Working From Home

Are you Working From Home? Do you feel like you are being productive? What type of working habits do you have? I have listed some working habits you may want to adopt especially if you have found you are not being productive. Read on……

Designated work space

Having a specific work area is really important for a few reasons. Firstly, it saves you the hassle of setting up your workspace every single day. Having a designated spot also gives you the chance to create an environment that motivates you. You’ll want to fill it with things that help you concentrate and stay on track with your tasks. Just keep in mind, this space isn’t meant for entertainment—it’s all about productivity.

Accountability (avoid distractions)

Steering clear of distractions is absolutely vital, especially when you’re working from home or managing your own business. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of procrastination or try to juggle multiple tasks at once. But let me tell you, that’s a surefire way to derail your progress.

Think about it: without someone to answer to, it’s tempting to wander off course. Suddenly, you find yourself tidying up the house, catching up on your favorite shows, or endlessly scrolling through your phone. And while multitasking might seem like a shortcut, it often leads to shoddy work and incomplete tasks.

But here’s the thing: you have the power to take control. By instilling discipline and holding yourself accountable, you can stay laser-focused on your goals. And if you find yourself struggling, don’t worry – there are plenty of strategies and support systems out there to help you stay on track.

So, let’s make a pact to prioritize productivity and crush those distractions. Together, we can turn your work-from-home setup into a powerhouse of efficiency and success.

Wardrobe

Dress for work. It could be a shirt and a pair of shorts. Sitting around in your pajamas may not create the atmosphere you need. It may send signals to your brain that it is time for rest, relaxation, and bedtime. By being in a working wardrobe, you are prepared for google hangouts and skype chats. You are also prepared to create videos when and is needed.

Work in Cycles

Picture this: you’re grinding away for a solid eight hours straight, no lunch breaks, no time to catch your breath. Sounds exhausting, right? Well, that’s because it is. Your body starts feeling drained, your mind gets foggy, and suddenly, staying focused feels like an uphill battle.

But here’s the thing: taking breaks isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Those moments to refuel and recharge are absolutely crucial if you want to keep your performance levels up. That’s where lunch breaks and little breathers throughout the day come to the rescue.

Think of it like this: your main aim is to bring your A-game during work hours. And the key to achieving that? Yep, you guessed it—maintaining focus. So, don’t underestimate the power of those breaks. They’re not just downtime; they’re your secret weapon for staying sharp and on top of your game. Trust me, your body and your productivity levels will thank you for it.

Scheduling Your Hours

Let me share something I’ve discovered along the journey: when we don’t stick to a consistent work schedule, it’s way too easy to fill our time with all sorts of random tasks. The problem? Most of these tasks have zilch to do with actual work. We tell ourselves, “Oh, I’ll get around to it eventually.” But let’s be real here—how often does “eventually” actually happen? Spoiler alert: not very often.

That’s where scheduling your hours comes in clutch. It’s not just about having a plan; it’s about setting up a routine that works for you. It’s about knowing when to buckle down and when to call it a day. Because let’s face it, without some structure, it’s all too easy to let those good intentions fall by the wayside. So, let’s get proactive about our time management and start turning those intentions into actions. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Have a Plan

Let’s dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of your scheduled work time. Sure, we’ve covered the importance of “Work in Cycles” and “Scheduling Your Hours,” but what about the actual tasks you’re tackling during those precious work hours?

You could show up to your designated work space every day and just wing it, but trust me, been there, done that, and it’s not pretty. Take it from someone who started out in marketing—it’s all too easy to overlook important tasks or let things slip through the cracks.

For me, that meant neglecting my blog posts and being inconsistent on social media. And let me tell you, the results were less than stellar. Some days, I’d have leads pouring in, while others… crickets.

That’s when I realized I needed a game plan—a “Daily Method of Operations” (DMO), if you will. It’s all about laying out exactly what needs to get done each day to keep your business humming along smoothly. And don’t worry, we’ll dive into how to create your own DMO in a future post. Trust me, having a solid plan in place can make all the difference in the world. We will also cover why having a DMO really does make a difference. Stay tuned!

