4 Ways Your Workspace is Destroying Your Productivity

Your environment has a huge effect on your ability to focus. In this video, we'll look at four ways you can massively improve your workspace - and your focus.
📺 Watch this video ad-free on Nebula: nebula.app/videos/thomas-fran...
🛠 COURSES AND RESOURCES:
Notion channel - / thomasfrankexplains
Free Notion templates - thomasjfrank.com/templates/
Learn Notion - thomasjfrank.com/fundamentals
Productivity and Habits courses - thomasjfrank.com/courses/
Help clean up the oceans with #TeamSeas! teamseas.org/
🐦 SOCIAL STUFF:
Instagram ➔ / tomfrankly
Twitter ➔ / tomfrankly
Music Channel ➔ / @thomasfrankmusic
Spotify Study Playlist ➔ open.spotify.com/user/thomasf...
⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Paths of Lesser Resistance
04:11 - Active Distractions
05:37 - Bad Ergonomics
08:55 - Uninspiring Space
👐 BUSINESS:
Please contact my agent at [e-mail]
🎞 SPECIAL THANKS
Video clips supplied by Getty Images
💰 I'm fortunate enough to work with great sponsors who support my work, so I don't use Patreon or any other crowdfunding service. However, if you'd like to support a worthy cause, consider donating to help more children get access to a high-quality education: fundraise.pencilsofpromise.or...
📷 PHOTO CREDITS:
Peter Shankman - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

[@Thomasfrank]

🌊 Help clean up our seas! teamseas.org/ - every dollar will remove one full pound of trash. 🧐 This is the second part in our full series of videos on how to focus more effectively! It's also about your environment, making it a pretty great #TeamSeas tie-in 😁 Check out the first video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqi7aZdrmseho8U 💪 Check out my Notion templates for task management, habit tracking, and more: thomasjfrank.com/templates/ 🖊 Quote of the week: "Thought is useful when it motivates action and a hindrance when it substitutes for action." - Bill Raeder

[@kennethjoseph9309]

I really enjoy your videos. Usually whenever I get work done on my desk I usually sometimes if I'm doing fighting a topic or writing it down I sometimes put them nice and neat, but overtime it gets tiresome and I leave stuff all over the place. But, this video has taught me is to fix things that distracts you and the person and make it a habit.

[@corgikun2579]

time to get shirts your size

[@davidszilagyi1508]

Hi Thomas, it seems like the link here in the pinned comment does not work because of the dash. Can you fix it just in case someone wants to donate using it? Pls like this so he notices :)

[@kendrewreviews]

THOMAS FRANK - Have you made any content on organizing/labeling smartphone photos, screenshots and image downloads? I think most people have gigabytes of images on their phone. How to find them? Folders? Labeling? Tags? Thanks!

[@anthropomorphisis]

That seat lowering shot is straight up hilarious

[@bethewish]

I loled so hard at that

[@naim2729]

He:🙂

[@oxanazhukova6474]

And sitting in front of laptop too :D

[@DoctorAzmain]

I am actively clearing my desk while watching 😂 I really struggle with getting distracted and whenever my desk gets messy, my mind gets messy. I've invested in a sit-to-stand desk and ergonomic chair, but I HAVE to get up to stretch and exercise to get my focus back!

[@tahsintahsinuzzaman781]

Lol, the sequence from 6:04-6:13 looks like someone is forcing him (on gunpoint) to be an actor for a chair commercial XD

[@CajunKoiAcademy]

Discomfort is a big distraction, and the seats on a plane are probably the most uncomfortable out there

[@Thomasfrank]

Agreed - am on a plane right now (though my entire row is empty so I can at least stretch out a bit!)

[@jordanhoulker]

Looking forward to listening to this, as I sit at a rickety table with a used cafetiere sat menacingly close to my computer mouse 😂 thanks for the helpful content 👍🏻

[@ayellowpapercrown6750]

Do we have the same desk😂

[@jordanhoulker]

Merely 2 videos later I ended up willingly (yes) subjecting myself to "how to turn a sphere inside out", now enduring not only shoulder pain from inadequate posture and furniture, but also unprecedented levels of confusion and feelings of utter intellectual inadequacy. The lesson is clear. Fix your workspace, save not only your health but also your dignity.

[@DemetriPanici]

*“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” - Jim Rohn*

[@l43rt3s]

Nice spam

[@niceone99]

@@l43rt3s I always report these guys. They are everywhere. But it doesn't seem to help

[@batcube1248]

Stop spamming

[@Don_Giovanni]

Anyone else read that name as Rim John? 😂 I kept thinking that something was wrong and then it clicked.

