Why I Keep My Workspace So Minimal
A lot of people ask what my actual workspace looks like when I’m not preparing for a video. So I decided to show it exactly as it is, without moving anything or cleaning up first.
What you see is how I really work each day.
One thing that stands out right away is how little is on my desk. I prefer a very sparse workspace because clutter quickly becomes distraction for me. If too many things are sitting in front of me, I start paying attention to them even when I should be focused on one task.
That is why almost everything has a purpose.
On the left side of my desk, I keep a water bottle. It sounds simple, but staying hydrated helps me stay alert throughout the day. I do not want to leave my desk often just because I forgot water.
Near the center, I have my wireless keyboard and mouse. I like wireless because it keeps cords from creating visual noise. Less cable clutter helps the whole space feel calmer.
One Simpletivity principle I always come back to is this: If your environment feels simpler, your mind often feels simpler too.
That idea affects almost every decision in my office.
Why I Switched to an Ultra-Wide Monitor
The biggest change since my last office tour is the monitor.
I now use an ultra-wide display, and honestly, I do not think I could go back.
For years I used dual monitors, but over time I found that one wide screen gave me a cleaner workflow. Instead of splitting my attention between two separate displays, everything now lives in one visual space.
That helps me organize windows better.
I can place email on one side, a document in the center, and reference material on the other side without feeling boxed in.
It also supports my video editing and writing much better.
The base of the monitor is large enough that I can keep a few important items nearby without creating clutter.
That includes:
- My glasses
- Earbuds
- Stream Deck
The Stream Deck is interesting because I expected it to become one of my most powerful tools.
But in reality, I use it far less than I thought I would.
Most often, it turns my light on and off.
That is still useful, but not revolutionary.
Sometimes the tools we expect to transform our workflow become small conveniences instead.
And that is okay.
The Desk Tools I Actually Use Every Day
One item many people overlook is paper.
I keep one sheet beside me every day.
Usually just one page.
That page becomes temporary thinking space.
If I am in a meeting, writing one quick note is often faster than opening another app.
If an idea appears suddenly, I write it down immediately.
Paper creates no friction.
That matters.
Many digital systems are powerful, but if they slow capture, they lose value.
This single page often starts blank in the morning and slowly fills during the day.
Sometimes I continue using yesterday’s page if there is room left.
That simple habit helps me avoid overcomplicating note-taking.
Another Simpletivity soundbite I often believe is: You deserve to work without feeling overwhelmed.
That applies even to note-taking.
Why My Microphone Is More Important Now
A tool I use more than ever is my microphone.
Originally it was mainly for recording videos and meetings.
Now it is also part of how I interact with AI.
I speak to ChatGPT regularly during my day.
That means the microphone stays close and ready.
Voice input has changed how quickly ideas move.
Instead of typing every thought, I can speak naturally and keep momentum.
That makes brainstorming faster.
It also reduces interruptions when I am already focused.
The microphone arm helps because I can move it away instantly when I do not need it.
That flexibility matters.
A fixed microphone would feel intrusive.
Better Lighting Changed Video Quality
Above the monitor sits my light.
This has been one of the best upgrades.
I used ring lights before, but they never gave me the same natural look.
The Elgato light gives more control and better softness.
When you spend time on video calls, lighting matters more than many people realize.
People may forgive average camera quality.
They notice bad lighting immediately.
Good front lighting makes meetings feel more professional and easier to watch.
That becomes part of your business presence even if you are working from home.
Why My PC Is Elevated
To the right side sits my PC.
It is elevated for two reasons.
First, airflow improves.
Second, my desk adjusts between sitting and standing positions.
If the computer sat on the floor, cable movement would become harder to manage.
Keeping it raised means cords move naturally when the desk changes height.
That protects both equipment and organization.
Small physical decisions often create smoother daily workflow.
Why I Added a Whiteboard
A newer addition is the glass whiteboard beside me.
This gives me a larger thinking space when paper is not enough.
Sometimes I need to sketch ideas, map a week, or outline content.
A whiteboard makes that easier.
It also keeps temporary thinking visible.
That visibility changes how ideas develop.
Unlike digital notes, a whiteboard stays in sight until erased.
That makes reminders harder to ignore.
What Stays Behind Me Matters Too
Behind my chair, I added more sound panels.
People often assume they are decorative first.
Actually, they are functional first.
They reduce echo during recording.
That improves sound quality immediately.
But they also create a strong visual background.
Many people think I am using a virtual background during calls.
I am not.
That wall is real.
It works both acoustically and visually.
That combination is valuable.
Small Changes That Improved the Office
I also added plants.
A few people suggested this after my last office setup video.
They were right.
Even small greenery changes the feel of the room.
The office still stays mostly neutral, but plants soften it.
I also installed LED lighting behind me.
Usually I keep it white, but color options let me shift the mood depending on the day.
That subtle background lighting helps the room feel intentional without becoming distracting.
Why Simplicity Still Wins
At the end of the day, every item in this room must answer one question:
Why is it here?
If something has no clear purpose, it usually leaves.
That mindset protects focus.
It also protects time.
Because every extra object can quietly demand attention.
A simpler workspace creates fewer decisions.
And fewer decisions often mean more energy for important work.
That is the system I keep returning to.
Not perfection.
Not expensive gear.
Just intentional choices.
And that continues to shape how I work every day.