KEEP YOUR MIND CREATIVE: THE FOUNDER'S GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOUR GREATEST ASSET
Welcome, fellow founder!
If you're an early-stage entrepreneur, you already know that your most precious asset isn’t listed on any balance sheet - it’s your creative mind. This is the engine of your ideas, your problem-solving superpower, and the spark that makes your business unique.
Yet amid the hustle, it’s easy to neglect our creative well-being. We double-book our days, camp out at cluttered desks, and push through exhaustion, all while wondering why the brilliant ideas aren’t flowing. Today, let’s change that. In this guide, I’ll share early-stage entrepreneur tips on nurturing a healthy founder mindset and maintaining creative productivity by tweaking three key areas: your music, your workspace, and your movement habits. We’ll even cover a simple mental reset ritual to help you recharge your energy before the weekend.
By the end, you’ll have practical steps to protect and amplify your greatest asset - that amazing brain of yours - and keep your creative edge sharp. Let’s dive in!
from dj booth to brand amplifiers: a backstory
Let me start with a personal story.
Years ago, we noticed our youngest daughter’s eyes light up every time she saw a DJ at work. This tiny six-year-old was mesmerized by the turntables! Instead of shooing her away, we embraced her passion. We introduced the world to DJ Beauty & the Beatz, transforming our little girl into a prodigy who by age 8 became the youngest female DJ in the U.S., even capturing the attention of major brands and the White House.
What began as a fun family project – letting our kid spin music at local events - unexpectedly showcased our knack for branding and creativity. Pretty soon, other parents and business owners were asking:
“How did you do that? Can you help us build our brand, too?”
It turned out that this musical journey was more than a proud parent moment; it was the foundation of The Brand Amplifiers. We discovered that the same creative energy and strategic thinking that went into crafting a DJ’s persona could amplify any brand’s presence. Music has been at the heart of our story from day one, and it continues to inspire how we approach strategy and brand clarity for our clients.
Even now, we carry lessons from the DJ booth into the boardroom. For example, I learned how the right song can spark creativity during a brainstorming session, or how setting the stage (literally, in our case) with the right environment can make magic happen.
This backstory is a reminder: when you nurture passion and creativity in the right environment, incredible things can grow. So how can you apply these insights to your own founder journey? Let’s look at a few ways to keep your mind creative and protect that asset.
Press Play on Creativity
When I need to unlock my next big idea, I hit play on this.
It’s not just sound-it’s strategy.
This is how I reset my mind to create boldly and lead differently.
The Power of Music for Creative Productivity
Picture this: It’s a Monday morning, your to-do list is a mile long, and your brain feels like it’s still on weekend mode. What do you do?
In my case - I press play.
Music is more than just background noise; it’s a tool for mindset management. As a founder (and a lifelong music lover), I have different playlists for different moods - an upbeat mix for powering through routine tasks, instrumental lo-fi for deep focus, and even a “founder confidence” playlist for those big pitch days.
Why does this work? Because music and productivity are closely linked. Research has shown that music has the potential to boost our concentration and performance at work. In fact, playing background music (especially genres like traditional jazz or ambient) can improve our performance on cognitive tasks like reading or problem-solving. Ever notice how a great song can make tedious work suddenly enjoyable? It’s not a coincidence – music triggers positive emotions and can put you in a more optimistic, motivated frame of mind. My own experience echoes what science confirms: music is a powerful form of “emotional regulation,” helping reduce stress and anxiety so you can focus better.
Not only can tunes help you concentrate, they might also make you more creative. One fascinating study found that listening to happy, upbeat music led people to come up with more innovative ideas compared to working in silence. In the experiment, participants who had cheerful music playing were able to generate a significantly higher number of original solutions to problems than those without music. The researchers suggest that positive tunes can enhance “divergent thinking” – the type of open-ended, imaginative thinking we need for brainstorming. As entrepreneurs, divergent thinking is our best friend when we’re envisioning new products, strategies, or ways to delight customers.
The key is to choose music that energizes but doesn’t distract. Lyric-free music or songs you know so well that they fade into the background often work best during work. (I love a good EDM or Afrobeats mix when writing, but your mileage may vary!) And sometimes, the absence of music is powerful too – maybe you do your best creative work in silence or with gentle white noise. Experiment and find what soundscape puts you in your productive groove. The goal is to use music intentionally to influence your mood and flow. It’s like having a secret dial you can turn to adjust the atmosphere in your mind.
