Walking From the Cubicle to the Picnic Table

Our offices, either in a city or in our homes, can get awfully familiar. Can we shake up where we work, and gain something from it?

Once a week, I go to a nearby park in the mornings to work.

Normally, it’s a place that I run in, walk in, bike through. For years, I’ve been there in all four seasons, either shivering or sweltering early in the morning.

When you go to a place long enough, you start to see familiar faces. The older man in the baseball shirt, striding on the path with purpose and vigor. The women walking on Saturday mornings, catching up after a long week. The couple spending quality time together on a calm Sunday.

There is comfort in the familiar. Seeing the same faces, waving to them and exchanging greetings, can make a difficult run just a little easier.

When it comes to work, it can be the same thing. Comforting routines and rituals into the office can make the stress of commuting somewhat easier.

But, can that comfort lead to complacency if you stay in your routine? If so, how can you get out of that?

In reality, you don’t need much. Just a slight change in perspective can be all that’s called for.

Moving to a new office

Recently, I decided to work once a week from that park. It accomplished a couple of things: making my morning walk easier to do, and getting me out of my apartment.

I make some coffee, pack up my iPad, and start walking to the “office.” Finding a good picnic table to sit at, I think, write, read, while watching the sun come up through the trees.

Sitting at that picnic table makes the park I’ve been in for years look different. I notice the tennis players off in the distance. I see how fast that older cyclist is as he whizzes up the road. And the squirrels.

So.

Many.

Squirrels.

And the shift in perspective costs less than you think. You only need a bit of curiosity. What would it be like, just sitting still in the middle of the park, for 45 minutes?

What can you gain from making such a shift?

Out of the box thinking: Seeing the sun rise through the trees at the park can spark a level of creativity that might not be available at your kitchen table. Or on the train.

Reduced stress and improved well-being: There’s nothing like a walk to clear out the cobwebs and make room for fresh thinking.

Problem-solving abilities: Have you been wrestling with an intractable issue that can’t solve itself? A slight shift in perspective can yield amazing results.

Can you take a step back and look at your same career with fresher eyes? And how can you make it happen?

Talk with your boss or manager: Ask them if you can work from a different office on occasion? If they’re skeptical, say: I want to bring some fresher perspectives to my work. Make it a win for your boss, and a win for you.

Collaborate with other departments: Who is doing interesting work in another department? Find that person for a coffee or a chat, and interview them. Discovering how they do what they do can spark ideas that will help your work shine.

Get out of your comfort zone: What is the task or role that you’ve been wanting to do, and have been feeling afraid to do it? Find it, and dip a toe into that pool. You’ll find out that the water isn’t as bad as you thought.

Give your routine just a bit of a little shift. When you go from working at home to watching the sun rise and the runners run in the park, fresh eyes can achieve amazing results.

And the squirrels will be impressed.

I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach, trained in habit change, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career and health journeys. I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.