I’ve recently done something that, on paper, shouldn’t really matter.
I moved my office around.
New desk position. Some new furniture. A new backdrop. And a declutter.
After five years of sitting in the same setup, I decided it was time for a change. And honestly, I can’t believe the impact it’s had.
I’m more energised walking into work. I’m thinking more clearly. I’m more positive about the day ahead. Nothing about my workload changed. Nothing about my goals changed. But my environment did – and that’s made all the difference.
This is something we often underestimate: our environment has a huge influence on our intentions.
We might intend to be more productive, healthier, more focused, and more ambitious. But if the environment around us is working against those intentions, we’re fighting an uphill battle. It makes it hard to instil good habits.
A simple example is food. If you want to lose weight or eat better, but there’s a giant jar of biscuits permanently on the office kitchen counter, your intention is constantly being tested. Willpower gets worn down. Decisions become harder.
Remove the biscuits, and suddenly the “right” choice becomes easier. The intention hasn’t changed – the environment has.
The same principle applies in professional sport. In my experience visiting numerous professional football academies, their environments are absolutely geared towards success.
You don’t just tell young players what’s expected – you show them.
There are constant visual reminders of standards, behaviours, and values. Photos of players who’ve made it. Quotes on walls. Clear routines. Everything about the space reinforces a single message: this is what excellence looks like.
That environment quietly shapes behaviour, ambition, and mindset every single day.
Now let’s bring this back to estate agency.
I once visited a genuinely good estate agent. Solid reputation. Slick video marketing. Strong results. Nice people. But their office told a slightly different story.
There were boxes piled up everywhere. Old marketing materials stacked in corners. It looked like stuff had been “temporarily” dumped there… a long time ago.
And while it might sound harsh, it did slightly dent my perception of them. Not because they weren’t capable – but because their environment suggested a lack of clarity, pride, and focus.
An estate agency office is more than just somewhere to sit.
It’s a signal to your team about what matters. Show your values.
It’s a signal to clients about your standards. Show your clients’ promises (a better way of saying ‘customer charter.’
It’s a signal to you about how seriously you take your own ambitions.
Creating an environment geared to success doesn’t mean spending a fortune. It means being intentional.
Simple fixes include:
Clear desks as much as possible.
Defined spaces.
Visual reminders of goals, values, and achievements.
Less clutter = More clarity.
If you haven’t used something in three months, you don’t need it out, so store it.
When your environment supports your intentions, everything feels easier. Motivation lasts longer. Standards rise. Energy improves.
And sometimes, all it takes to change how you feel about coming into work… is moving the desk.
Thanks for reading,
Jerry