(Early-stage entrepreneur tip: Curate a “focus playlist” for your work sessions and a “victory playlist” to celebrate small wins. This not only boosts your creative productivity but also trains your brain to shift states on cue. And if you need help figuring out what strategies work best for you, consider reaching out – at The Brand Amplifiers, helping founders fine-tune their productive rhythm is something we’re passionate about.
(CalendlyPrivate Brand Consultation - The Brand Amplifiers)
energize your workspace for clarity and focus
Now let’s talk about your workspace energy. Take a look around your desk or office. Does it inspire you, or tire you out? Early in my career, I would work anywhere – kitchen table, couch, you name it – often surrounded by a tornado of papers, cords, and coffee cups. I wore “busy clutter” like a badge of honor until I realized it was quietly draining my focus. Your physical environment has a profound impact on your mental state. The good news is you don’t need a fancy corner office to boost your productivity; a few mindful tweaks to your space can massively improve your brand clarity and concentration.
First, minimize the clutter and the distractions. Science backs this up: visual clutter competes for your attention and can exhaust your brain’s ability to focus. Princeton neuroscientist Sabine Kastner found that simply lowering the window shades or tidying up your desk can lead to greater productivity, because it cuts down on the visual stimuli that your brain has to filter out.
Think of clutter as unneeded “noise” for your brain – by cleaning it up, you’re turning down that noise so your mind can tune in to what matters. So take a minute to toss those candy wrappers, file those loose papers, or organize your cables. Future you (with the clear head) will thank present you!
Second, infuse your environment with a bit of life and personality. A sterile, dim workspace can sap anyone’s creativity. Try adding elements that energize you: a pop of your favorite color, a vision board or inspiring artwork on the wall, or a couple of potted plants on your desk. A touch of nature can work wonders – exposure to natural elements has been shown to reduce stress and boost overall well-being, which in turn fuels your creativity.
One study even found that enriching a bare-bones office with a few plants increased employee productivity by 15%. Talk about an easy win! Open those blinds to let in natural light (it’s mood-lifting and helps you stay alert), or if you work in a windowless nook, consider a daylight-simulating lamp.
Finally, design your workspace to align with your workflow. Are you a morning person? Keep your space extra tidy and bright for those early power hours. Do you thrive on collaboration? Arrange a cozy meeting corner or keep a whiteboard handy for impromptu idea dumps. Love music (as I covered above)? Invest in a good speaker or noise-canceling headphones.
Your goal is to create an environment that makes you feel focused, creative, and in control – a space where your founder brain can really shine. It’s amazing how shifting the “energy” of a room by rearranging furniture or adding a personal touch can break mental stagnation and invite fresh ideas.
(Remember, a well-designed workspace isn’t a luxury for a founder – it’s part of your toolkit for success. If optimizing your environment or finding brand clarity in your business feels overwhelming, The Brand Amplifiers is here to help. We guide entrepreneurs in aligning every aspect of their brand – from visuals to workflows – so that everything clicks. Feel free to reach out for a consult if you want an outside eye on amplifying your space and brand!)
(CalendlyPrivate Brand Consultation - The Brand Amplifiers)
move your body, free your mind
When you’re building a business, it’s tempting to glue yourself to your laptop 24/7. Ironically, that’s a recipe for burnout and mental blocks. One of the simplest (yet most effective) ways to protect your creative asset is to get moving. That’s right – step away from the screen and move your body. It might sound counterintuitive that taking time off from “work” makes you more productive, but countless founders and creatives swear by physical movement to stimulate their best thinking. I’m one of them. Whenever I hit a mental wall writing a strategy or solving a tough problem, I’ve learned that stepping away and taking a quick walk is often the fastest way to break through. By the time I return, my mind is refreshed and I usually have a new idea (or three).
There’s solid science behind the magic of movement. Stanford University researchers found that walking can boost creative inspiration dramatically. In their study, people who walked (even on a treadmill facing a blank wall!) saw their creative output increase by an average of 60% compared to sitting. Sixty percent is huge – imagine generating nearly twice as many ideas just by getting out of your chair! The act of walking – whether outside in nature or simply pacing in your hallway – seems to get the creative juices flowing consistently. It’s no wonder great thinkers like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg famously held walking meetings. They intuitively knew that movement sparks fresh thinking.
