Working from home can be both a dream & a curse. Especially when you’re just starting out. It can easily become a sleeping in day, binging Netflix day, running random errands day or eating junk food in your kitchen kind of a day. I know, because I’ve had many days like that. I definitely fell into the trap of feeling like I could just do ‘work’ later and spent most of my time relaxing… which, let’s just say was not actually good for business! Now, I’m giving you my top 3 tips for working from home so you can stay productive & actually feel like a boss. 

1. Put on ‘normal’ clothes / Put yourself together

Honestly, I can’t tell you how many times I’d stay in pjs all day for days in a row… it’s actually probably not sanitary or cute. But most importantly, it allowed me to feel ‘lazy’ & made it acceptable for me to simply lounge around without getting any work done. Again – neither of which are productive! 

One big shift I noticed was that when I had to go out into the real world or came back from my full-time gig looking good, I felt like I could conquer the world & get shit done. Which – then I would. 

So, if you’re struggling to stop lounging around, put on CLOTHES! Put on your favorite shoes (if you want), put makeup on, & allow yourself to feel good. When you feel good, you simply have more confidence, that confidence leads to feeling empowered, that empowerment allows you to feel like the boss you are, feeling like a boss allows you to ACT like a boss. 

It may seem simple, but putting on an actual outfit, makes a BIG difference. 

Real Life Tip: I get it, you want to be in yoga pants and be comfortable at home. That’s fine. Choose comfortable outfits that you see as ‘work outfits’ and still change into them. Personally, I have a few ‘nicer’ leggings & sweaters that I wear when I want to be more comfortable, but they still allow me to feel like I have my stuff together. 

2. Turn off distractions

Again, have I ‘worked’ while watching my favorite movies & tv shows? Yup. It didn’t do much for me, but those tv networks definitely got higher ratings. 

It’s truly important to shut off distractions. Now, if you have kids, that may be a little more difficult because surely they have a life of their own. But do the best you can. If you’re like me and have no children, then turn off the tv, put your phone on the other side of the room (or simply turn off notifications) & find a spot that allows you to focus. 

Pro Tip: Turn up the MUSIC!! Create a ‘I’m working, don’t bother me’ playlist or an “I’m such a boss + so motivated’ playlist or whatever title you prefer… fill it with songs that pump you up & also keep you focused. Personally, I don’t always do well with silence but also know that certain songs don’t help either – find what songs keep you working. 

3. Set & assign times to take breaks

It’s all about planning. If you want to go to the gym, pick up your kids from school, take your dog on a walk, eat lunch, go to the grocery store or sleep in. Fine. Do it! But plan for those breaks in advanced. This allows you to have a larger snapshot of what you want & need to accomplish for your day and how much time for your work you’ll really have & that keeps you focused. When you have things laid out or know when you’re going to have time to do something else, it saves you a ton of mental space & energy. That space & energy can now be more clearly directed towards your work tasks & staying productive. (Honestly, doing that – has been a life saver!)

Pro Tip: First off, this is not sponsored or anything (but I’d be fine if it was ?) if you have a Google Home Mini (which I use) or an Alexa or any timer… set the timer. Plus, set a 10 min. reminder before your next task. That allows you to wrap up before moving on or adjust accordingly. 

4. BONUS TIP: Be kind to yourself

Working from home can be a true gift but the reality is that life happens. Be kind to yourself & if you fall off the productivity wagon, know it happens to the best of us and just get back on. 

Let me know in the comments below if you have any additional tips or what your favorite one was from above! 

Talk soon!

Until then,

   Marci

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