The Coffee Shop Effect: Why Working Around Others Helps
Some of my best work in college happened at a coffee shop with friends.
We would claim the big table, order far too much coffee, and work on completely different things. Someone might be studying a score while another was writing a paper or finishing a music history assignment. We weren't necessarily talking, but simply being around other people who were focused made it easier to focus too.
Years later, I noticed the same thing while living with two medical students. Their drive and concentration became part of the atmosphere around me. I planned further ahead, accomplished more, and wanted more from my own work.
Psychologists call this social facilitation: the presence and effort of other people can influence our own focus and performance.
You don't necessarily have to collaborate or even talk. Think about being in the practice rooms after dinner. Everyone is doing their own difficult work, but there's something motivating about hearing someone practicing nearby, taking a break to listen to a friend's Mozart exposition, or asking about a fingering for a difficult note.
The same idea can work outside the practice room.
How to use the coffee shop effect
1. Choose people who energize you.
Your environment matters, and so do the people in it. Find practice partners, colleagues, friends, or other people whose focus and energy encourage you.
2. Decide how much proximity you need.
You might work side-by-side, across the room, or even remotely over Zoom. You don't have to be in the same physical space for the feeling of shared effort to help.
3. Don't feel obligated to talk.
The point isn't necessarily conversation. Sometimes the most productive session is one where everyone settles in and quietly works.
4. Share what you're working on.
A simple, "I'm working on excerpts today—what about you?" can create a little accountability. You can also check in afterward and share what you accomplished.
5. Give the session a finish line.
A coffee break, lunch, dinner, or another small reward can give your focused session something to look forward to.
You don't always need more discipline to get moving. Sometimes you simply need the right environment.
If you're struggling to focus this week, try finding someone who is also ready to work. Sit together, work quietly, and let a little of their momentum become yours.
Cheering for you!
Ixi
P.S. Finding your person is a lot easier when the room is already full of musicians doing similar work. That's what's in our core program, Thrive. And pssst: we open *New* Thrive in December. To get on the waitlist to be a founding member, REPLY with "THRIVE" and we'll send details. (Current Thrivers, you're covered! In fact, you'll move up to Amplify at your OG Thrive price).
The Autumn Practice is running now - November 15. Want to focus in on the essentials" We're shedding the extra bull and getting our professional materials polished.