And it’s not just walking. Any form of physical activity can help clear mental fog and reduce stress hormones. A quick stretch break, a 10-minute yoga session by your desk, or a mini dance party to your favorite song – it all counts. (True confession: I have been known to bust a move to Beauty and The Beatz in the middle of a long workday. It never fails to lift my mood!) Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which means more oxygen and nutrients to fuel your neurons. Over time, regular activity even promotes the growth of new brain cells and connections, which is like fertilizer for creative and strategic thinking.
So build movement into your daily routine. Treat it like a meeting with your personal trainer a.k.a. your brain. Take a short walk around the block between tasks, do a few jumping jacks to celebrate sending off that investor email, or schedule a “walking call” instead of another Zoom. These little bursts of motion act as resets throughout the day, preventing you from stagnating mentally or physically. You’ll return to work with a clearer head, a better mood, and often a new perspective on whatever challenge is in front of you. Remember, a healthy founder mindset thrives on circulation – of blood, ideas, and inspiration alike. Movement keeps all three flowing.
👉🏾 Want a deeper look at how movement sparks innovation beyond your desk? In our article Hospitality Is in Crisis - But the Next Workforce Breakthrough Doesn’t Start in HR. It Starts on the Sidewalk, we explore how sidewalk conversations, spontaneous walks, and off-script interactions are transforming team creativity - and what entrepreneurs can learn from them.
reset your space and energy: the friday mental reset
Finally, let’s talk about ending your week on a high note. As founders, we often carry our work everywhere – across evenings, weekends, and from one week straight into the next. But constantly sprinting without a pit stop can drain your creativity over time. That’s why I’m a huge advocate of a weekly mental reset, especially before the weekend. Think of it as clearing the cache in your brain and setting yourself up for a productive, clarity-filled start on Monday. Here’s how you can implement a simple Friday reset ritual:
Wrap Up and Reflect (Friday afternoon): Carve out 20-30 minutes at the end of the week to tie up loose ends. Jot down any lingering thoughts or to-dos that are still swirling in your head. (Getting them on paper means you won’t lie awake thinking about them.) Reflect on what you accomplished this week – big or small. Maybe you closed a deal, finished a draft, or simply survived a tough week – celebrate it! This quick review gives you a sense of progress and brand clarity about where you’re headed.
Clear Your Workspace: Next, do a mini desk detox. File away documents, put supplies back in their homes, and throw out the trash. Give your keyboard a good dusting. This isn’t about being Pinterest-perfect; it’s about removing any physical stressors from your environment. When you sit down on Monday to a clean, organized space, you’ll feel an instant mental relief. (Remember that study from Princeton? A tidy space = a more focused mind. A few minutes now save you from morning brain fatigue later.)
Reset the Energy: I like to literally change the atmosphere as a signal that the work week is ending. This could mean adjusting the lighting (maybe switch off the harsh overhead and light a calming candle), turning on some chill music, or opening a window for fresh air. Some founders I know have a fun ritual – like ringing a bell or dancing to a “Friday anthem” – to symbolically release the week’s stress. It might sound silly, but these cues tell your brain it can power down from work mode. Find a little action that marks the transition for you.
Plan a Fun Start for Monday: This is my secret sauce. Leave something on your desk (or schedule) that you can’t wait to tackle Monday. It could be a new set of colorful markers for brainstorming, a podcast episode you’ve been meaning to listen to, or an easy task you enjoy as a “warm-up.” By teeing up something positive, you’ll actually look forward to coming back. That anticipation is gold for maintaining a positive founder mindset through the weekend.
With your week consciously closed out, you can step into the weekend with a clearer mind and lighter shoulders. Use your time off to recharge mentally: enjoy hobbies, get outside, connect with loved ones – anything that fills your cup. Protecting your creativity isn’t just about how you work; it’s also about how you rest. When Monday comes, you’ll be greeted by an organized space, a fresh plan, and the confidence that you’re prepared – a stark contrast to the usual chaos. This reset routine is a simple habit, but over time it compounds to reduce burnout and keep that creative fire lit.
(By the way, building sustainable habits like this is a big part of thriving as an entrepreneur. If you need help designing routines or strategies to maintain your mental reset and momentum, let’s talk. The Brand Amplifiers isn’t just about branding – we’re about empowering early-stage entrepreneurs holistically. Consider this an open invitation to reach out for a friendly chat on how to keep your greatest asset – your mind – in top shape. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back!)
