I was inspired to go to our local coffee shop by and article I just read in the new York Times by Benedict Carey titled, ‘Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits‘ (Sept 6th 2010)

I guess this is chaos theory in practice’¦ I’m sure Mr Carey, whilst writing this article, never imagined that his words would inspire someone 10,008 miles away to go to the Gumnut Café in Hall. Nonetheless, here I am.

The article points out that psychologists from the University of California and the University of Virginia tell us that instead of sticking to one study location, simply alternating the room where a person studies improves knowledge retention.

One Dr Bjork is quoted as saying, ‘What we think is happening here is that, when the outside context is varied, the information is enriched, and this slows down forgetting.’

I figure that if it works for getting information into one’s head, perhaps it also works for getting information out?

I know this to be true of myself when it comes to thinking and planning. I have my best ideas when I’m out jogging, walking, driving or just sitting with a pad in a coffee shop.

With this in mind, I set off to a change of scenery to write a few blog posts and articles’¦ (this being one of those).

I think it would be true to surmise that a change of scenery has worked tremendously well in this instance, as were I not in this coffee shop, I would not have written this article!!

So there you are; you now have permission from psychologists (and me) to go chill at your local coffee shop, all in the name of work.

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About the Author

Chris Edwards is a Leadership Coach and Communication Strategist. He is a City2Surf Legend who applies the same focus and dedication to his clients that has powered him over the line year after year.

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