Having the opportunity to work from home is the dream of many. They imagine rolling out of bed and starting work as they sip a latte.They feel that without the commute, water cooler conversations and office politics, they’ll be more focused and, consequently, more efficient. However, being in charge of your own schedule holds the potential for some unforeseen drawbacks that can affect your stress level. A lot of home based entrepreneurs find it hard to stay motivated and avoid the distractions that come with working from home. A lot also feel lonely and isolated.
One of the attractions to working from home is that there is no schedule to work to, however this then means that you have to be organized and responsible in managing your timen yourself. I have put together some tips to help you get organized and keep you office organized which will then allow you to be productive and successful:
1. Have your work area in a separate, closed off area in your home. This can be as simple as setting up a large desk and a file cabinet in the corner of a room-as long as it is your defined work area. Keep it organized, clean and neat so you can easily find the materials you need to manage your business and do your work.
2. Learn how you work best. What type of work environment allows you to work at your best? Are you able to work well and make decisions whilst lying on the couch or do you need to be sitting at your desk to get you in the right frame of mind? Make your home office personalized. It is your special area so fill it with things that make you happy such as family photos and material work-related such as resource books.
3. Prepare yourself mentally to fulfill your set tasks. Plan your day depending on how you feel. If you think most clearly in the morning, do your most important and difficult tasks during this time. If you regularly go to the gym, exercise at the same time during the week. Respect yourself for these choices and scheduled appointments and you will find your inner self will reward you with a clear head and great energy even at the times you are very busy.
4. Set specific “opening hours” when customers or leads can contact you. Many people may assume that because you work from home, you are available to them 24/7. Avoid stressful interruptions by setting specific office hours when other people can contact you. Make sure people know what your opening hours are by placing them not only on your website but on your emails and also any voicemail greetings you have. This will avoid any embarrassment on your part when you have to tell people you aren’t available and your customers will respect the guidelines you have set and appreciate your work times.
5. Be aware that working from home and the lifestyle it provides needs a lot of planning and prioritization. No matter how hard you try to keep them separate, your personal and business lives will mesh and, at times, collide. Learn to take interruptions in your stride. Learn to break from work mode and become efficient by focusing on the urgency of the interruption and resolving it so you don’t have to worry about it. Then get back to your regular work schedule. Soon, you will learn to mentally maneuver and have a healthy balance between the two worlds without tension or guilt.
You need to ensure you have the right mindset as an entrepreneur. No matter how many interruptions and distractions happen, you can and will succeed. Each night, let the stress of the day pass by taking a deep breath and thanking yourself for completing something that fuels your passion. Re-energising your emotional battery is vital and will then allow you to prepare for the next days opportunities.
I have successfully coached many likeminded home based entrepreneurs to success with my high end home based business. Please visit me to learn about this wonderful opportunity and work with a great, motivated, energized team. Visit http://karlievalentine.com
Tags: home business organisation, home office, work at home, work home balance