[@CHEFPKR]

So you're saying the League of Legends Icon that stares at me all day is bad for my productivity?

[@jessicavia3176]

I would love to see more on the specific workout routines that helped fix your back, specifically the yoga postures. Two years ago, I had a terrible accident that left me temporarily disabled and unable to walk for months. I spent a year and a half on a cane and since I couldn’t work, I wound up starting my own business working from home. It turned out to be a good move, and now I’m 99% better but my posture is horrid and my back is constantly bothering me. Thanks so much for sharing this. 😊

[@sacdaabdurhman]

“Everything in life is easier when you don’t concern yourself with what other people are doing” Hope you have a good Monday 💜

[@frankiestein8482]

Brilliant advice ! The phone i often leave in another room and it does work keeping the focus on the work

[@DrLyndonWalker]

Love your work! Great video and some extra hilarious b-roll in this one. As a competitive powerlifter I might gently suggest having a coach look at your deadlifts though. It could have been the camera angle but your bar path, hinging, and lockout all looked a little off.

[@pikapika-1]

Hey, Thomas, first of all, THANK YOU so much for your video. I've been just out of the hospital after a 5-hour waiting for a 10-minute doctor-meeting (yeah, that's what public hospitals are like especially in one of the most populated countries in the world) just to get pills for sleeping disorder. AND THIS HAS SAVED my day! I'd really appreciate, especially the fourth horsemen you've pointed out about how an uninspiring environment could actually devastate your working. This idea has never entered into my mind and I've been always working in my tiny cluttered room - Ignoring, totally, the outdoor/ fresh air/ plants and nature- loving person who is screaming top-volume all the way. Thank you so much for your generous sharing again. Just followed you on KZbin and bought courses on Nebula. 谢谢!（Chinese-style bowing）

[@t_n_rasberry8387]

Thanks for this video. I’m totally going to implement all the things you mentioned. I just recently got a standing desk. Thanks for the info on how to resolve back pain.

[@KellySmith4145]

Excellent video. In fact, my oldest son and I watched it together. He's been struggling with the same distractions you spoke about. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@jtkelley1873]

Really cool video angles! I love watching your skills and talent skyrocket over the years. Even all your “B rolls” (I think they’re called) is admirable (and fun for me!).

[@DMarieMarie]

As an ergonomist, I kept going “ahhhhh… okay yes” throughout the computer chair part. 😂 Just to add, make sure there is a bit of space between the back of your knees and the chair pan. If your chair is too big, try a pillow behind your butt. I’m shorter and this is a lifesaver when no chair fits my short legs! Also, the computer monitor should be about arms length away from your eyes to reduce eye fatigue!

[@rizharish]

Hi I'm from Indonesia and I'm very happy with this channel even though I have to work hard to understand the explanation because I'm not good at English maybe this is the best way to learn English 😁. I hope my place in Indonesia has more KZbin channels like this, this is really amazing. Thanks~

[@gurmeetsliet]

Nice and practical content. This will surely enhance productivity. I am already using 80% of the advice. Will implement the rest missing 20% portion. I have a fixed chair and table, without height adjustment. But my laptop stand has mechanical height adjustment sockets. Whenever I need to adjust the height, I do by adjusting the laptop stand height. The advice of doing workout in spite of buying a fancy chair is really appreciable and non-common. Great advice. The cause at the end is also very great. Best of luck with that.

[@TheMrTelespectador]

Awesome! Thanks for another great content, Tom!

[@mykdoesstuff]

great ideas! Ive invested a lot of time and thought into my workspace since transitioning to remote work & have noticed being more relaxed and productive plants have really helped! you can try asparagus & maiden hair ferns in lo-light

[@KironKabir]

Cats are never a distraction! Take it back Frank 😤

[@samratjaiswal3801]

Can't agree more!

[@user-mm4hz2tx4p]

That's what a cat would say!

[@userme6558]

😂😂😂

[@biancagomes2043]

Amazing! Super helpful and practical steps. As an educator, I feel teaching this should be part of the basic curriculum in schools. Congratulation for the quality of the videos, it gets better each time.

[@JoeAndHisAdventures]

Thanks Thomas. Realized I have a lot of attention residue built up. Time to get that workspace game up and bring my focus to the next level.

[@hendali3848]

Great video as always! Thank you.

[@johnnyede]

That story is actually insane. That is some David Goggins stuff right there and I love it!

[@alexrosaen9616]

What a nicely done video! Good job!

[@annemenseeyas]

omg Thomas Frank and BTS the collaboration i didnt know i needed

[@humairakarimi]

Really helpful contemt, you are great, keep it up.

