IS WORKING FROM HOME ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE?
Updated: Jul 21, 2019
Is working from home all it’s cracked up to be?
My answer is a conclusive yes.
However, sometimes it requires a ‘Wonder Women’ ability to stay motivated and on task.
Here are my 6 tips that I use to stay focused, inspired and productive when working from home.
1. Get out of bed and dressed
How do you think you would feel talking to a client wearing your nighty? Honestly!
This is your job so get dressed into something that you would be happy to be seen in on a Zoom or Skype meeting with your clients.
(If you have a boyfriend that is happy painting your toenails under the table, well good for you).
The way you dress will give you the confidence and that professional edge that will reflect in your work.
2. Have a daily plan
While flexibility is one of the best parts of working from home, it can also leave you feeling out of control if you don’t know what you are doing each day.
Having a dairy with all your priorities set for the day can help you avoid this issue. I make sure I have a plan in place each night, so when I get up in the morning, I am ready to get started immediately.
It is also helpful to schedule in break times and a walk to the coffee shop to recharge.
3. Have a pleasant workspace
Set up a dedicated table or bench where you’ll do most of your work. It doesn’t have to be a separate room, but it should be somewhere that’s away from any distractions.
I work close to outside sliding doors to take advantage of the natural light and fresh air.
Having your special workspace is important not only for maintaining a healthy working style but also for staying on task.
4. Join some professional networking groups
Networking is great and gives you access to others for encouragement and support. It is also a great way to discover mutually beneficial relationships and keep you from feeling isolated.
I belong to the Fresh network and Business Chicks- both great avenues to talk with like-minded people and bounce ideas off.
Being part of a group of individuals who understand the challenges of working from home will help encourage you if start losing motivation.
5. Have a daily walk
Working from home can mean sitting in the same chair with eyes glued onto your computer for hours. So building in time for exercise is key.
You can put this into your daily planner- whether it’s a walk around the block or a stroll down to the coffee shop, you need to get mobile every day.
Research has proven that exercising in the morning can improve productivity, performance and mood throughout the entire day.
6. Eliminate distractions
I don’t have any little feet pattering around at home, so it’s easier for me not to get sidetracked. If you do have a family at home, you will need to be disciplined and have a door shut policy that the family respects.
I also let friends know that I am working from home and that’s not a signal for casual drop-ins.
It’s helpful to know exactly how much time you’re spending on various activities so you can stay productive and on task when working alone.
Keep your phone and social media for work-related activities only otherwise you can get sucked into loosing valuable productive time.
By following my work from home tips above, you can catapult your productivity and finish each day feeling proud of what you have accomplished.