For some people, their job exists entirely at home and this can offer great flexibility. However, the ability to be motivated can sometimes be a struggle.
With many distractions, such as the cat doing something funny or your favourite show releasing a new episode, it’s easy to give in to the temptation of slacking off.
Working in an office gives you a schedule, seeing co-workers on a daily basis forces you to socially interact and a boss who is in the same building as you gives you accountability, so how do you actually get any work done at home?
We’ve put together ways you can stay motivated at home (or even if you work at an office!):
Wake up early
Research has shown that waking up early makes you more proactive, so set that alarm for 7am and stop rolling out of bed at 11am! People also tend to get more work in the morning with the hope of finishing early and spending the rest of the day doing whatever they want and this is great motivation. Just think, although it is painful getting out of your cosy bed, you will get all your work done bright and early whilst competitors are still silently sleeping.
Dress like you’re going to work
We don’t mean getting on your finest pencil skirt and lucky blue blouse, but stepping out of those comfy PJ’s or onesie and into something you would be seen going outside in is a must. Our brains pair up with our clothes, so if you wear ‘lazy’ clothes such as your trusty joggers and baggy t-shirt, you are more prone to be lazy. It’s about setting boundaries between work and relaxation.
Consider your scenery
Linking to the previous point, don’t work where you sleep. It may be tempting and seem like a good idea, but working on your laptop from under the covers is not a good idea! By working in a spot where you’re supposed to relax and forget about work, you will start associating that spot with stress and worry, thus falling asleep won’t be such a dream. Avoid this issue by setting up an office or having a desk workspace in another room.
Give yourself a schedule
By creating a schedule, it will force you to get up and go. Start your day by setting a specific time to get up (referring back to the first point, making that time early in the morning) and then list and schedule your jobs. If you know your day hour by hour, you’re more likely to focus and get all your jobs done. For some, it can be just the satisfaction of ticking off tasks on a list which can be motivational enough.
Take breaks
Make sure you take a half an hour minimum lunch break not only for your work, but for your health. Take this time to run errands, have some food, and go for a brisk walk… basically step away from the screen! You want to be able to clear your mind and feel refreshed for when you start working again.
Earn rewards
Come up with things to reward yourself with when you’ve finished a task or job. You can turn your distractions into rewards, so maybe finish your big job and watch an episode of your favourite show, do 2 hours solid work and then have a browse on the Internet for half an hour, things like that. However, don’t get carried away… 3 hours of work doesn’t count for 5 hours of online shopping, it’s all about moderation and those small rewards will help you clean your head and reboot.
We hope these tips will get you motivated to do your work at home!
This guest blog was provided by L4N UK (Ladies 4 Networking)
Ladies 4 Networking Ltd was established and has been running as an informal women’s network since 2009. It was set up by Marina Simioli, a business owner and consummate networker. From an initial base in Huddersfield, there has been increasing demand to establish the network in other locations outside of Huddersfield. For this reason, Marina has now teamed up with Judith Wright, who runs a successful marketing agency and together they have set up L4N UK Ltd with the intention of establishing groups across the country.
Since L4N was established, it has developed into a vibrant organisation, with all the monthly meetings being regularly attended by up to 40 female business owners and professionals. The meetings take place at the same venue each month, where a one-course lunch and drinks are provided for a nominal charge
L4N UK are dedicated to providing opportunities for women in business to network, gain confidence, new skills, support and collaborations with other businesswomen.
For more information, please visit www.l4nuk.com
L4N UK
Since L4N was established, it has developed into a vibrant organisation, with all the monthly meetings being regularly attended by up to 40 female business owners and professionals. The meetings take place at the same venue each month, where a one-course lunch and drinks are provided for a nominal charge
L4N UK are dedicated to providing opportunities for women in business to network, gain confidence, new skills, support and collaborations with other businesswomen.
For more information, please visit www.l4nuk.com
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