As far as the desk space, I worked in our bedroom when I first went solo (1999), and it was pretty much a nightmare–annoying for my wife and too much ruckus for me, particularly when the kids were toddlers. After we added on a bedroom for our kids, I took a spare bedroom, and that was a major upgrade in peace and productivity. My two best purchases were a used Herman Miller Aeron chair (perfect for the Phoenix climate) and a antique drafting table that’s the size of an aircraft carrier deck.

I wish I could be clutterless like you, Ryan, but it’s not in my genes.

That’s similar to how I work most of the time. Up at 4, working by 5, done around noon. Isn’t it the greatest feeling when noon rolls around and you know you’re finishing up? Nothing like it!

It is all location. My office is like a church. The silent environment allows me to concentrate. Simple and orderly to; a desk, chair, laptop, pen and pad. Physical clutter leads to mental clutter and vice versa.

I also wake at 5AM to get the most work done before daily distractions ensue. It’s a little after noon and I’m wrapping up my day, just when most people are hitting the mid-day point of their daily activities.