Coffee beans

Why I Love Coffee Shops

To Be More Creative, Spend More Time in Coffee Shops.

Besides the caffeine, it seems the biggest benefit of doing creative work at a coffee shop is that it makes you more creatively productive! While at the coffee shop, I feel more stimulated and alert, I’m motivated, and have the energy and drive to actually make things!

Why is this? Some theories:

1. Music and ambient noise

I believe by having a certain level of distractions is good for creative focus.

Nassim Taleb mentions this as “stochastic resonance”— some noise is actually beneficial to help us focus.

I like hearing the random music, random conversations, and I enjoy being around other human beings. Also the random grinding of the coffee machines, the smells, and all the other vibes. Also the stimulation of people moving around.

Lesson: The environment to optimize and maximize your personal creative production is essential.

2. Standing areas

I prefer coffee shops with “standing desk” areas, or even spots at the bar which encourage me to lean against and stand. For example, the tiny ledge at the coffee bar.

Saigon, 2018 #cindyproject
Saigon, 2018 #cindyproject

I don’t believe standing in itself is good for creativity. I just know that sitting is generally bad for creativity.

In fact, walking is the best for creativity.

The benefit of standing is that it is like stationary walking — standing isn’t as good as walking, but certainly not as bad as sitting.

So whenever possible, never sit. Always stand, squat, or walk.

Or if you’re tired, lie on your back.


3. Caffeine

eric kim tattoo black and white coffee arm

This is obvious. When in doubt, drink more (black) coffee. No sugar, no milk, and no milk substitutes.

Preferably cold brew (higher caffeine). Or a light roasted coffee (more caffeine than dark roasted coffee).

4. Thank God for annoying and distracting people

My theory:

You will never be able to fully “focus”, if you don’t need to battle against a distraction.

People at coffee shops who are loud, annoying, or distracting engage my “focus” engine. Without distractions, I cannot focus.

Conclusion

Portrait by Luis Donoso. At Haus Coffee in SF

To be more productive, spend more time at coffee shops instead of being at home.

ERIC