I’m buying a new computer soon. And I’m designing my workspace down to the finest detail.

Some of these things seem frivolous at face value. The lighting, the custom keyboard, the minimalistic layout and the hidden routing of the cables — these won’t make me better at my craft.

…Or will they?

In his latest book, ‘Slow Productivity, Cal Newport mentions how tools inherently make the user better. It’s a mental game. By using industry-specific tools — like Scriviner for writing a book — you’re telling yourself that you’re a pro. Whether or not the tool is any different than what you typically use, the subconscious understanding that you’ve taken the next step shifts your mental perspective.

Using professional tools can make you act like a professional.

Setting up my desk is absolutely an ego thing — I am not denying that fact. I want to show it off and flex about the colour scheme and intricate details to the design nerds who care about such things.

But putting in the effort to make this space as professional as I can will affect my mindset when I sit down to get things done.

When your workspace is designed for professional work, you do that work.