When you have a hard time going out of bed or doing some work, it’s often the signal of something deeper. 

It can mean we are afraid to start the day or do the work (1). It can also mean that we are uncomfortable with what we have to do for deeper reasons.

From time to time, it can be interesting to do a bit of a reflection time and ask ourselves: 

“Is there something in my life or work that makes me want to stay in bed instead of jumping out of it to get shit done?”

And if yes:

“Is it because it’s hard but beneficial or because it doesn’t fit with my values and therefore makes me uncomfortable?”

Action question

When would be a good time to do such a “edge of the mattress check”? And what would be a good frequency to do it: each month, each semester, each year?

Footnote

(1) Sometimes being afraid of something is the sign that it is something that could have a good impact, but that needs lots of efforts from our side or that asks us to step out of our comfort zone.

The inspiration

We discussed this principle with Ecological Mattress lover and designer Joel Hügli. Watch that part of the interview here.

Daniele's notes

• This is the first shitty draft of this principle

• This principle might one day make it in the fifth book in the "Service Design Principles" series that explores how to better serve humans and the planet.

• If you're curious about service design principles, you can get the four previous books in the series, with proofread principles and less grammatical creativity.