I like sharing an office with my wife. 

It's nice to be able to chat between tasks, ask question questions, or simply glance over at any moment and see her pretty face.

I've also enjoyed getting an extended, in-depth look behind the curtain at how she works. She's good. Damn good. And it's been fun to see it up close.

But this doesn't mean that every element of sharing an office is great, or even practical for the long-term.

The biggest issue is the one that's playing out right now, as I write this: my wife is on a call during which she is doing a lot of the talking, and I am over here trying to think and write.

I used to struggle with it -- big time.

As recently as just a few weeks ago, I would have to reserve all writing for the early morning or late night. I just found it too difficult to focus with her conversation going on nearby.

Now, however, I'm breezing right along writing this newsletter barely aware that her call is occurring less than ten feet away.

What's changed?

Music.

How listening to music is helping me think better

As 2021 approached, I took the opportunity to reassess how I was working.

I knew that a tweak here or there could help me more produce more and better work.

One strategy I decided to try is having music in my headphones when my wife and I are in the office together. I had already downloaded the Headspace app so that we could do more daily meditations as a family, and I noticed their music and ambient noise section. So I tried it out ...

And it worked wonderfully. 

I use the Making Space track, which is 180 minutes of "sweeping, cinematic audio with rain and static," according to its description.

It claims to be "the perfect soundtrack for work and study."

I've found this to be true.

When I'm sitting at my computer, headphones on, and this track going, I feel like I transport into another world. I'm able to fully immerse myself in whatever task I'm doing -- especially writing.

I only wish I'd tried it out sooner! Alas, I'm just happy to be experiencing the benefits now.

As you'll see in the links below, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that music and ambient sounds can help some people focus better in certain situations.

So it's not a panacea, but it can be a helpful tool for improved focus.

I am sharing my story, and these links, in hopes that it will provide another avenue for you to travel in our shared quest to think better and focus more.