Creating a Motivational Atmosphere In Your Mind and Workplace
- May 25, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: May 26, 2025
Written by Hayden Mater, Serial Entrepreneur
Hayden Mater is a professional life enthusiast and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of Mater Made, a micro brand watch company, and the department head for the US West lumber department at Richmond International Forest Products, a commodity trading firm.
Creating an environment and a lifestyle that fosters motivation and productivity is essential for achieving your goals. Whether you're working from home, on a sports field, or in an office, the right environment can make all the difference.
How to cultivate a garden of motivation
Your mind is a garden: How to grow motivation daily
Your mind is a garden and a muscle. Use it, exercise, take care of it, and water it.
Your mind is like a garden. To thrive, it needs the right nutrients—positive input, consistent care, and a healthy environment. You wouldn’t plant seeds in gravel and expect a harvest. Likewise, what you feed your mind determines what it produces. This isn’t something you can dabble in occasionally; it needs to be a daily habit.
If you want to bring the best version of yourself to the table every day, you need to make sure the right food is on that table. Mental nourishment can come from motivational podcasts, inspiring music, or conversations with friends who support your dreams. The more you fill your mind with positive, influential content, the more likely you are to produce positive outcomes.
One of the most powerful influences on your mindset is the company you keep. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, challenge you, and push boundaries. Their energy can be contagious, especially on days when your own motivation is low. Being around hard-working, driven individuals can help pull you out of ruts and keep you moving forward.
Positivity is never overrated. Try to see the glass as half full—and then strive to fill it to the top and beyond. If that doesn’t come naturally, find someone who radiates positivity and learn from them. Let their example inspire you and guide your own mindset.
Self-talk is another crucial piece of mental motivation that often goes unnoticed. What you say to yourself matters. If your inner voice is negative or self-defeating, it will shape your reality. Instead, speak to yourself with confidence and belief. Tell yourself you’re a world-class athlete, a successful entrepreneur, a leader—whatever it is you aspire to be. Believe it first, then act like it. The more you align your thoughts and actions, the more likely it is to become your reality.
Confidence starts with belief, and belief is rooted in your inner voice.
An example of the inner voice exercise from my own journey:
My career in day trading commodity lumber began with a significant hurdle. When I entered the world of commodity lumber trading, I had to learn an entirely new language literally. Regardless of intelligence or background, it takes about a year to become fluent in the industry's unique terminology. We discuss pricing in thousand board feet, navigate various lumber grades and products, and markets that have pricing fluctuations daily.
Due to the markets shifting weekly, customers often look to us for guidance when to buy, what prices are safe, or whether to try a new product. As a young newcomer, I faced hesitation from prospects who were unsure about trusting someone so early in their career to help run their business.
In the beginning, I struggled to be taken seriously. But everything changed when I started to believe in the value I brought to the table. On the other end of the phone, my prospects and customers could sense my passion and genuine approach to business. Confidence isn’t just heard it’s felt.
That kind of confidence comes from within. It’s built by consistently exercising your inner voice and reminding yourself of your worth. Once you believe you can make a difference in someone’s business, they’ll start to believe it too and give you a shot.
Designing a workspace that fuels your drive
You can’t expect to run a marathon without training, and the same principle applies to becoming a professional. Excellence doesn’t happen by accident; it begins with adopting the mindset and habits of a professional from the start. Your environment plays a crucial role in shaping that mindset. The following tips and practices are designed to help you cultivate a clean, organized, and professional approach to your work.
1. Declutter your space
A clean and organized space can significantly impact your focus and productivity. Removing unnecessary items and keeping your workspace tidy helps clear your mind and reduces distractions. As Marie Kondo famously said, "The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment."
2. Personalize your environment
Adding personal touches to your workspace can inspire and motivate you. This could be motivational quotes, photos of loved ones, or items that remind you of your goals. Steve Jobs once said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Surround yourself with things that you love and that inspire you to do your best work.
3. Optimize lighting
Good lighting can boost your mood and energy levels. Ensure your workspace is well-lit with natural light or high-quality artificial lighting. Poor lighting can lead to eye strain and fatigue, which can decrease productivity.
4. Create a dedicated workspace
Having a specific area for work helps you mentally switch into work mode. Make sure this space is comfortable and free from distractions. This separation between work and personal life is crucial, especially when working from home.
5. Use ergonomic furniture
Get comfortable! Investing in ergonomic furniture ensures comfort and reduces physical strain. A comfortable chair and a properly set-up desk can make a big difference in your productivity.
6. Incorporate plants
Plants can improve air quality and add a touch of nature to your environment. They can also reduce stress and increase productivity. Studies have shown that having plants in your workspace can improve concentration and boost your mood.
7. Play background music
Soft background music can enhance focus and create a pleasant atmosphere. Choose instrumental or low-lyric music to avoid distractions. Music can be a powerful tool to keep you motivated and in the zone.
8. Establish a routine
A consistent routine can help you stay on track. Set specific times for work, breaks, and leisure activities to create a balanced schedule. This structure can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensure that you are productive during work hours.
9. Minimize distractions
Identify and eliminate distractions in your environment. This could mean turning off notifications, using noise-canceling headphones, or setting boundaries with others. Minimizing distractions helps you stay laser-focused and productive.
10. Stay organized digitally
Keep your digital workspace organized. Use folders, labels, calendars, and productivity apps to manage your tasks and files efficiently. A cluttered digital space can be just as distracting as a physical one.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it to happen, others make it happen.” - Michael Jordan
Creating a motivational environment is about finding what works best for you and adjusting as needed. Not everyone is the same. By implementing these tips, you can create an environment that enhances your mental stability, your productivity, and helps you achieve your goals.
Did I miss something that you use or wanted to hear more about? Find me on social media and reach out to brainstorm on more practical strategies.
Read more from Hayden Mater
Hayden Mater, Serial Entrepreneur
Hayden Mater is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends the worlds of commodity lumber trading and innovative watchmaking. With years of experience in the lumber industry, he has honed his skills in navigating complex markets and securing top-tier deals. In addition, as the founder of Mater Made, his micro brand watch company, Hayden brings precision and passion to every venture. Dedicated to excellence in health, work, and family life, Hayden cherishes every opportunity to grow and inspire others. With a commitment to professionalism and a drive to motivate those around him, he is a true leader in both the lumber industry and the entrepreneurial world. Click to learn more about his journey and vision.
