Creating The Place: Setting Your Stage for Success

When I did standup comedy, I had a routine I'd follow: Arrive at the show 30 minutes before the doors open. Set up my keyboard. Put on my corset. Enjoy a shot of Crown Royal (unless I was stressed, then two, three, or four shots of Crown Royal). When I completed all three, I was good to show!

Now that I'm a hypnotist, I have a routine I follow in between clients. Go to the restroom. Clear my energy field of the cosmic schmutz from the previous client. Ground myself in peace and love. (Clients seem to be okay with me eliminating the Crown Royal part LOL)

I wasn't really conscious of these "rituals" until I began taking training where we start each session with "creating the space." We take a few moments to acknowledge ourselves, acknowledge the other students in the class, acknowledge the teacher, and acknowledge what we are about to study. I LOVE THIS because it forces me to get out of my head and into a mindset that is more conducive to learning.

If you find yourself sitting down to work on a project, only to be sidetracked by distractions, mental clutter, or a lack of clear direction, then you might consider a practice where you "create the place." In our fast-paced world, it's easy to dive into tasks without proper preparation, often leading to frustration, inefficiency, and burnout. Setting up yourself for success before you begin could supercharge your results.

What is "Creating The Place"?

What I am calling "Creating The Place" is the intentional act of preparing your mind, body, and environment before beginning a task or project. It's a moment of transition—a conscious shift from scattered energy to focused intention. This practice involves grounding yourself, eliminating distractions, setting clear goals, and directing your energy purposefully toward the task at hand. I have given several examples of my Creating The Place rituals already, but this can be done in many ways. Those who practice Christianity can "create their place" through "a prayer" or "a blessing." Pagans may call them "spells." Spiritual people may use meditation or chants.

When you take the time to set the stage for your work, you create an optimal environment for productivity, creativity, and ease. Without this preparation, you might find yourself spinning your wheels, feeling overwhelmed, or struggling to get into a flow state.

Here's why Creating The Place matters:

Reduces Mental Clutter – Taking a few moments to breathe, center yourself, and acknowledge what you're about to do helps clear away mental noise.

Enhances Focus – By intentionally eliminating distractions, you allow yourself to work with greater clarity and purpose.

Boosts Productivity – With a clear goal in mind, you avoid wasted time and increase your efficiency.

Encourages Mindfulness – Being present in the moment allows you to engage fully with your task, reducing stress and increasing satisfaction.

Improves Follow-Through – When you establish a preparation practice, you're more likely to complete tasks with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

How to Practice Creating The Place

You don't need much time to incorporate this practice into your daily routine. If you haven't "created the place' before, here's a few simple steps to get you started:

Pause and Breathe – Before you begin, take a few deep breaths to signal to your mind and body that you're transitioning into focused work.

Clear Your Space – Remove any unnecessary items or distractions from your workspace to create an environment that supports concentration.

Set an Intention – Take a moment to define your goal. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to feel while doing it?

Eliminate Distractions – Silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and let others know you need uninterrupted time.

Ground Yourself – Engage in a short mindfulness practice, visualization, or movement to settle your energy and prepare for deep focus.

Begin with Awareness – Start your task with a sense of purpose and presence, allowing yourself to fully engage in the process.

Customize Your Ritual - Make this work for you! Creating your place doesn't have to be serious, either! Feel free to include something that makes you smile or laugh.

Creating The Place isn't just for work or creative projects—it can be applied to any area of life. Whether you're about to have an important conversation, start a workout, or engage in self-care, setting the stage can transform the experience. By making this a regular habit, you cultivate a sense of intentionality that enhances every aspect of your life.

The next time you sit down to begin something important, take a few moments to "Create The Place." You may be surprised at how much more ease, focus, and fulfillment you bring to the task ahead.