The right gear: start with solid foundations
To work effectively, being organized and focused is not enough.
You also need the right physical setup.
Chefs have good knives. Hairdressers have good scissors.
In the same way, if your work relies heavily on a computer, your environment and tools become direct productivity levers.
The goal isn't extreme optimization. It's making sure your setup doesn't slow you down or exhaust you for no reason.
Your computer should never make you wait
The tool you use the most every day is your computer.
The rule is simple: your computer should wait for you, never the other way around.
If you regularly see the spinning wheel or loading bar, it's a clear signal: your tool has become a bottleneck.
Sure, you can try temporary fixes: free up memory, close heavy apps. But in most cases, when a computer starts lagging consistently, it's time to replace it.
Do the math.
If a faster computer saves you just 30 minutes a day, over five years that's roughly 60 full workdays saved. At that point, the investment is usually more than worth it.
A reliable phone, not a source of stress
Your second core tool is your phone.
If it gets slow or you have to recharge it multiple times a day, it becomes mental friction.
Constantly worrying about your battery feeds that "dark cloud" of intrusive thoughts.
Tools should serve you, never the other way around.
If replacing the battery is enough, do it. Otherwise, upgrade.
It's the same logic as remove notifications: reduce anything that steals your attention without a good reason.
Always have headphones or earbuds
Whether you're working remotely or in an office, headphones or earbuds are real work tools.
They let you take calls while taking notes, reduce interruptions, and create a focus bubble - as explained in create your focus bubble.
They also reduce physical strain, especially in the neck and shoulders, if you're on the phone a lot.
Get light and environment right
Poor visual conditions create unnecessary fatigue.
Ideally, natural light should come from the side.
Avoid sitting with your back to the window (glare), and avoid a direct light source in front of you (backlighting).
Natural light also helps synchronize your body clock. It supports better sleep via melatonin and improves mood via serotonin.
Adding a few plants is also a great investment.
They make the space more pleasant, and many studies suggest they support creativity, collaboration, and productivity.
Two upgrades that really change everything
Once the overall environment is solid, two items deserve special attention.
A real office chair
If you sit for hours every day, a bad chair quickly becomes a health problem.
A good office chair should offer:
- height adjustment so your feet are flat on the floor,
- adjustable armrests so your arms stay at a right angle,
- breathable materials for long-term comfort.
Sitting poorly for hours drains energy and focus - the opposite of what we discussed in the power of breaks.
A large external monitor
What strains your eyes is close vision.
The INRS (France's national institute for research and safety) recommends keeping about 50 cm between your eyes and the screen. To respect that distance without squinting, an external monitor is almost essential.
A monitor of at least 21 inches is more comfortable, reduces eye strain, and makes you faster.
One common trap: don't use your second screen to keep email or chat open all day - it will destroy your focus. Your calendar, on the other hand, can be a good option.
Invest smart without overspending
Upgrading your setup doesn't mean spending blindly.
Companies renew equipment regularly, which creates a strong second-hand market for monitors and office chairs. It's often the best compromise between comfort and budget.
Go further
If you'd like to receive one short email a day to help you work more effectively, improve your setup, and make progress without burning out, just enter your email below.
One email a day.
No more.
Just enough.