Even small corners—your bedroom, desk, car—act like mirrors. Plants may signal care and vitality. Pet gear suggests companionship. Posters, books, and objects hint at beauty, learning, freedom, or status. None of this is “good” or “bad.” It’s information.
Pretend you’re a neutral observer walking into your room or opening your car. What would you conclude about the person who lives there? What values show up repeatedly? Which ones are missing completely?
Beauty/Creativity: art, posters, design objects, cosmetic collections, color choices.
Growth/Mastery: instructional books, instruments, tools, project boards.
Connection/Belonging: photos, invitations, shared calendars, guest-friendly seating.
Peace/Simplicity: clear surfaces, gentle lighting, plants, quiet nooks.
Freedom/Adventure: travel gear, open floor space, lightweight/portable setups.
Security/Order: labeled bins, checklists, backups, emergency kits.
Pick one space (room, desk, or car). Take two photos: wide and close-up.
Label what you see in one minute: plants, books, screens, clutter, tools, cosmetics, memorabilia.
Name the values present (e.g., beauty, growth, connection, peace, freedom, order).
Compare to your chosen values. What’s missing? What’s overrepresented?
Make three tiny shifts (≤10 minutes each):
Add one object that expresses a missing value (e.g., a gratitude notebook for reflection).
Remove one object that fights a top value (e.g., a distraction near deep-work space).
Rearrange one zone so the first thing you see cues the value you want (e.g., guitar on a stand for creativity).
Set a weekly reset (5 minutes): quick tidy aligned to your values.
Why this works: Changing the environment changes default behavior. Small, visible cues make value-aligned choices effortless.
Peace: soften lighting; keep one clear surface; add a plant.
Growth: leave an open book and pen where you sit; pin one learning goal.
Connection: place note cards or a call list on your desk.
Order: one “inbox” tray; a 2-minute nightly reset.
Creativity: tools within arm’s reach; display work-in-progress.
If a stranger toured your space, which three values would they list—and which would they never guess?
What single cue could you add today that would nudge your best habit?
Which item will you remove or relocate because it undermines a core value?
Design your space to serve your values. Add one cue, remove one friction, and do a weekly five-minute reset. When your environment reflects who you are becoming, your days start cooperating.
— Sandro Formica, PhD
Founder of Permanently Happy (questions at [email protected])
Keynote Speaker | Transforming Leaders & Organizations Through Positive Leadership & Personal Branding | Director, Chief Happiness Officer Certificate Program
