Working from home can be a great opportunity to enjoy more flexibility, autonomy, and comfort. But it can also pose some challenges for your motivation and productivity, especially if you're new to this mode of work or facing distractions and stress. How can you keep your focus, energy, and performance high while working remotely? Here are some tips to help you.
One of the benefits of working from home is that you can adjust your schedule to suit your preferences and needs. However, having too much freedom can also lead to procrastination, confusion, or inconsistency. That's why it's important to set a routine that works for you and stick to it. This means having a regular wake-up time, a designated workspace, a clear agenda, and a fixed end-of-day time. A routine can help you create a sense of structure, discipline, and accountability, as well as balance your work and personal life.
There are only two kinds of writers; There are talented writers who can produce news copy, advertising jingles, and magazine articles on demand. And there are gifted writers who can stare at a blank sheet of paper all day unless inspiration comes. So, when creating a novel I am fasting to induce ketosis and sharpen my mind. When rewriting, fleshing out, adding plot development, character development, chapter development, pace, etc., I am vigorously working out on frequent breaks. Oh, and drinking copious amounts of Starbucks Sumatra.
Create a consistent daily routine that includes set work hours, breaks, and designated workspaces. Having a routine can help you stay focused and productive.
Another way to boost your motivation and productivity is to plan your tasks ahead of time and prioritize them according to their urgency and importance. This can help you avoid overwhelm, distraction, or confusion, and focus on what matters most. You can use a calendar, a to-do list, or a project management tool to organize your tasks and track your progress. You can also break down larger or more complex tasks into smaller and more manageable steps, and set deadlines and milestones for yourself. Planning your tasks can help you achieve your goals, measure your results, and celebrate your achievements.
Define clear and achievable goals for your work. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals and prioritize them to stay on track.
I use time blocking to plan my workday. I organize my day into two-hour work blocks. For each work block, I record the tasks to complete within that timeframe. It is important to be realistic when estimating how long it should take to complete a task and how long you can stay focused. I typically block off three blocks daily for deep work, tasks requiring critical thinking because that's my limit before becoming mentally tired. I also limit virtual meetings to occur on Thursdays and Fridays. Since I may be interrupted by calls during these days, I tend to complete less cognitively demanding tasks on these days. I use Notion to plan and track my projects. I then break down the project into smaller tasks and record them on my calendar blocks.
Working from home doesn't mean working non-stop. In fact, taking regular breaks can help you maintain your motivation and productivity by giving you a chance to rest, recharge, and refresh your mind. Breaks can also help you prevent burnout, fatigue, or boredom, and improve your mood, creativity, and health. You can use breaks to do something relaxing, enjoyable, or energizing, such as stretching, meditating, reading, listening to music, or chatting with a friend. You can also use breaks to reward yourself for completing a task or reaching a milestone. Taking breaks can help you work smarter, not harder.
Schedule short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or do something you enjoy to avoid burnout. Regularly reflect on your work habits and productivity levels. Identify what's working well and what needs improvement, then make adjustments accordingly to stay motivated and productive.
Working from home can also affect your communication with your colleagues, managers, clients, or students. You may face challenges such as isolation, misunderstanding, or misalignment. That's why it's essential to communicate effectively and frequently with your work-related contacts. This means using the appropriate channels, tools, and formats for different purposes and situations, such as emails, calls, chats, or video conferences. It also means being clear, concise, respectful, and responsive in your messages, and giving and receiving feedback constructively. Communicating effectively can help you build trust, rapport, and collaboration with your work-related contacts.
Working from home can also be an opportunity to learn new skills that can enhance your motivation and productivity. You may encounter new challenges, technologies, or opportunities that require you to adapt, improve, or innovate. You may also have more time, flexibility, or resources to pursue your personal or professional interests or goals. Learning new skills can help you grow, develop, and advance in your work, as well as increase your confidence, satisfaction, and value. You can use online courses, webinars, podcasts, books, or mentors to learn new skills that can benefit your work.
Finally, working from home can also affect your attitude and mindset towards your work. You may face difficulties, setbacks, or uncertainties that can lower your motivation and productivity. You may also lack the support, recognition, or inspiration that you normally get from your work environment. That's why it's important to stay positive and optimistic while working remotely. This means focusing on the positive aspects, opportunities, and outcomes of your work, rather than the negative ones. It also means expressing gratitude, appreciation, and encouragement to yourself and others, and seeking help or support when you need it. Staying positive can help you overcome challenges, cope with stress, and enjoy your work.