workspace neat and clean. Clutter (even if it’s work-related) is a massive creativity-killer to me. Keeping it clean (no pizza crumbs, dust, etc.) is important too.

Also, getting my butt up out of the chair and going for a walk, or just taking the time to go run an errand or something helps too.

But the one thing that I find that makes the most difference of all is ambient temperature. My office at my day job is uncomfortably warm (to me) year-round… downright hot some days… my creativity seems to flow more freely when I’m almost too cool to be comfortable.

Thanks for the inspiration!