How To Work From Home and Not Lose Your Mind
Work from Anywhere
And Stay Sane
It’s 3pm and I haven’t put pants on. Sitting on the couch, computer perched on my lap, sour cream and onion Lay's within arm's reach I am totally uninhibited by the constraints of the traditional workday. Yes, working remotely has it’s perks.
When I first set out in my freelancing career, working from home seemed like a dream come true. I was my own boss, I called the shots, I could do what I want when I wanted. It’s a beautiful and unexpectedly dangerous trap.
The traditional 9-5 job demands discipline and intense focus in order to excel. Putting anything other than your finely manicured best foot forward is seen as unambitious, practically un-American. Being set free from the humdrum monotony of modern work-life seems as though it would be a giant relief and creative rejuvenation. At it's best it is. A recent study found that at home workers were 13.5% more productive daily than in-office workers, and the rate of attrition was much lower (almost 50%) as well.
But what happens when you have just a bit too much freedom? How do you deal with the pitfalls of your own procrastination? What steps can you take to Carpe the darn Diem each day? Let’s explore, shall we?
Set a Damn Schedule
Listen, I know you like to wake up at noon and roll out of your bed onto the couch and start your day when you want because you’re a FREELANCER, dammit! But trust- this gets old really fast. Wake up at a set time, just as you would if you had a 9-5. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. This will not only help you feel productive and inspired but it will also help you set boundaries with your clients, which is MUY
Space Yourself
Where you do your work is just as important as how you do you work. Make sure you have a designated spot you can focus. Fill it with things that make you calm, cool, and collected. I happen to love having a giant schedule right in front of my face so I don’t forget anything (I have the memory of a goldfish, learn your weaknesses!). See if there are any good spots in your city for co-working as well. These can be a godsend when you can’t stand to be alone in your house for one more second.
Study your Patterns
I was an Anthropology minor in college and I find studying patterns of behavior fascinating, but I never thought to look at my own patterns of behavior. In order to be an effective freelancer, you need to be able to be your own coach sometimes. Do you really need to watch that episode of Stranger Things in the middle of your day? Nope. Should you let your friends come over and you can just “work while we hang”? Uhn uh. Have you just been staring at the ‘gram for 45 minutes? Cut that shit out! You have hard work to do and to maintain your remote life you have to put in the time to make that dime.
You won’t always have super productive days and that is okay! You got into this lifestyle so you could sail your own ship. Just remember that freedom is better when it is hard earned. Take the time to set up some systems for yourself and you will see your business flourish. Need more help? Struggling to set the pace? I am always here for guidance and tough love! Click here and reach out!