[@PeterHardeel]

Focus mode on ios/macos does the thing for me. No extra apps needed. Great video (as always)

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

1:53 That subtle "adult content" reference with the last one lol (first time i've seen you mention this [even though is abstract enough to mean anything], kinda glad you've always kept your channel sfw tho).

[@sarapawsonherrington2595]

Excellent points!

[@abuumar7687]

Man your videos are too addictive 👍

[@FinancialFreedomMadeSimple]

This will surely enhance productivity rate. Great vid as always. New sub here. :)

[@beowolf4572]

You have to try Obsidian, being able to link and connect different thoughts and ideas have been a game changer... Oh and I've always found "eyes in line with the top of the monitor" a bit ambiguous as a large monitor would have a much higher line of sight than a much smaller monitor.

[@Thomasfrank]

That's the rule I've read in ergonomics articles, but I think the general idea is to avoid craning your neck down or up too much. Roughly eye level should be good.

[@mohamedabdeen8810]

Hi Thomas, nice video, what's the laptop stand you are using in that video?

[@dylenweerasekara9533]

Great tips.

[@daniellamoreno3616]

I need this for my room rest of the house is mostly decluttered feels way better!!

[@daniellepalao4089]

Hey Thomas! I tend to work in a messy space. I am trying to improve on that.

[@fredrikabodemar5434]

B roll at 6.07 ish - LOVE IT. haha :)

[@GarrettWiseman]

I don't know if that's your girlfriend. But the part of the video where she poking you in the face saying Tom was hilarious😂

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

1:25 Oooh that was good!

[@Purcyless]

This man is the Jeff Cavaliere of productivity. "________ is killing your productivity gains!"

[@mobinbestintheworld9229]

very helpful

[@sambystoma.mexicanum]

instructions unclear.. I just arrived in Tokyo...

[@I_L_Y_K]

9:42 Thomas, yes there exist some research about that , nature elements can increase your productivity, at least, as researches says, 15% of workers feel strong positive impact on their productivity when they have nature elements near by them (plants and etc.)

[@mirahkhai]

I remember posting an instagram story on how thomas, ali, matt and nathaniel were the 4 hoursemen of the productivity apocalypse and seeing thomas reference it in a video SQUEEEEEEE !!!!

[@rockorathon2371]

I’m watching this as i’m trying to get work done 😂

[@naim2729]

4:40 if you're on android,look for focus mode in settings,or probably something similar if youre on other brands

[@AlejandroHernandez14]

Totally agree

[@Lovelyforlife1]

Pretty impressed with those yoga moves in those jeans! 🤣🤣

[@Kevkin]

That look over the shoulder as you lowered your chair 😆

[@nathanrussell2158]

Omg, the chair going down. Couldn’t stop laughing.

[@TheElenaNumb]

haven't had a notification from you since forever wow Welcome back to me i guess?

[@najrenchelf2751]

The 4 Horsemen of the Poductiv-ocalypse... XD That's SO GOOD!

[@InFocus_app]

Really right

[@Rickmightbeinsane]

Would you say that listening to an album during your studies leads to attention residue? Since you're switching between different tracks (as opposed to listening to one track on repeat).

[@aroshmtv1121]

Good content

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

1:24 Oooohhh this game is good!!! Didn't know it had a mobile version!

[@stefanyma5464]

Nice vid

[@adriankrupa5470]

The laptop stand in the video looks very cool. Where can I buy the same one?

[@Enoltra]

Thomas telling me to work out and move more: Me, who goes to the gym 4x a week but nothing helps scoliosis pains: 😢😢 Pain definitely SUCKS your productivity dry. Especially when all you can do is lay back in bed and cry from it

[@Thebreakdownshow1]

My workspace would be better if there was no phone in my room. But my jobs needs me to be accessible over phone.

[@legisly6302]

Consider a work phone

[@SarahDavisSings]

The B roll game on this one is ridiculous.

[@RafaelWingnux]

Yay for Slay the spire!!

[@ashishyeruva4110]

Ayyyy Frank is on Team Seas

[@swordsnorchids1997]

Ahh yes, the fancy chair but still having pain and bad posture problem lol.

[@macfanguy]

Productivitiocolyps. Nailed it. 😜

[@vishvasivakumar4583]

Bad ergonomics ? This is why Dwight introduced the Fitness Orb smh. Cool video btw.

[@dodger1x]

That cable mess under you table makes my Facility Manager OCD tingle

[@rutvikbarot3289]

So much helpful video just a suggestion/request: summarise the content at last...

[@IsaacJoshi]

The fact that you are watching this video means you are at least part of the way to creating a better life for yourself. All your regrets are in the past, this is your oppurtunity to make the decision to start creating for yourself the life that you want! Incredible video!

