Working from home sounds like a dream. You don’t have to start at any certain time, you don’t have to report to anyone, and you don’t have to even get out of your pajamas if you don’t want to! But those very things can become a problem as you start feeling scattered, unmotivated and purposeless.
A great way to make sure this doesn’t happen is to simply set a schedule. One of the great benefits of working from home is that you can arrange your schedule around your life, versus the other way around.
Treat your business as if it were an off-site, part-time job. For example, while you don’t have to wake up, shower and get dressed for the day, I’ve found in my own experience that I am more alert, energized and productive when I do. I even enjoy my work more when I get ready for the day. And while you don’t have to start at any certain time, you’re more likely to focus and make progress if you create self-imposed start times and deadlines.
When you create a routine and schedule, you set yourself up to win. You reduce distractions and maximize your efforts. A routine removes stress, as you are able to prepare for and anticipate each day ahead. Also, because you know what to expect with a schedule, you actually minimize the brainpower required to get through your day. And when you’ve got things pulling you in 100 different directions, that’s a good thing!
Of course you should still take advantage of the convenience of working from home. Have laundry running while you’re writing, have dinner cooking in the crockpot while you’re taking orders, and have your favorite music blaring through the house while you work. And hey, maybe even stay in your pajamas once in a while! But still set a schedule. Your work is more likely to get done when you know when to work, and your family will appreciate knowing when to expect you to be “off” work as well.
When you set a schedule, you honor not only the business, but also yourself, your family and your life outside of the business as well.
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About the author
Christy Wright