I frequently encourage my clients to use the resources available to them—those right in front of their noses. But often, we fail to do this, whether out of habit, oversight, or a lack of curiosity. We don’t investigate the opportunities or ask the simple questions that could uncover new possibilities. And naturally I do it too.

I’ve always done my best to live that advice, and today, I’m putting mom’s advice into action. Instead of heading to my usual coffee shop, I’ve decided to try out somewhere new to work on my book and take care of some back office tasks. Today I’m at the Western Washington University Library. It’s only a mile from my home, but this is the first time I’ve actually come here to work. I admit that I’ve lived this close for the last ten years, six of those working out of my home. The library was in one of my blind spots, it held little mental real estate in my head, so I kept passing it by on the way to one of my preferred coffee shops.

Shifting the work environment is important. Even when I was running my own companies and managing teams, a change in environment made a difference. I found that shifting my workspace stimulated my creativity and helped me get more done. In the early days of my work, I would occasionally take my laptop to a coffee shop or another location to shake things up. I always used a laptop, it gave me more freedom. The ability to switch spaces easily was always a gift, especially being set up to bring my work resources (laptop) with me.

Now, as a solopreneur, I find this habit even more critical. Even with many delivery partners, collaborators, and friends, working alone can be much more challenging than being around other people who are also working. There’s a certain dynamic energy that comes from being in a space where others are focused, engaged, and productive. That energy can be contagious, fueling not only your attitude toward your work but also your creativity and the quality of what you produce.

That’s why I tend to seek out alternate workspaces whenever I need a fresh perspective or a boost of energy. A coffee shop full of life, a quiet nook in a library, or even a bustling co-working space can make all the difference. And today, in the Western Washington University Library, I feel the buzz of youthful enthusiasm around me—students engaged in their work, ideas flying, minds focused. It’s a vibe that both inspires and motivates me.

I am grateful for the shift in perspective, grateful for the resources right around me, and grateful for the chance to practice what I preach. Sometimes, all it takes is a small change in environment to see big results. The right workspace can transform your work, your mindset, and ultimately, the outcome.

If you’re a solopreneur and haven’t tried changing up your environment, I highly encourage you to give it a shot. Step out of your usual space, try a new location, and see how it feels. Observe how it motivates you, how it sharpens your focus, and how it might even spark new ideas. Use the freedom you have earned choosing to be self-employed.

Sometimes, the key to better work isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right environment, the right energy. When you curate your environment, your world, you’ll notice how it propels you forward, making your work not only more enjoyable but more effective.

When I practice what I preach, which for me is part of the practice of living in integrity, I always learn and I often make great connections.