Can’t Focus While Working from Home? Try These 5 Mindsets to Put You in a Better Headspace

COVID-19 is turning the world upside down, and everything feels uncertain. But there’s one thing that you can always control: your own mindset. 

It might sound glib, but studies have shown that how we think about a situation can affect our success in getting through it. Here are a few of the things I've been telling myself every day during this global crisis to help my company and me moving forward. (Related: My Top 3 Growth Mindsets for Success)

Mindset #1: Today is a new day.

Okay, no day is typical right now. But sticking to my routine helps me stay productive. I still start each morning by checking my inbox and calendar first thing to get a handle on the day ahead and then go out for a solo hike (though my husband sometimes joins me) with my dogs for some fresh air and exercise.  

Find ways to make your days feel a little more normal, no matter how small they are. If you have a podcast you usually listen to on your commute, maybe put it on while you go on a quick morning walk. Or perhaps it’s a daily video check-in with the coworker you usually grab coffee with every afternoon. Whatever it is, create some touchstones of your everyday life to help you get into the groove of getting your work done. 

Mindset #2: I’ve gotten through hard times before.

When we, as humans, are facing a new hurdle, it’s easy to panic and feel overwhelmed. When President Trump first announced the travel ban, for example, I woke up my eldest daughter, who was studying in Dublin, had her pack her bags immediately and get on the first flight home. So yes, I’ve felt it, too.

It’s moments like these when I doubt myself that I think back to other times where I overcame a seemingly impossible challenge. For instance, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how my company, Hint, made it through the 2008 financial crisis without laying off a single person. Not only does this help me identify strategies that have worked in the past, but it also reminds me of how strong and capable I am.

You’ve navigated challenges before. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to keep your business afloat or are struggling with raw emotions, take some time to reflect on all the things you’ve already overcome. (Related: Coronavirus Realities: Why You Shouldn’t Eat Your Feelings During This Stressful Time)

Mindset #3: I will not stress over what I cannot control.

It’s easy to fall into the news rabbit hole. I quickly realized that I needed to minimize my exposure if I wanted to get anything done. That’s why I’ve limited my news consumption to only once or twice a day. I’m doing my best to focus only on the updates that affect my day-to-day. For example, I needed to know when schools started shutting down so I could make arrangements to get my other college kid home from NYC.  

We should all stay informed. But at some point, you have to limit the things that are not going to help you move forward with a positive attitude. 

Mindset #4: We’re all in this together.

We are all more physically isolated right now. But that doesn’t mean each of us has to carry the burden on our own. I’ve been trying to remind myself daily that I have my family, my team, and my friends. If I’m not sure of the best step forward for the company, I can turn to my husband (our COO) or my other brilliant team members for thoughts. If I don’t have time to clean the house because I need to get work done, I can ask my kids to help. If I’ve had a stressful day, I can call one of my friends for some lighthearted talk and laughs. 

You’re not alone. Ask for help where you need it. We’re all trying to figure this out, and the only way we’re going to make it is by coming together, even while we’re apart. 

Mindset #5: I will keep moving forward.

We’ve all had to change plans, had to put projects on pause, had to deal with disappointments. We could spend time dwelling on how much all that sucks—but I’d rather just accept that this is how things are right now, and then adjust and figure out how I’m going to move forward. 

When Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky was asked how she stays motivated to train, even though the 2020 Tokyo Games have been postponed to 2021, she said, “My goals have not changed. I have to still keep going.”  It’s okay to feel bummed or frustrated. But in those moments, try to remember what you’re working towards and find ways to keep moving forward.  You Might Also Like:    

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Kara Goldin is the founder and CEO of San Francisco–based Hint, a healthy lifestyle brand known for its delicious unsweetened flavored water. Since launching in 2005, Hint has introduced an oxybenzone- and paraben-free sunscreen collection using its signature fruit essences, and most recently, a plant-based, aluminum-free eucalyptus + lemon deodorant. Kara produces and hosts her own podcast, Unstoppable with Kara Goldin, where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs, and disruptors across various industries. Keep up with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.