Goldilocks and the Intentional Environment

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The environment we create for ourselves is the silent partner in our learning and growth path. It can be the catalyst that propels us forward or the anchor that weighs us down, so it's time we had a discussion about intentional environmental design.

The goal with our environment is to create the conditions that nurture and support a culture of continuous learning.

Let's first start with what falls into the definition of environment. In this context, "environment" refers to the physical, digital, social, cultural, and mental conditions that surround us. It encompasses the spaces we inhabit, the tools we use, the people we interact with, and the mindset we cultivate.

If we think about this in terms of video games as we often like to do, it's critical that your environment has you playing on the right level of the game. Level 1 is perfect for beginners, but awful if you already have Level 17 gear. Similarly, your Level 17 gear will not cut it on on Level 42 of the game.

This is where we get to Goldilocks. Designing an intentional environment is a uniquely personal exercise. What works best for you might be "too hot" or overstimulating or not challenging enough for someone else. You want your environment to be "just right" FOR YOU. A well designed environment makes it easy for you to reinforce good habits and continuous learning. You want to guide yourself toward success, not away from it.

Remember, you have the power to choose your environment. This isn't just about physical space but also the people, tools, and mindset. You have final veto power in all of it, but it requires your conscious focus and effort to set up properly.

Creating the perfect environment isn’t a one-time task. It’s a continuous process of iteration. Regularly assess and tweak your surroundings to better suit your evolving goals and needs. The more intentional you are about your environment, the more it will serve you in your journey of mastery.

So, as you reflect on your own journey, I leave you with: Is your environment "just right"? What changes can you make to foster more growth and learning? What parts of your environment may no longer be serving you as they once did?

1. The Rising Leader Podcast:

Building Resilience in High-Stress Environments with Matt Comand

In this episode, Alex sits down with Matt Comand, Founder and Director of Performance of Emergent, and they discuss the intersection of sports psychology and corporate leadership. They talk about how principles from athletics can revolutionize corporate environments, focusing on stress management, resilience, and creating a culture of excellence. Matt shares insights on balancing conviction and empathy in leadership, setting clear standards and values, and the importance of continual adaptation in an ever-changing business landscape. If you’re looking to elevate your performance and lead with impact, be sure to tune in!

Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Youtube.

2. Featured LinkedIn Post:

"What's the Plan?"

I'm finding a shocking trend in the world of tech sales. Last week, I spoke with 15 top sales reps and asked about their 5-year plans...

[Continue reading]

3. Quote to fuel your Alluviance:

"The environment you fashion out of your thoughts, your beliefs, your ideals, your philosophy, is the only climate you will ever live in." -- Stephen Richards

Let's all take a moment to tidy up our space to be "just right" this week.

With Alluviance,

Alex Kremer