When we’re moving forward on a project but not as effectively or productively as we’d like, it’s worth reconsidering our environment.

Years ago, when I found myself stumped on a project and frustrated by my slow pace of progress, I went to visit Michael Moschen — a world-class juggler who happened to live nearby.

Not only is Michael known for creating utterly original work that defies the category of juggling; he also has an uncanny ability to focus. I was hoping he might be able to offer some insight on how best to approach my project.

Standing in his barn with its double high ceiling, I told Michael the details of what I was trying to work out and asked if he had any suggestions for how best to move forward.

Squatting in front of bags of props, wrapping a few crystal balls in felt, he peered up at me with marble-sized eyes and responded to my question with one of his own.

“Under what circumstances do you do your best work?”

His question arrived in the air like a blast of brightness — as if someone had opened the barn doors, flooding the space with light. It was such a profoundly simple and illuminating question that it made me blink.

I knew the answers instantly. And so do you…for you.

Under what circumstances do you do your best work? What do you need?

• Accountability

• Deadlines

• Time late at night

• A partner in the project with me

• Thinking through ideas on my own

• Time along

• Long Periods uninterrupted

• Early mornings

• Talking through my ideas out loud

• Long walk to think

• Complete silence

• A community

• A coach

• Short work sprints

• Time in nature

• Standing

• Sitting

• Moving

• Music

• A mentor

• Collaborators

• Activity in the background

We know the answers and yet we so rarely set ourselves up for success. What combination works for you?

Risk Forward. Rock On!