[@padhatam]

Who else spotted incognito mode 🤣

[@emillythinks769]

I thought it was a video from Ali because of the thumbnail =p - same good vibes...💙

[@luissanoja9390]

Oof this really helps 👌

[@dedexo3052]

Ahhh I was getting distracted by the cute llama on the desk the whole time

[@CaseyBurnsInvesting]

Environment matters more than almost anything else.

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

7:11 Depth referees jumping on you in 3... 2... 1... Good form by the way

[@AngelBien]

I thought this was Ali Abdaal's video from the thumbnail haha Anyway, nice vid Clark Kent.

[@Ninkira]

FURTHER IMPORTANT ERGONOMICS: +Your back should be supported. It's better to eventually lean *slightly* back than it is to lean forward, leaning forward puts strain on your neck in a way that can cause the spine to straighten (in a bad way). +If you type mostly, having arm rests that help keep your arms in place will be helpful and cause less strain. Keep your elbows close as possible to your body. When using a mouse vs keyboard, you want to keep your hands directly in front of you/more central to you. To lighten the load on your wrists, its very important to FLOAT your wrist. (If you use a ergonomic bump for this watch out- you might be constricting the blood in that area) +While sitting with your feet on the floor, make sure your seat is supportive but that your hips aren't being tilted back. If anything its okay to tilt 1 degree forward but not back at all. When fully seated with your feet FLAT on the floor, your knees should have a little space between the chair. *This was something that I got wrong for a very long time. A lot of chairs like to go too high or mould your knees up too much for "comfort". I've had years of figuring out ergonomics on my own until my doctors finally handed me their bible on this stuff! So these are all things that I've been impacted by and corrected on. Easy mistakes to make.

[@ahsanhabib3193]

you are getting big bro...

[@sayedhossainkingdom9255]

I have a problem in 4 point inspiration where people are negative in here. How can I inspire and accelared my thought to do my work properly.

[@yensteel]

Onetab recommended for browsers!

[@user-ge5dk8qv9p]

What about if you can’t control the place you work due to schools not having windows and rentals being small and without light ?

[@DemetriPanici]

But it I optimize every inch of my desk I’ll be 10x more productive

[@makeaton90]

The incognito mode though

[@IsaacJoshi]

I just realised what incognito in the usual suspects represents XD

[@singmetosleep1238]

The MVC3 reference Im dying...

[@symoi1569]

And just like that, there're still people who have the same distractions and maybe poorer conditions and still work more than any of us. It's more like a self control than anything else, the moment you decide to switch from studying to social media, believe me you could have prevented it, but you didn't. It's all about that moment when you're very concious about you're action and the consequences of it, but you go for it.

[@Thomasfrank]

Iron law of productivity - those who are obsessed get more done and don't need any productivity tips. But those people aren't watching these videos either

[@mingyyu]

So no one's noticing that Tom has used all latest Apple gadgets including the new 14' Macbook Pro 🤩

[@Thomasfrank]

Not quite - my Mac is an older model. Did get the 13 Pro though - had to get that camera upgrade!

[@gameandroid2761]

Good

[@BrendanEvan]

Man I’d love to have a workspace. Or after watching this video…. would I?

[@najrenchelf2751]

6:04 - who let you put these shots in this video?... speaking of distractions! XD

[@otherworlder]

utini!!!

[@Sushil2k4]

6:08 😂

[@marquisdehoto1638]

Getting on a plan to stop procrastinating is just so over the top xD

[@mdv9831]

0:08 Goddamit Thomas I didn't need the reminder ok

[@Kevin-14]

5:34 Omg the Konami code lmao! Up up down down left right left right B A Start

[@JasonBA96]

10:16 yeah sure "work" tasks /jk I coincidentally found lighter mice to be helpful for me (currently using a g305)

[@therock1232100]

The sitting tip is incorrect. That causes back pain. You need your feet elevated for blood flow and to ease the backpressure. Also, you need to move around every hour.

[@Thomasfrank]

Absolutely agree that you need to move around at least once an hour, which is stated in the video. I'm not sure I follow your disagreement about sitting. Are you saying you should elevate your feet above parallel with your hips somehow? Anytime I do that, my legs fall asleep in minutes lol

[@therock1232100]

@@Thomasfrank just like sitting in cramp airplane, you're sitting in that position...not to mention the high pressure but constricts blood flow in that sitting position you described. They even have foot stool products for the solution to that problem.

[@bryangrunauer]

@@Thomasfrank maybe he's talking about those feet supports so they aren't absolutely straight on the ground? They leave your feet at a slight angle, that might be more comfortable but don't quote me on that