Let the ambience decide
After wandering around the world a bit, I came to realize that you got to let your environment work in your favor.
Each city and each neighborhood has its unique characteristic and vibe. Being the same person that I am (or so I thought), I find myself behaving differently in different environments.
When in Helsinki, I notice the quietness, the vast nature, and the inner desire to be left alone, perhaps with a book, a warm blanket, and a cup of coffee. When in Tel Aviv, I notice the white buildings, the vibrant cafes, and the artistic energy to dance and surf along the coastline. When in Bali, I notice the lush greens, the peaceful locals, and the ability to relax and calm the mind. When in San Francisco, I notice the tech jackets, the networking at cafes, and the perpetual drive to learn and develop new skills.
Instead of going against my ambience to try to get work done under the Hagia Sophia, I was more productive learning about the culture and history of Istanbul. Instead of trying to meet locals in Venice, I went to more art museums, galleries, and made observations of the intricate architecture of the city. Instead of venturing far out on a rainy day to network, I preferred chatting with a friend overlooking the jungle in Bali. Instead of trying to slow down the pace in the financial district of San Francisco, I loved to channel others’ drive towards more learnings and personal growth.
Sometimes we blame ourselves for an inability to focus, to be productive, or even to relax. But if we take the time to look around, we notice that instead of going against our environment, we can make great use of it.
