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The Power Position

Setting up a proper space to work at home is necessary.

Ever feel that something isn’t ‘quite right’? Is it the time-of-day that seems to have disruptions? Or perhaps, procrastination has set in.

Stressful issues and anxiety, can blow things out of proportion and lead to non-productivity. Your situation can change daily! 

In attempts to find coping skills, many people ask me about décor for their working spaces: which colours to choose and where to put things. If you follow the rules and embrace Feng Shui Theories, your space will feel and look amazing, with proper flow, just the right shapes, images and colours for the purpose that its meant for. But, not everything is that easy.

There are many variables.  And yet, the first thing you need to do before decorating is to choose a place to work. To work productively you’ll need to place yourself into a power position; often referred to as the ‘command position’.

The LOGIC, when in your Power Position:

Your back is protected from surprises.

•        You have control with clear sight lines defined.

• You are safely out of the way of distractions

Whether you have a full room designated as your office, a closet or a cubical, you’ll need to find ‘The Command Position’. This would be the ‘best spot’ to work in order to see the whole room and the doorway, yet, not be in direct alignment with a door.

If you ‘feel good’ sitting at your desk, it is a good indication that you are on the right track. You may not ‘feel’ like success, but, you will enjoy more productivity in the process of becoming successful in the future.

Look around your home to find a working space. Get creative. Can you carve out a spot at the end of the dining room table that can be YOURS? Can you set up a nook near the back entrance? Perhaps a pop-up coffee table would be ‘the spot’ to work. Placing a place-mat or scarf to mark your territory can remind others that you are indeed working.

Working at home doesn’t need to be stressful.

If you are watching a video, on Skype or chatting w your friends, these rules I’m sharing could be relaxed.

However, once you feel the impact of being in-charge and productive, you may have a whole new way of living!

Here are a few tips for finding the ‘best seat’ and be more productive:

• If possible, you’ll want to avoid sitting with a window behind you. The window will reflect glare onto your devises. Windows are also fragile and will not give you grounding or support for your back. A curtain in a light fabric/colour or a screen divider should be considered to make you feel more secure and block out any reflection.
• When you sit with your face into a corner and backing to a door, balcony or open space, the subconscious can shift into high-alert – What is going on behind your back? Try to get creative with your working arrangement so you can see the doorway from your work area.
• Sitting with a low bookshelf or credenza behind you could give you security. Yet, a high book shelf, even fixed to the wall, can give you the feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Do not plan your working space under a beam or where a ceiling slopes down behind you. Any configuration that makes you feel anxious, overwhelmed or stifled should be reconsidered. Try to ‘sit in your space’ for a few minutes to see if any of these issues are present. Your chosen ‘power position’ will feel comfortable and relaxed.
• Other considerations that may affect where you work are good lighting, heat/air conditioning and a comfortable seat. Is there enough room to spread out your stuff? What about the colours/mood/karma of the room?
• Is there any way to insure privacy to take a call? Can you set up schedule? – Time for no interruptions. Time for meals and breaks. Time to play or connect with others in the house.

Sit in the ‘power position’ every time you visit a cafe. 

Wherever you are, and whatever you do, you can use this Power Position Habit in other activities.

Think of going into a coffee shop, or a restaurant. Where are the best seats? Where are you most inclined to sit?

Just like everyone else, you probably head towards a booth or a table along a wall, rather than sit in the middle of the room. Those middle tables are notorious for interruptions, people passing behind you, and being bumped in the middle of your meal! When (if lucky) choosing a booth or a side table can guarantee privacy and no one will be walking behind your back- giving your sub conscious an opportunity to stay calm. Just keep one eye on the door, so you don’t miss your friends!

In a formal meeting place, where would be the best place to sit?  A seat that will allow you to have your back protected and a clear view of the door and speaker? I’ll give you a hint: get there early and think about this theory of finding the power seats; there’s more than one!  You’ll have your choice.

Now that the modern working world is moving back into their homes, people are having to carve out a space to work, new routines and deal with many distractions. Your family isn’t used to ignoring you when home all day, you may have to make adjustments around the main productive hours.

In summary, the key things to consider when battling the unseen forces of changing times:

Set up boundaries, be aware of distractions and keep your back protected.

Play safe. Enjoy the journey ahead.

~ Kathryn

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About Kathryn Wilking

Author, Home Stager, Feng Shui Consultant

Kathryn has inspired women for more than a decade to take charge of their lives; arranging their environment, home and office, to support a positive, prosperous lifestyle. She provides informative tips and talks to organizations and small groups through her Facebook Group and Blog Posts and recorded podcasts. Contact her today for more info about bringing the practical application of Feng Shui into your space.

Her book, Practical Feng Shui for the Office; never goes out of style!
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