The Power of Marginal Gains
Sir Dave Brailsford popularized the aggregation of marginal gains: the idea that if you improve every area related to your goal by just 1 percent, those small gains add up to a remarkable improvement. Your workday is no different. Whether you are using our space for a day or a decade, these shifts fundamentally change your output.
10 Tactical Tweaks for the Modern Professional
1. Flight Mode Deep Work Session
Put your phone in a locker or another room for 90 minutes. Removing the physical presence of the device eliminates the “switch tasking” urge triggered by notifications. Brick & Mortar Hack: Lockers are now available at our Arlington Heights and Libertyville locations to make this disconnection frictionless.
2. Strategic Batching
Group all shallow tasks—billing, scheduling, and email—into one 60-minute block at the end of the day. This prevents “task bleeding” where small chores interrupt your high-value cognitive work.
3. The 10-Minute Proximity Rule
Limit your commute to 10 minutes or less to preserve your executive function. Long commutes drain the mental energy you need for peak performance before you even sit down. Brick & Mortar Hack: Find your closest neighborhood Brick & Mortar and eliminate unnecessary travel friction.
4. Optimized Lighting
Use spaces with natural light to support your circadian rhythms and energy levels. Brick & Mortar Hack: Our Bookable Work Booths offer controllable lighting, allowing you to customize the environment to match your specific work mode.
5. The Pre-Commitment Plan
Write your top three priorities the night before or early in the morning before your day begins. This ensures you start with clarity rather than spending your peak energy deciding where to begin.
6. Leverging 24/7 Access
Work during your biological peak instead of forcing a 9-to-5 schedule. If you are most creative at 6:00 AM or most analytical at 8:00 PM, your space should accommodate that. Brick & Mortar Hack: All Brick & Mortar locations offer 24/7 secure electronic access, giving you full control over your professional schedule.
7. Visual Boundaries
Use a Private Office or Work Booth to signal to yourself—and others—that you are unavailable for interruptions. Visual cues are the fastest way to protect your focus. Brick & Mortar Hack: Private Offices by the day and Work Booths create instant separation from the noise of a busy day.
8. The Walk and Talk
Take your phone calls while walking to increase blood flow and mental clarity. Movement is proven to boost creative problem-solving. Brick & Mortar Hack: Our locations are intentionally placed within walkable downtowns, making movement a seamless part of your daily workflow.
9. Standardized Tech Stack
Eliminate friction with consistent, high-speed connectivity. Tech “hiccups” are the leading cause of flow-state disruption. Brick & Mortar Hack: Every location is designed and tested for top-of-the-line functionality. Our high-speed internet includes multiple access points so you can move between a standing desk and a focus station without a drop in connectivity.
10. The Clean Break
When you leave the office, leave the work there. Reclaiming your evening is the best way to ensure peak productivity tomorrow. Brick & Mortar Hack: Physical separation between “work” and “home” is essential for true recovery. Coming soon: at our Naperville and La Grange locations will offer grab-and-go items to help you transition into your evening fully equipped.
The Economics of Focus
Research from Georgetown University suggests that the ability to concentrate without distraction is the superpower of the 21st-century economy. In an age of constant connectivity, focus is a competitive advantage. When you work smarter, you are not just getting things done faster—you are improving the quality and value of the output itself.
Strategic FAQ
What is the best way to start a productive day? Start with the task you are most likely to procrastinate on. Doing this in a dedicated office space removes the easy distractions of home and sets a high-performance tone for the day.
Why does location matter for productivity? Proximity to high-quality amenities and professional peers keeps your energy levels high. Reducing the “friction” of your environment allows you to spend 100% of your effort on your work.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Brick & Mortar is more than just a place to sit; it is a system for working better. By implementing these small shifts, you can save 5 to 10 hours a week without sacrificing your output.
Your time is your most valuable asset. Discover how our locations are built to support your smartest workday yet:
Sources:
- Georgetown University: Deep Work and the Modern Economy
- Harvard Business Review: The Case for Single-Tasking
