For the bulk of this post, I will be focusing on the topic quietness. However, before I start, I would like to go a little off topic and talk about something that I have in mind. Scrivener text fonts seem to look extremely small on my Macbook Pro. I wonder if there is anything I could do to adjust the size. That is something I will leave it after I have completed writing this post. I have to admit that I have not been writing much lately. It is largely because I was too tired to do anything after work. There is a need for me to build up my stamina so that I can get more things done in a single day. Now, let us jump into our topic for the post.
Many of us were told to be more proactive, to ask more questions and to speak up during our days in school. It is rarely a quiet place, at least to me. A little introduction on the education system in the country I am living in. After primary school, all students will sit for their PSLE and the grades will determine the schools you can be admitted to. If you want to go to the ‘elite’ schools, then you’d probably score within the top 10%. Alternatively, you may apply through special admission if you are extremely talented in sports, music or arts. As you probably guessed it right now, I am not within the top 10% in my cohort. Hence, I went to a below average neighbourhood Secondary school near my home. A normal class in that school was everything but quiet. Even the teachers were having a hard time keeping the class volume within control. Sore throat was common among my teachers.
The quietest place in my Secondary school was (No, not the library. Don’t you know children loves playing catch around the library?) the toilet, but recess time was an exception.
There was almost no place which was quiet enough for me to work. Hence, I always prefer to walk home and study. Studying was a means to run away from all problems I had faced then. Home was a quiet place. So quiet that you will start hearing voices in your head, stirring up fear, uncertainty and hopelessness. Yes, that period was one of the most difficult times I have had where there is a possibility for me to loss my only parent left in my world. (Who cares about the world when I couldn’t get mine straight?) Of course, I am glad that I didn’t and managed to pull through all difficult times since then.
Now, let us pause here and think about quietness for a moment:
- Do you work better in a quiet environment?
- Do you perhaps prefer some noise in the background?
- In what environment will your concentration improve?
If we were to list out our answers right here, we probably see various different answers. Some of us are so used to having our televisions on when we are doing work. Well, maybe YouTube videos had replaced our televisions. While some of us find it difficult to concentrate with all the noise in the background. That is why it is so difficult to find a workspace in the libraries. I am fortunate to be working in a University right now with an access to all the libraries available. I must say it is really a good environment for me to work in during the weekend. Research materials are readily available and it is not crowded (with the exception during exam periods). Yes, I prefer a quiet workspace.
Quietness enables me to work better, think better and focus better. These are essential for both study and work. Hence, as long as the environment is right, I will be more productive. Yet, environment is not something we can determine ourselves. When we are in the wrong environment, the only thing left for us to do is to adapt. Some of my colleagues bought themselves earplugs as their desks were among the noisiest place in campus. Others will just bring all their work to empty spaces beside my desk in order to focus and get things done. Adaptation proves to be an important characteristic one should have in order to do their job well.
However, if I am travelling alone overseas, the story would be very different. I prefer to have some background noise for me to focus. This is largely due to the unfamiliar environment. Noises reassure me that I am working in the place and my environment is not changing too quickly. Yes, it is delusional and I am fine with this way. I know of some colleagues who shared my habits as well. So don’t worry if you share the same habit, you are not alone.
Well, some of the reasons for us to have some background noise are:
- Sense of being secure
- Reduce the tendency to feel lonely
- Prevent distraction from the environment you are in
Everyone of has a different take in whether we prefer a quiet working environment or one with some noise. Regardless, it is good to understand yourself and know the environment you are most comfortable working in.
That’s all for the current post. I will see you again next time.
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