Working from home has a ton of benefits, but just like anything else out there, it has its problems and some of the most complicated ones too.
Being a full-time online marketer and a stay at home dad, I want to show you some of the things that I do and use to be more productive in the work from home environment.
Some you may know, but may not apply, so hopefully this can be some type of reminder that working from home doesn’t come with everything nice and pretty.
1.) Set a Schedule
I can’t stress enough about how important this is and how unproductive you will be if you don’t get one one.
Setting a schedule is only half the battle, so remember that sticking to it is just as important.
One suggestion that I tell my clients is to get a whiteboard. This one thing has made a big impact on my business and I know it will do wonders for you too.
I find that having things written down (especially in front of me) makes me a lot more productive. This also goes hand in hand with tip #2, so at least it serves 2 purposes.
2.) Set Goals
Whether it’s to get more done in a day or a month, get them down. I don’t mean keep a mental note either. Write it down.
Remember that whiteboard? This is also a great place to put your goals down. Some of us need a reminder of what needs to get done and setting goals will make you extremely productive.
Goals are big for work and goals are big in life. Get some direction with work and write some short and long term goals for yourself.
3.) Work Around the Kids
You and I both know how hard it is to work when the kids are around. Whether they’re still awake or just somewhere in the vicinity, you will be less productive regardless.
For me, I have to wake up a couple of hours before they get up just to get the most work done.
When I try to work while they’re up, it’s almost as if I’m wasting my time.
Then it stresses me out and that stress leads into other parts of my life and the end result is usually not a good thing.
I work from home to spend more time with my family, so I find it best to work around them and not around my job.
4.) Create a Better Working Environment
I used to think that I can work anywhere in the house, but putting my desk in the kitchen was a really bad idea.
We stay in an apartment that left no room for dad’s office, so creating an office was something that had to be done.
Shoutout to those of you that have an office! I’ll be getting mine as soon as we get our house, but for now, the living room is my domain.
It’s away from the kids when it’s time to sleep and I found a nice little corner that I can put the desk so I can’t really complain.
It’s not the best, but it works.
5.) Get Some Rest
Just because you have the luxury of working from home doesn’t mean staying up late playing COD (Call of Duty, for those of you that don’t know) with the kids will be in the agenda every single day of the week.
For those of you workaholics that think you can stay up and work all night, don’t forget that getting some GOOD sleep is a big part of being and staying productive.
Get burnt out and it will lead to more problems in the future. Just like working around the kids, you need to find the time to get that beauty rest.
6.) Turn off All Distractions
I don’t know about you, but having the Disney Channel playing in the background while I’m trying to work does nothing positive for me.
Now having Sports Center on in the background is a big no no. There is just no way that I can focus on my work if I have something interesting or not so interesting playing in the background.
For some of you, maybe some music can help, but for others not so much. Whichever one works best for you, get it going (or not) and let it get you through the day’s work.
7.) Close Unnecessary Windows
I’m just assuming you work on a computer and I’m also assuming that you have some type of internet connection.
I might be wrong, so if this doesn’t pertain to you, then you can skip this. Or you can read it as it might help you in other parts of your life.
For some reason, I seem to have way too many windows open when I’m trying to get work done. Most of the time, I feel like I’m going to need it, but that is something I am working on.
Now if I’m going to get work done, Facebook and al those other distractions need to be closed. Minimizing something doesn’t work for me, as I have the tendency to click on it even if I know I shouldn’t.
If you want to stay focused and leave all distractions out of the picture, keep what’s needed open and close the rest.
Not minimize.
Close.
8.) Exercise
This is one thing that seems to be the hardest for anyone who holds a regular job. Why should this be a problem for someone that works from home?
Well, we decide on what we do and when we do it. Do you think exercise would be at the top of our “to do” list? Probably not.
Although it is not the easiest thing to get off your behind and go for a little jog, this is something that you need to put some serious thought into.
Not only are you doing it for better health and getting that beach body ready for the beach, but it helps with your mental state.
Without exercise, I find myself doing a lot less. On top of that, I also find myself making excuses and putting off work for a later time.
Since I’ve started running again, I am now able to get back on track with work and I am a lot more productive.
Exercise works.
Period.
9.) TRY and Eat Healthier
Just like exercise, this is something that you need to try and fit into the work from home lifestyle.
After eating some fried chicken or some extra greasy stuff, let’s just say I am not the most energetic father.
Then it leads to more unhealthy things like ice-cream and all that good stuff, which leads to laziness and a less productive parent.
This is the hardest thing to do for me, but I know it is a must to not only be more productive, but to have the energy to keep up with my kids.
It is not an easy task for me and it may not be for you either, but how about we at least try?
Deal? okay.
10.) Get Rid of That Cellphone
I don’t mean throw it away or go and dunk it in the toilet, but please get that thing out of site.
All the Whatsapp messages and Instagram posts can wait.
Trust me.
This has got to be the biggest distraction these days and this doesn’t only go for the work at home folks. This goes for every single person that owns one.
although some of you try to say you NEED your phone to be by your side, I beg to differ.
It can wait.
If you are working, there is nothing more important than what has to be done that is work related.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are some of you (.01%) that actually need your cellphone, but the rest of you know that it is just a distraction.
Working From Home is Not Easy
I love what I do, but dealing with some of these things can make your work that much harder. Follow some of these tips and you can find yourself being that much more productive.
We all have little things that help us do things a lot easier and I know you do too. What are some of your work from home tips?
– John
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