Rohini Kejriwal
Aug 28, 2017 · 3 min read

Is Coworking the solution to a productivity rut?

Artwork by Cecile Gariepy

I’ve been in an annoying productivity rut, which is funny because after nearly two months of continuous travel, I feel highly charged creatively and am brimming with ideas. Yet for a week since I got back to Bangalore, I allowed myself to sit uselessly at home, merely pitching ideas rather than fleshing them out, procrastinating and blaming the shitty (non-existent) WiFi and lack of a desk at home as an excuse, and getting high in the mornings. And we all know how that ends.

But today, I decided to get my act together. The cigarettes are anyway on their way out, as is the regularity of the booze consumption. All I needed now was a space that infuses me with passion to work. The world of coworking has always fascinated me, especially with The Alipore Post being of a highly collaborative nature. Then again, I’ve always found the whole idea of being in a common space with strangers and the possibility of forced interactions daunting. Then there’s the whole conflict about already having a functional home with WiFi (sometimes) and getting the job done anyway.

I just swiped my card for Rs 2500 to work out of Blank Space for the next week: a place two minutes away from my place but which for the last two hours has kept me engaged and motivated. Then again, it’s more about self-motivation, the mindspace I’m in, and the fact that I’m not in my PJs + the will to get my work done instead of the coworking environment or the fact that others are working around me, I think.

Still, so far, so good. Today, I have already completed the following tasks:

  • Sending out invites to TMA applicants
  • Work on 2 articles for DF
  • Schedule TAP on FB for the week
  • Follow up on pending payments
  • Send out TAP postcards

It is now 2 pm and going home for hot ghar ka khana was a much-needed break to get some perspective on today. I feel like my life seems to have a semblance of a routine, which I haven’t had for possibly two and a half years since I quit Metrolife. It’s interesting to recognise that I don’t wish to have a hyperscheduled life like Elon Musk or Bill Gates would aspire to, where every second of every day is accounted for. I don’t wish to be a burnout.

But it’s positive to know that in the next few hours, I’ll be in yoga class, followed by dinner and bed. I’m also toying with the idea of leaving my laptop behind for the night once I’m done with work for today instead of having the option to surf/watch something before bed. But then there’s the new episode of Twin Peaks out, and I’ve been so good today!

5 pm: Tea break on the roof

I loved my green tea viewpoint, and enjoyed a new viewpoint of Sankey Tank although the honking cars and drilling from nearby construction sites ruined my peace. Still, it’s been a better, more productive day than I’ve had in months. I have done more than I planned to. I’m not sure if it’s my enthusiasm to work and have a routine but if everyday could be as productive as today, sign me up.

Update: I never went back to co-working after this. I prefer the inspiring desk at home.

)
Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade