It’s not surprising that more people are leaving the 9–5 routine behind to pursue their passion. A team of researchers revealed that 70% of professionals work remotely at least once a week. What started as a hobby for many college students later became a full-fledged business venture.
Anyone can work remotely thanks to the internet and the latest technological tools. You don’t have to pay for office rent or waste time commuting to an office. Despite this, staying motivated and productive can be nearly impossible.
The path to becoming a successful home-based entrepreneur is lonely and daunting. It will be difficult to get yourself out of the bed most mornings to work towards your goals.
These tips will come in handy regardless of the stage you are in your entrepreneurial journey.
1. Stick to a routine
Managing a home-based business requires a great deal of discipline. Define what productivity means to you before developing a flexible schedule. It’s advisable to wake up early every day even if you’re not a morning person.
This will help you to set the tone of the day and gear you for success. Some entrepreneurs meditate as soon as they wake up, while others take the time to read. The bottom line is to find out a routine that works for you. Try to switch things up once your routine starts getting monotonous.
2. Create to-do lists
Set long-term goals and break them into smaller chunks to prevent overwhelm. You also need to come up with how you intend to achieve them. Several entrepreneurs make it a habit to create a to-do list for the next day before they sleep.
This enables them to manage their time efficiently and remain focused. Although you can write down your goals, have an electronic copy on your smartphone. Reward yourself once you complete each task.
3. Dress the part
One of the perks of working from home is that you have the freedom to dress how you want. Working in your pajamas may seem like the best thing, but it is too comfortable.
Be proactive about personal grooming and dress as if you’re heading to an office. Mason Donovan has this to say during an interview with Fast Company:
“Dressing professionally put us in a different mental state. We feel more present, and we have a higher level of commitment and engagement.”
It isn’t compulsory to put on a suit and tie. Wear clothes that increase your confidence level and gets you ready for work.
4. Set up a personal workspace
The fact that you can work in your bedroom doesn’t mean that it’s the ideal place to work. Try as much as possible to set up a personal workspace even if space is at a premium. Ensure that the room has access to natural lighting and fresh air.
You can hire a professional interior designer and adorn the walls with artwork for inspiration. Investing in ergonomic furniture will go a long way to maintain proper posture and make you comfortable. It’s important to keep your desk clutter free if you want to minimize distractions.
5. Take frequent breaks
The human brain isn’t wired to work for very long hours without resting. Our body often gives off signals when we are tired. Failure to heed the warning signs can lead to burnout. Include break time in your schedule and it doesn’t matter if you have a pressing deadline.
Leave your desk and engage in other activities. You can take a walk, exercise or connect with your loved ones.
6. Leverage technology
Software developers keep rolling out software which can come in handy for entrepreneurs. They perform different functions such as blocking distractions, managing projects, creating to-do lists, and scheduling.
“Business owners that take advantage of these tools are bound to experience improved productivity. The good thing is that they don’t cost a fortune and there are free options,” says Kelsi of CBD Central.
7. Curb distractions
Distractions are a major challenge faced by budding business owners. Kids and pets will demand your care and attention. Consider hiring a babysitter and inform your loved ones about your work hours.
Another option is to buy noise-canceling headphones if you work in a noisy environment.
In addition, online/e-commerce websites are there to help you focus on important tasks and still enjoy the things you like. A typical example is CBD Central, that goes into detail to educate their audience about CBD oil, the benefits of CBD oil, and how they could help treat many different ailments.
8. Adopt healthy eating habits
Your body needs fuel to function properly. You can eat anything you like when working from home as the fridge is a few steps away. However, this is not only bad for your health but has a negative impact on productivity. Ensure that you eat nutritious meals throughout the day and opt for healthy snacks. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid skipping breakfast.
Working from home is one of the best decisions you can make concerning your career, and following these steps will go a long way to converting your home into a productivity hub.