It’s no secret that working from home is full of distractions. You’re the only one who seems to realize that you’re on the clock. The kids are calling you, the dogs are barking, the doorbell is constantly buzzing, and your spouse is asking a million questions and leaving you a to-do list. And let’s not forget your own distractions—you’d much rather be watching television or just lying in bed. Am I right?
I work from home an average of two to three times a week. At first, I was determined to make sure that working from home was just as productive as being in the office. After all, there was no rush to make it into the office and no traffic to sit through, so I simply had to freshen up and hit the computer, no?
Around week two the enthusiasm quickly faded. I mean, I was home—checking emails and calling clients could wait. I wanted to do the stuff I had no time for because I was busy commuting and working in an office. Clean the house, run errands, catch up with old TV shows like Breaking Bad, or whatever else I could think of. I quickly realized that if I didn’t want my in-the-office to-do list to pile up, I had to become motivated again and create some organization for working from home.
Here are some tips to keep you motivated when working from home:
1. Stick to a workout plan. Early-morning workouts are a great way to jump-start your day. While going to the gym may take a chunk of time out of your morning, try home workouts such as Insanity or P90x. You can do them in as little as 30 minutes and feel mentally and physically prepared to handle your at-home workday.
2. Always get dressed. Don’t worry about wearing your usual office attire, but opt for casual wear, not PJs. This will help create a line between home and work life. Your mindset will shift from relaxation to work mode. You will be prepared for visitors, spontaneous errands required for your business, and last-minute meetings. A comfortable dress or jeans and a T-shirt are enough for me to be prepared for the day.
3. Set aside an area for work. Having a home office right next to your bed may not be the most ideal place for creating a work mindset. You will find yourself constantly thinking about going back to bed. If possible, create a space outside the bedroom where you can focus on work. It should be away from the distractions of your everyday life in your home—a quiet, organized space where you can work during your set work hours.
4. Create a daily to-do list. Having a ton of time on your hands and no organization can damage your productivity. You wake up at 7 and think: “Oh, I have all day to do this and that.” Before you know it, it is already dinnertime. At the end of each workday create a to-do list for the next day to keep you motivated to complete your tasks. The quicker you finish it, the more of the day to do other things.
5. Consider a change of scenery. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery and to see other human beings. Being at home alone cannot only become lonely, but you can miss the opportunity to network and mingle with other people. Once or twice a month, consider dropping into WeWork or another space where you can work for the day. You will get to rejoin the workforce of entrepreneurs and hang out in a cool environment.
6. Close all your messaging apps. Nothing can be more distracting than your friends and family constantly instant messaging you. You catch the message out of the corner of your eye and it is only fitting that you respond, right? Do me a favor and close out of all your messenger apps. Chatting with family and friends will easily distract you from getting anything done. Try not to sign on until after 3 or 4 p.m., when you should be almost done with your daily to-do list. The same thing goes for texting—don’t get wrapped up in endless back-and-forth chats that can be had later in the evening.
7. Talk to other humans. When I know I could use some positive motivation, I head to a cafe for great coffee and even better conversation. Coffee shop conversation is a great way to overcome the roadblocks entrepreneurs who work from home face, such as finding it hard to concentrate and not feeling inspired. After all, how long can you continue to inspire yourself and feel positive? Libraries, parks, and bookstores are other great places to spark creativity and conversation.
Lastly, the best way keep yourself motivated is by doing what you love. Doing projects you are not a fan of can lead to burnouts and frustration. There’s so much truth to that age-old adage: time flies when you’re having fun.
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