Tune Yourself for Productivity and Creativity

Do you enjoy music? Do certain melodies help you get into the right mood? Or do you prefer silence to focus on tasks at hand?

Petr Sobotka
SYNERGY
4 min readFeb 15, 2024

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Photo by Soundtrap on Unsplash

When I need to concentrate on something important, I’ve developed a habit of listening to music. Maybe you’ve tried this yourself?

It’s like finding a secret weapon for productivity.

I’m typically not one to constantly wear headphones or blast music all day long, even while driving. Instead, I often listen to news or interviews, saving music for occasional breaks. But hey, everyone has their own preferences, right?

There are even some situations where I can’t listen to music at all — especially at night when I’m walking through dark, unlit areas like parks or forest paths. Irrational fears, heightened by reduced senses, prompt me to turn off the music.

Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash

However, when I need to tackle more complex tasks — especially when working on the computer, which is essential for my main job — I find it incredibly helpful to immerse myself in music.

This habit initially formed while working in an open-space environment, where distractions from coworkers were abundant.

Surprisingly, it’s proven even more beneficial when working from home, where I need to shield myself from the constant chatter of my two little ones.

Do you find it easier to concentrate in a bustling environment or in the quiet of your own space?

It’s not just about isolating myself from my physical surroundings; it’s also about cutting off virtual distractions. When I’m engrossed in music while working, I’m less inclined to check my phone or social media.

Selecting the right music that matches my mood for the day allows me to fend off procrastination for hours on end, which significantly boosts productivity.

The type of music I choose depends on the nature of the task.

For detailed, repetitive work like data analysis or impact assessments, I somehow find solace in something fast-paced and energizing but with the gentle sounds of a stream in the forest, like raindrops falling into the puddle behind the window, guiding me through the complexities with such grace — well, that’s what Frenchcore feels like, anyway.

For writing, whether it’s for Medium or other platforms, I lean towards more subtle genres like trance or house. They create an ambiance so delicate, it’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket of creativity.

But then, when faced with those daunting tasks that require a quick turnaround, I reluctantly turn to recent pop music.

It’s like subjecting myself to an annoying background noise, urging me to finish my tasks as swiftly as possible just to escape its clutches.

Photo by Samuel Ramos on Unsplash

Admittedly, I may not be an expert on musical genres, often mislabeling them, but streaming services have been a boon for discovering new tracks and artists.

Have you stumbled upon any hidden music gems lately?

Regardless of genre, I’ve come to realize that the quality of sound is crucial for its impact on my productivity.

Investing in decent headphones with optimal sound output has made a noticeable difference. Music must be loud and of high quality to truly boost my focus and creativity.

While I can’t provide a universal list of the best motivational songs — since what works for me might not work for others — I can confidently advise against certain genres like Czech country for productivity.

Trust me, you don’t want to find yourself frozen in confusion, unable to grasp what’s happening.

But hey, maybe you’re braver than I am — you know yourself the best!

After all, it’s all about finding what works best for you and embracing your unique quirks along the way.

Hi there! Could you help me write more stories like this? If you enjoyed this one, sharing it with your friends or posting it on social media would be amazing! ✨

Every comment is welcome, as your feedback helps me improve. And of course, thanks for reading — it truly means a lot!

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Petr Sobotka
SYNERGY

Data Analyst and Basketball Coach, Dreamer and Writer, Fantasy and Crime books lover. Father and Loving Husband. Simply me.