Lessons I’ve Learned To Stay Productive While Working From Home (From an Online Business Owner)
I’ve been working from home for many years now, and in these many years, there have been A LOT of lessons I’ve learned. I thought it was going to be my end all be all to happiness and that was not at all the case.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sure I could ever go back to running on someone else’s schedule - but working from home requires an entire next level of discipline and sacrifice. Not to mention, in the beginning it can be so extremely isolating. I didn’t realize how much I missed conversing with coworkers, brainstorming, etc.. Work place structure provides a place for this.
Workplaces were developed for a reason - for a structure that helps discipline, generate collaborative innovation, and help create a work life balance. Working from home eliminates those major components - allowing you to work too long or even worse, too little. It’s easy to lose the day to day structure that keeps you productive not just in your work life, but your home/personal life as well. At some point it starts to all blend in as one. Usually at the cost of one or the other.
After too of ups and downs in the work at home world, I’ve put together my best tips for improving your environment and making the most of your days. Whether you want to start that side gig, convince your boss to go full-time at home instead of the office, or simply figure out how to make more of your at home job your currently have.. I’ve put together a set list of standards that will help you along the way.
Work From Home Lesson 1:
Set Boundaries
It’s easy to get caught up in long lunch dates, move around work for events, or spend your day on the phone. However if you want to work from home with success - or even better - make it on YOUR OWN career - you need to be ready to sacrifice time with people (and doing things for yourself) and learn how to simply say no. The biggest mistake you can do is not set boundaries with other people and yourself.
Examples could include:
No social media before noon
No email responses until end of day
No taking calls in the morning, etc… (I really really really struggle with this one)
No personal lunch dates Monday through Thursday..
These are just examples but can come in handy when setting boundaries. You have to figure out what works best for you and your business, but when you do then stick to it.
Some of the biggest challenges I have is taking work calls before noon - they are necessary BUT they cut into valuable work time. Try to find when you focus the best and be protective of those times. Also be protective of your work week and treat your at home lifestyle just like you would an office job. Simple put, set boundaries.
Lesson 2:
Make Sure You Have a Structured Work Environment
Having a structured work environment is also important. A structured work environment means putting boundaries on yourself in your environment. These boundaries can be anything from when you should start your day, end your day to how you plan your work day. No structure means it’s easy for your day to get out of hand, suddenly you don’t get what you need to done.
Determine the best time for you to get up, get ready for the day, eat lunch, and disconnect. Then be consistent with it. When it comes to working from home it WILL help you be more productive both in your work life and personal life.
There are a few key things I do to have a structured work environment that have helped me tremendously when I want to be more productive working from home. These include:
Time Blocking: I live and die off of time blocking. My most productive days are by far when I time block. Time blocking is when you set aside blocks of time to work on specific tasks.
Use a Timer (Stick to Intervals). This is taking time blocking to an entirely different level. I will work in concentration intervals on my time blocking tasks. For example, I will set a timer for 30 minutes where I force myself ot work on the task at hand before providing myself with a 5 minute break that I can use to stretch, check my phone, or get something simple does around the house. Using intervals are a great way to force yourself into a focus mode.
Lesson 3:
Have a Designated Work Space
Just like with a structured work day, you need a structured work environment. A home office is IDEAL. Invest in it if possible. Make it a space you want to be in. This will make all the difference when you are working on a project and NEED to be in it. Not to mention, having a space where you can shutoff distractions (like your phone, company, pets, etc..) allows you to get dialed in and be productive when you need it the most.
Something I took for granted was making my home space what I wanted it to be. The best thing you can do is to true invest in a space you want to be in. Get a nice desk, chair, decor… and treat it like an office space.
No office space? Then find a designated space in your home to work everyday, even if it’s your kitchen table. Throw in some headphones and grind.
Lesson 4:
Use a Project Planner/List Keeper
Another big lesson? Lack of organization. I made huge mistake by being disorganized. Working from home means extra accountability is needed. It also means that you are responsible for your clients work, deadlines, contracts, etc… and I quickly learned it can get out of control, fast. If I miss a deadline it’s on me, and most of the time it was because I wasn’t organized enough with all of my client work.
One of the best decisions I did was finally invest in good project management software and have someone help me manage it. The software I chose was Notion. I’ve heard great things, but have had an even better experience! It’s starting package is free, and it’s incredibly powerful.
My best advice is to invest in the right tools, the right filing system in your home, and the best software to manage your client work (thank you Quickbooks). These things become essential when working from home.
Lesson 5:
Learn That Midday Breaks Are Beneficial
I find midday breaks to be SOO necessary to be productive in the afternoon. As my mental levels fade throughout the day, I find that so does my productivity. I use to feel as if I had to grind it out all afternoon, but that’s more a waste of time than anything. Instead a simple 1/2 to 1 hour break allows me to reset my brain capacity and tackle bigger projects in the afternoon.
Breaks don’t have to be complicated either. It can be a lunch break, walking break, personal break (like getting your dishes done, prepping dinner, etc), but disconnecting has proven to be beneficial in any work place, and that means home is included.
Final Work at Home Tips & Summary
Work at home really does mean more responsibility. It’s up to you to be the best boss/employee/contract worker you can be. It’s up to you to create your own productive environment. This means setting up boundaries, creating an ideal space, focusing on the right tasks at hand, and being organized. By doing these things you will set yourself up for success right out of the gate. Working at home doesn’t necessarily mean more freedom, instead it requires discipline, persistence, and structure to find success.
