What are some best practices for setting and meeting online deadlines?

1 Plan your workday

Before you start working, create a realistic and detailed plan for your workday. Identify your priorities, goals, and tasks, and estimate how much time you need to complete them. Break down large or complex projects into smaller and manageable steps, and assign deadlines to each one. Use a calendar, a planner, or an app to schedule your work hours, breaks, and meetings. Review your plan at the end of the day and adjust it as needed for the next day.

2 Set boundaries and expectations

One of the challenges of working online is that you may have to deal with different time zones, communication styles, and work cultures. To avoid confusion, frustration, and misunderstandings, you need to set clear boundaries and expectations with your clients, colleagues, and managers. Communicate your availability, preferences, and progress regularly and respectfully. Establish a professional and dedicated workspace in your home, and let your family and friends know when you are working and when you are not. Respect your own boundaries and avoid working overtime or taking on more work than you can handle.

3 Eliminate distractions and interruptions

Another challenge of working online is that you may face many distractions and interruptions from your environment, your devices, or your own habits. To stay focused and efficient, you need to eliminate or minimize these sources of distraction and interruption. Turn off or mute any notifications, alerts, or messages that are not related to your work. Close any tabs, apps, or programs that are not relevant to your tasks. Avoid checking your email, social media, or phone too frequently or randomly. Set a timer for each task and work in short bursts of 25 to 30 minutes, followed by a 5 to 10 minute break.

4 Track and evaluate your time

One of the benefits of working online is that you can have more control over your time and pace. However, this also means that you need to be more accountable and responsible for how you use your time and how you measure your results. To improve your time management skills and performance, you need to track and evaluate your time regularly. Use a tool, such as a time tracker, a log, or a journal, to record how much time you spend on each task, activity, or project. Compare your actual time with your estimated time and identify any gaps, delays, or inefficiencies. Analyze your patterns, habits, and behaviors, and look for ways to optimize your time and productivity.

5 Reward yourself and celebrate your achievements

One of the drawbacks of working online is that you may feel isolated, bored, or unmotivated at times. To maintain your morale and motivation, you need to reward yourself and celebrate your achievements. Set small and realistic milestones for your tasks, projects, and goals, and acknowledge your progress and accomplishments. Treat yourself with something that makes you happy, such as a snack, a hobby, a nap, or a movie. Connect with other online workers or join an online community to share your experiences, challenges, and successes. Recognize your value and contribution as an online worker and be proud of yourself.