Management Robby Slaughter
Workplaces and Workspaces The Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors tracks nearly 5,000 single family homes in Hamilton County, with a median value of $180,000. That’s something close to a billion dollars in assets, and we haven’t even covered multi-family apartments, public buildings, offices, warehouses, retail and other properties. Most of these structures have one striking trait in common: they were built to serve a single purpose. Most buildings, in essence, we use solely to live, work, shop or play. Today, however, we’re starting to see the lines blur. Commercial buildings now contain shops, restaurants and day care centers. Residential floorplans now commonly include a home office. Thanks to the Internet, we can do everything from run a business to order groceries from the comfort of our living rooms. All of this flexibility in real estate does create more flexibility in our daily lives. However, there’s an irony that comes from having more choices. The ability to instantly select between multiple activities can actually be paralyzing. A few years ago, it was difficult to relax at work or to get work done from home. The latest in real estate developments provide more opportunities, but they also impact our ability to focus. In his book The Paradox of Choice, author Barry Schwartz notes that “The fact that some choice is good doesn’t necessarily mean that more choice is better.” He continues, “There is a cost to having an overload of choice.” That’s why a home office can be a blessing and a curse: it provides the temptation to fold laundry or catch some daytime television. New development is good, but with more opportunities we can find it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. The best medicine for the overwhelming choices in our life is a renewed emphasis on discipline. If you have a home office, close the door when you are “at work.” If
there’s a favorite coffee shop that you often frequent on the first floor of your building, try putting your visits on your calendar rather than going whenever you feel the call of caffeine. Likewise, the design of your workspace can impact your productivity and satisfaction. If you have a window near your desk, you might want to think carefully about which way you face when you work. If your office overlooks a peaceful scene, looking up could be inspiring. If your window opens onto a busy street, consider turning your desk around to reduce distractions. Take advantage of the natural light and the natural scenery, but watch out for bustle and activity.
The choices we make in real estate -whether as small as work areas or as large as whole buildings---affect our perspective and our ability to concentrate. Take advantage of amazing new developments, but keep your own objectives in mind. Sometimes, we need specialized, single-purpose areas to get things done. We are most effective and most satisfied in spaces that meet our needs without distracting our focus Robby Slaughter is a Principal with Slaughter Development, an Indianapolis-based productivity and workflow consulting company. His new book, Failure: The Secret to Success, is available now at www.failurethebook.com.
Helping bring your business and personal financial goals more within reach As an Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services® advisor I meet with business owners like you to create financial plans tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Whatever your goals, I can work with you to develop the solutions customized for you and your business. Put your dreams more within reach.
Call me today at 317.853.1100. Joseph E. Mitchell, CFP®, MBA Senior Financial Advisor Business Financial Advisor 9200 Keystone Crossing, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.853.1100 joseph.e.mitchell@ampf.com
Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.© 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hamilton County Business Magazine/October • November 2010
19