Know When to Stop

Let’s talk about knowing when to call it quits. Having a home office is a game-changer—no commute means saving both time and gas money. But here’s the catch: when your workspace is just a few steps away, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal time.

Sure, the freedom to work whenever you please sounds great in theory. But trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that there’s a dark side to endless workdays. It’s not just about burning the midnight oil; it’s about the toll it takes on your well-being, your relationships, and your overall quality of life.

We all need that downtime to recharge our batteries, catch up with loved ones, and simply unwind. After all, isn’t the whole point of being an entrepreneur to have the freedom to enjoy life outside of work?

That’s why it’s crucial to set boundaries and establish a clear start and stop time for your workday. 

But here’s the kicker: flexibility is key. As an entrepreneur, you call the shots, so don’t be afraid to tweak your schedule as needed. Just remember, finding that balance between work and play is what sets you up for long-term success and happiness. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it.

By having a home office you lose some of that social connectivity. If you have a team or work with partners stay connected with them. Make sure they are staying as motivated and productive as you are. Again, we are talking about accountability and discipline.

This can be done by having conference calls to get updates on how everyone is doing, replying to emails, and creating emails. Schedule a time when this will occur.

It is easy to get caught up in what you are doing and digress into the world where everything is about you. But as a leader, you want your team to feel it is about them. You want to show that you care and that if they have issues you are there to help or know where to get the help.

Family and Friends During Work Hours

Let’s talk about the delicate balance between work and family and friends. It’s totally understandable if you’ve got little ones at home who need your attention, or if you’re the designated chauffeur for school runs and extracurricular activities. But here’s where things can get tricky: when loved ones start reaching out for impromptu hangouts during your work hours.

Now, don’t get me wrong—taking a day off every now and then is perfectly fine. But here’s the catch: it all comes down to the state of your business. If things are booming and you’ve got some wiggle room, by all means, seize the opportunity to kick back and enjoy some quality time with your crew.

However, if your business isn’t quite where you want it to be, it’s time for a gentle reality check. You’ve got to be upfront with your friends and family and explain that you’re in hustle mode right now. Ask for their support and understanding as you prioritize your work and strive to be as productive as possible.

And hey, here’s the silver lining: once your business hits its stride financially, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to kick back and relax with your loved ones. But until then, it’s all about accountability and discipline, my friend. Trust me, your future self will thank you for staying focused and committed to your goals.

Reward Yourself

Let’s talk about the importance of giving yourself a pat on the back. Rewarding yourself isn’t just a feel-good moment—it’s a crucial part of maintaining a positive mindset on your entrepreneurial journey. But here’s the thing: not all rewards are created equal, and timing is key.

Sure, it’s tempting to treat yourself every single day, but let’s be real—that’s not sustainable. Instead, reserve those rewards for when you’ve tackled something truly significant. Think big tasks conquered or goals smashed out of the park.

For instance, let’s say you set a goal to increase your daily leads from two to five over a two-week period. When you hit that milestone, that’s your cue to celebrate.

But why stop there? Let’s take it up a notch. Maybe you want to maintain that five-leads-a-day average consistently for three whole months. Once you reach that benchmark, it’s time to treat yourself again.

And hey, why not throw in an extra challenge? How about aiming for a conversion rate of one lead to sale each day? You know the drill—when you hit that target, it’s reward time once more.

Now, these are just examples. Your goals should be tailored to fit your unique business needs. And while it’s important to be ambitious, don’t forget to stay grounded in your daily method of operations, work cycles, and scheduled hours. Accountability and discipline are the secret sauce that’ll keep you on track to success. Trust me, those rewards will taste even sweeter when you’ve earned them through hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

Working from home is a unique opportunity that not everyone has, and it’s essential to recognize and appreciate it. While it offers flexibility and rewards, it also requires discipline and self-control to stay productive. Let’s make the most of this privilege and honor by staying focused and committed to our work. If you found this post helpful or simply want to connect, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Your feedback and engagement are always valued and appreciated. Let’s continue supporting each other on this journey of remote work.