The SETUP: The Foundation You Can't Ignore
This is part one of a three-part series on the elements that make or break your creative process. Today we're talking about the foundation that everything else builds on.
I used to think my workspace didn't matter that much.
I mean, creativity comes from within, right? You should be able to create anywhere, under any conditions. That's what "real" creatives do.
Then I started paying attention to when I felt most creative versus when I felt stuck. And I noticed something: my environment was either setting me up for success or sabotaging me before I even started.
Your setup—your physical creative space—isn't just about having a pretty Instagram-worthy office. It's about creating a foundation that helps your Future You get into flow faster, think more clearly, and stay focused on what matters most.
The Truth About Creative Spaces
Here's what I've learned after rearranging my basement office roughly every six months for the past few years (yes, I'm that person): your space either energizes your creativity or drains it. There's no neutral.
Look, I work in a basement in West Georgia. Low ceilings, humidity issues, not exactly the dream creative loft you see in design magazines. But what I've discovered is that limitations can actually force you to be more intentional about what really matters in your setup.
And what matters isn't perfection—it's intention.
The Four Elements That Actually Matter
After all those iterations of my space, I've found there are really only four things that make or break a creative setup:
1. Lighting That Inspires
Natural light when possible, warm artificial light when not. Harsh fluorescent overhead lighting is creativity kryptonite. I've got a mix of natural light from windows, warm desk lamps, and yes—candles. The goal isn't just to see clearly, but to feel energized.
2. The Right Amount of Everything
This is where most of us go wrong. We either have too much clutter or we strip everything away until it feels sterile. The sweet spot is having exactly what you need within arm's reach—no more, no less.
For me, that's water or coffee, a timer, a carefully curated handful of inspiring books, my reMarkable tablet, and a trash can. Notice I said "handful" of books, not a library. When you feel like you need ten things within reach, staying organized becomes nearly impossible.
3. Temperature and Smell
This might sound weird, but your nose and your skin know when a space feels right. I keep a fan running and usually have a candle going or some incense. It's not about the specific scent—it's about creating an atmosphere that signals to your brain, "This is where we do our best work."
4. Visual Reminders of Why
You need something in your space that reminds you why you're doing this work. For me, it's a simple poster that says "Work Hard. Trust God." It's not complicated, but it centers me when I start to lose focus or momentum.
The $50 Reset That Changes Everything
"I don't have the budget for a proper setup."
I hear this all the time, and I get it. But here's the thing: the most impactful changes you can make cost almost nothing.
Once a year, I do what I call the "Reset." I remove everything from my space—and I mean everything. Then I only bring back what's absolutely vital. It's like moving without actually moving, and it forces you to question every single item.
Want to transform your space on a budget? Start with these three things:
Paint - A gallon of the right color can completely change how a space feels. I love dark walls with natural wood tones and pops of color.
Lighting - Ditch the overhead fluorescents. Get a warm desk lamp or some string lights. Spend $20 on lighting that makes you feel energized instead of drained.
Scent - Whether it's candles, incense, or just keeping the space clean and fresh, make sure your space smells intentional.
These three changes will cost you less than $50 and completely transform how you feel when you sit down to create.
The Organized Pile Philosophy
Let me be honest with you: I'm a hoarder and a piler by nature. If you look closely at my workspace photos, you'll see neatly stacked piles throughout. But here's the key—they're organized piles.
The goal isn't to become a minimalist overnight. It's to be intentional about your chaos. If you're going to have piles, make them purposeful. Know what's in them. Have a system, even if it's a system only you understand.
And if you could hire someone to come organize and label everything? Do it. There's no shame in getting help with the parts of setup that don't energize you.
Why This Actually Matters for Your Work
Here's the real reason your setup matters: when your environment is dialed in, you spend less mental energy fighting friction and more energy on the work that matters.
In an inspired space, I find myself thinking more proactively instead of reactively. I'm more forward-thinking. I make better decisions about what deserves my attention.
But when my setup is off—when I can't find what I need, when the lighting is harsh, when everything feels chaotic—I waste creative energy before I even begin creating.
Your Setup Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
The biggest mistake I see creatives make is thinking their setup has to be perfect before they can do good work. That's not true.
Your setup just has to be intentional.
It has to support the person you're becoming, not just accommodate the person you are right now. It has to eliminate the small frustrations that drain your creative energy before you even get started.
Start where you are. Remove what doesn't serve you. Add only what helps you think clearly and feel more energized.
Your Future You will thank you for creating a foundation that actually works.
Next week, we'll dive into THE TOOLS: Beyond the Productivity Hype—because the right tools should feel like an extension of your creativity, not a distraction from it.