Own Your Entrepreneurial Workspace Climate: A Femmeprenista Guide
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Apr 13, 2024
- 6 min read
Temperature Control: Own Your Climate, Own Your Business
Right, let's talk about something seemingly mundane that actually speaks volumes about our entrepreneurial journey: temperature control. You know that feeling, right? Stuck in a stuffy office, battling the thermostat wars, freezing one minute, sweltering the next? You’re bundled up in a scarf while your colleague’s fanning herself with a file. It’s a universal office struggle, isn't it? & honestly, this seemingly insignificant battle for the thermostat reflects a much larger issue: the lack of control we often feel in traditional work environments. That’s a feeling I know all too well, and it's one of the key reasons I made the leap to entrepreneurship.
For years, I worked in corporate settings. & while I learned a lot (& have some hilarious stories, trust me!), there was always this underlying frustration—this feeling of being a tiny cog in a massive machine, a machine that dictated my schedule, my tasks, & yes, even the temperature of my workspace. Remember that "you're all replaceable" speech? It wasn’t just words; it translated into real actions – like being passed over for a promotion I’d poured my heart & soul into, only to see it go to someone who’d played the ‘corporate game’ better. That one really stung & fueled my desire for something more, something mine. It felt utterly disempowering, like my own comfort & productivity were an afterthought. It felt, well, cold. That experience, amongst others, really solidified for me that true empowerment comes from owning your own space, your own decisions, & yes, even your own thermostat!
But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? What if that frustration is actually a powerful catalyst, a sign that you're meant for more?
That’s where the beauty of entrepreneurship comes in. Building your own business isn’t just about launching products or chasing profits; it’s about taking ownership. It’s about building a life, a workspace, a climate that truly works for you. It’s about finding your Flow – that sweet spot where your environment supports your best work.
Think about it: In a traditional office, you’re at the mercy of the thermostat police. But as an entrepreneur, you get to set the temperature. You own the climate. Literally. Whether it's a cosy home office warmed just so, or a buzzing company HQ with the AC humming perfectly—you get to create the environment where you thrive. This empowers you to optimize your Flow, creating a workspace that maximizes your productivity & minimizes distractions, aligning perfectly with the Flow pillar of the Femmeprenista Business Flourish Framework. It's your space. Your rules. Your ideal temperature.
This seemingly small act of controlling your workspace climate is a powerful symbol of the broader control & flexibility you gain as an entrepreneur. It's a tangible representation of the freedom you’re creating—the freedom to set your own schedule, define your own success, & build a work-life that truly fuels you. You see, my journey is slower, yes. I have four kids, I'm doing a PhD, all whilst recovering from my fourth C-section. Am I going slower than a 20-year-old with no dependents? Yes, of course I am. But that doesn't mean I can't get there because of my situation. That's down to me!
Imagine this: It’s a Monday morning. The kids are finally at school (phew!), & you step into your workspace. I remember one disastrous attempt at creating my "perfect" workspace. I’d envisioned this minimalist haven, inspired by all those pristine Pinterest boards, you know? I spent a small fortune on a sleek white desk, a fancy ergonomic chair, & even a tiny Zen garden (because, serenity, right?). But in reality, it felt sterile & isolating. I missed the buzz of connection, the impromptu chats, the shared laughter that had fueled me in previous co-working spaces. It was a painful (and expensive!) lesson in prioritizing Flow over aesthetics. I ended up selling the white desk (covered in toddler crayon marks, naturally), ditching the Zen garden (Espresso kept using it as a toilet), & embracing a more lived-in, functional space that allowed for both focus & connection. It was a game-changer. The temperature is perfect. Your favourite playlist is softly playing. Cappuccino & Espresso, my two Miniature Pinschers (the calmer mother & her whirlwind daughter!), are curled up on their dog bed (for now, at least, before Espresso decides it's zoomie time!). You take a deep breath, & a wave of calm washes over you. You’re in control. You're not just working; you’re building something meaningful, something that reflects your values & your vision. That, my friend, is powerful.
Taking ownership of your workspace climate mirrors the broader ownership you take of your entrepreneurial journey. It’s about creating an environment where you can focus on what truly matters, develop strategies that resonate with your soul, build systems that support your life (not the other way around!), prioritise your well-being, & intelligently integrate the power of AI to amplify your results. It’s about creating a workspace climate that nurtures your Flow and fuels your Focus. This holistic approach, integrating environment, mindset, and systems, is at the heart of the Femmeprenista Business Flourish Framework. Sound like a dream? It's not. It's the Femmeprenista way. It's about building a business that flourishes alongside your life, not at its expense.
& yes, the system has its flaws. Honestly, as millennials, we really got the short end of the stick, didn’t we? Stagnant wages, ridiculous housing costs – like the fact that the average UK house price is now over nine times the average salary – grandparents still working—it’s a lot. According to the Brookings Institute, millennials are the first generation in modern history to earn less than their parents at the same age, with a typical millennial household having 34% less wealth than a Baby Boomer household did at the same age. Link to relevant Brookings Institute data. But is it just down to the system? What are the small, smart steps YOU can take today to own your progress & create the workspace climate that supports your entrepreneurial dreams?
Building a business isn’t always easy. It's a windy path. There will be "caster oil on the carpet" moments. There will be days when your toddler daughter’s tantrum coincides with a crucial client call (thank goodness for mute buttons!). But with each challenge you overcome, you become more resilient, more resourceful, more certain of your own strength. It’s like when my eldest daughter finally learned to ride her bike—not when she was trying the hardest, but when she was having fun & trusting herself. & that’s what I want for you!
Remember, your ideal workspace temperature isn’t just about physical comfort. It’s a symbol. A tangible reminder that you’re in the driver's seat. You’re building a life & a business you genuinely love. You're owning your climate. You’re owning your future. You're owning your Flow.
Want to create a workspace climate that truly fuels your entrepreneurial fire? Here’s a quick 3-step checklist to get you started:
Identify Your Distractions: What’s draining your energy & focus? Is it clutter, noise, or a constant stream of notifications? Instead of just saying "declutter your desk," get specific. Are there piles of papers you could file or shred? Could you invest in a noise-cancelling headset? Turn off those distracting notifications! Write it all down.
Design Your Ideal: Imagine your perfect workspace climate. What does it feel like? What’s the temperature? Is it warm & cosy, or cool & airy? What’s playing in the background (if anything)? Your favourite focus playlist? Ambient nature sounds? Complete silence? Get specific!
Take ONE Small Step: Choose one thing from your "ideal" list & implement it today. Maybe it's removing any papers older than a month from your desk, creating a dedicated focus playlist, or investing in a comfy chair that supports your posture. One small win creates momentum!
Ready to dive deeper & gain clarity on your entrepreneurial journey? The Femmeprenista community is here to support you every step of the way.
What’s one small step you can take today to create your ideal workspace climate? Share it below! It can feel lonely, right? Especially when you’re juggling so much. Let's build a supportive community where we celebrate our wins & learn from each other – let’s connect!
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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