People are constantly asking me how I manage to stay productive while working from home. The answer is simple, but not always easy! Here are a few of my tips and tricks for staying productive at home during the workday:
1. Maintain a Schedule.
Every morning my alarm goes off at 7am, I check my emails and my social media channels, respond to anything immediate and get ready for my day just like I would if I worked in someone else’s office. I have my cup of coffee (from my kitchen), but coffee is coffee, right? I sit down at my desk (in my home office) and run my businesses. Yes, more than one.
2. Stay Focused.
I know this can be tempting, but do not turn on the TV, and stay away from Social Media (unless that is your business). I like to listen to Pandora in the morning when I first sit down at my desk and I find that keeps me focused on the workday.
3. Keep Busy!
I like to schedule important business phone calls for Monday. This allows me to keep busy and not get distracted or just lazy (it’s Monday after all!). Generally, my phone calls with clients, and other business related discussions, keep me on the phone from about 9am-2pm on Monday. Then my week is free to do the actual work.
4. To-Do Lists.
To-Do Lists and keeping an up-to-date calendar are incredibly important for keeping on top of everything that is going on. Whether you choose the electronic route or the old school pen and paper, keeping a list and crossing things off it can be helpful while working at home (and also relieving).
5. Bored?
If you have too much time on your hands – start that new project you have been thinking about for months! You work from home after all! Reap the rewards!
At the end of the day, I want to see my businesses succeed. Whether or not I have someone telling me to work, there is work that has to be done to keep the money coming in and the businesses growing.