Many
people dream about being able to work at home. They imagine rolling out of
bed and starting work as they sip a latte. They feel that without the
commute, water cooler conversations and office politics, they'll be more
focused and, consequently, more efficient. However, being in charge of your
own schedule holds the potential for some unforeseen drawbacks that can
affect your stress level. You may find it difficult to motivate and organize
yourself without the pressure of accountability and having to report to a
boss for certain tasks.
When
you work from home, you don't have a schedule imposed on you, so you are
individually responsible for managing your time. To organize yourself and
your office so you have a better chance of being productive and keeping your
stress level low, try the following tips:
1.
Keep a separate, distinct work area in your home. This can be as simple
as setting up a large desk and a file cabinet in the corner of a room-as
long as it is your defined work area. Keep it organized, clean and
neat so you can easily find the materials you need to manage your business
and do your work.
2.
Learn how you work best. Clearly define the type of work environment
where you are most productive. Do you strategize more creatively when you
are on a comfortable couch, or at a business desk?
Your
home office is your domain--add items such as resource books or family
pictures that support your business efforts and help you maintain a positive
attitude.
3.
Be mentally ready to take action on specified tasks. Plan your daily
work schedule by connecting it with your personal energy level. If you think
most clearly in the morning, do your most important and difficult tasks
during this time. If you regularly go to the gym, exercise at the same time
during the week. Value your commitment to these personal appointments, and
your mind and body will reward you with a clear head and energize you even
when you are extremely busy.
4.
Allocate time to accomplish tasks by setting specific "open for
business" hours when people can contact you. Many people may assume
that because you work from home, you are available to them 24/7. Avoid
stressful interruptions by setting specific office hours when other people
can contact you. Be obvious--state your availability on your website, your
voice-mail greeting and your e-mails. Your colleagues and your customers
will appreciate knowing your availability and will learn to respect the
parameters you set.
5.
Recognize that this lifestyle takes much negotiating, planning and
prioritizing. No matter how hard you try to keep them separate, your
personal and business lives will mesh and, at times, collide. Do not
immediately stress out when personal interruptions occur. Learn to break
from work mode and become efficient by focusing on the urgency of the
interruption and resolving it so you don't have to worry about it. Then get
back to your regular work schedule. Soon, you will learn to mentally
maneuver and have a healthy balance between the two worlds without tension
or guilt.
As
an entrepreneur, learn to take a stance that no matter how fast the world
changes or how many interruptions may occur, you can and will succeed. Each
night, let the stress of the day pass by taking a deep breath and thanking
yourself for completing something that fuels your passion. This will
recharge your emotional batteries and prepare you for your next opportunity.