(CalendlyPrivate Brand Consultation - The Brand Amplifiers)
FAQ
Q: What is a “founder mindset” and why is it important?
A: Founder mindset refers to the mentality that entrepreneurs adopt to drive their vision forward. It means thinking like a resilient, creative problem-solver – embracing challenges, learning continuously, and staying focused on your mission. This mindset is important because it helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence. When you cultivate a strong founder mindset, you make better decisions, maintain brand clarity in your business, and inspire your team and investors with your passion and adaptability.
Q: Does listening to music really boost productivity?
A: Yes – for many people, the right music can improve focus and productivity. Studies have found that background music (especially without lyrics) can enhance concentration and even improve performance on certain cognitive tasks. Music helps by elevating your mood and blocking out distracting noises. The key is to choose music that energizes you without pulling your attention away. Upbeat or classical tunes, for example, often work well. That said, everyone is different. Some entrepreneurs thrive in silence, while others play soft music all day. Use music as a tool and find what sound environment makes you most productive.
Q: How does my workspace environment affect my creativity and productivity?
A: Your workspace has a big impact on how you think and work. If your environment is cluttered or full of distractions, your brain has to work overtime to filter out the chaos, which can drain your focus. A clean, organized space, on the other hand, can help you think more clearly – it’s like giving your mind room to breathe. Simple factors like lighting and decor matter too. Natural light and a couple of plants can boost your mood and energy, leading to better work output. Ultimately, a workspace that feels “good” to you (whether that’s minimalist or filled with personal touches) will support your creativity and efficiency by putting you in a positive, focused state.
Q: What is a mental reset for entrepreneurs?
A: A mental reset is a deliberate break or routine that helps you clear your mind and recharge your mental energy. For entrepreneurs, this often means stepping back from daily grind to reflect, reorganize, and rest. It could be a short reset – like a 5-minute meditation or a walk around the block during a busy day – to regain clarity. Or it could be a bigger reset, like a ritual at the end of the week (cleaning your workspace, reviewing accomplishments, then shutting off work for the weekend). The goal is to prevent burnout and maintain creative productivity by giving your brain regular opportunities to refresh. Mental resets lead to sharper focus, new ideas, and a healthier relationship with your work.
Q: How does movement or exercise improve creativity?
A: Physical movement has a powerful effect on the brain. When you exercise or even just take a walk, you increase blood flow and oxygen to your brain, which helps you think better. Research has shown that walking can significantly boost creative thinking – many people find they come up with their best ideas while on the move. Activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can also reduce stress hormones and release endorphins, which put you in a more positive, clear-headed mood. In short, when your body is active, your mind becomes more active and open to new insights. For an entrepreneur, that could mean solving a problem during a gym session or brainstorming your next product feature on an afternoon stroll. It’s like pressing a “refresh” button for your mind.
Before you close the tab, queue this up for your next creative session:
The Afro House Mix That Moves Us
- because your energy deserves a curated soundtrack.
Sources and References
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Harvard Business Review – “Can Music Make You More Productive?”, Sept 13, 2022. This article discusses how music can boost concentration, improve cognitive task performance, and help regulate emotions for better work output hbr.org.
Jill Suttie, Greater Good Science Center (UC Berkeley) – “How Music Helps Us Be More Creative”, Nov 17, 2017. Reports on a study where listening to happy music increased divergent thinking and the number of creative ideas people produced greatergood.berkeley.edu.
Emma Seppälä & Johann Berlin, Harvard Business Review – “Use Potted Plants and Natural Light to Create a Healthier Workplace”, Nov 30, 2017. Explains that exposure to green spaces and natural light reduces stress and cites a study where adding plants to a lean office increased productivity by 15% hbr.org.
May Wong, Stanford News – “Stanford study finds walking improves creativity”, Apr 24, 2014. Describes research showing that a person’s creative output rose by about 60% when walking versus sitting, highlighting the cognitive benefits of even mild physical activity news.stanford.edu.
Michael Blanding, Princeton Alumni Weekly – “Psychology: Your Attention, Please”, Jan 21, 2016. Features insights from Professor Sabine Kastner on how reducing visual clutter (like lowering shades or tidying up) can enhance focus and productivity by easing the brain’s attentional load paw.princeton.edupaw.princeton.edu.
