Remember why you decided to work from home in the first place? Like many working moms, it was probably so you could have control over your time and priorities. So, instead of allowing other’s priorities and activities to control your time, give your business the respect and time it (and you) deserve.
How to Stay Motivated When Working From Home
Implement structure and discipline: Use your calendar to schedule both work and personal commitments on a weekly basis. Entrepreneurial mothers run into trouble when they have too much unstructured time, and end up wasting time on low priority items or allowing distractions to interfere with important tasks.
Reward yourself with “play time” after you’ve completed critical tasks: Take a walk or do something that feels like a reward after completing an important work assignment.
Incorporate “think time” into your day: I use the time I swim laps to solve problems or plan how to approach a new assignment. Thinking while doing physical activity can accelerate your brain’s ability to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems.
Plan for emergencies or delays: Inevitably, someone will get sick, the dog will get loose, or the washing machine will flood the laundry room floor, just when you’ve got a deadline looming. Build in extra “flex” time to complete high priority items, so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.
“Leave” work at a reasonable hour: Determine what your working hours are and then shut your office door or turn off your laptop at the end of your working day. This will allow you to be fully present with your family and friends, instead of trying to carry on conversations while balancing baby and computer on your lap.
Most important, focus on the critical items that will make a difference for your business. Keep things in perspective and enjoy the choice you’ve made to live a life that’s full of the things that matter to you.
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2 Comments
Simple and effective. I used to struggle with keeping my priorities in focus. What helps me to stay on track though, is a little red steno pad. I write my daily priorities in it and their time frames. When I find myself going off track, I reach for it and it works.
Great post – and good tips for those of us trying to juggle it all! My problem is lack of space. There really isn’t an “office” for me at home, so our dining room table does double duty. Not the most effective, but it gets the job done. thank you!