10 WAYS TO HELP YOU STAY FOCUS WORKING FROM HOME

Hey guys! I'm glad to come your way again, with a self-training manual that promises to be educating and entertaining. Working from home is no longer an alien attribute, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, as it was before now, the COVID-19 era to employers of labor. 

 

 Working from home comes with its luxury and challenges. Talk of visions of leisurely day, conference calls in comfy sweatpants increased productivity with fewer interruptions. But the distinctions between work life and home life soon blur. You really should throw some laundry in the wash before you write that proposal.

 

 You have an hour before a meeting: Should you balance your books or clean the kitchen? And remember to call that client back right after you empty the cat box. What a smile! 

 

Welcome to the real world of working at home: unforeseen distractions, a lack of structured time, and sometimes a perceived loss of identity. But don't give up the dream just yet! By putting

into place a few simple ideas, you can read more of the rewards of working at home.

 

10 Ways to Help You Stay On Track, Working from Home

 

 Based on my experiences and those of my associates, here are ten (10) simple ways to help you stay on track.

 

1.      Separate Your Space

 

Keep a separate, distinct work area in your home. This is difficult if you're living in a city like Lagos, especially when you are squatting with someone. But I'm not a student of excuses. If you don't have a separate room, at least defines an area, and know that when you're in it, you're in "work mode." Make sure your roommates and family are aware of this as well.

 

2. Structure Your Time

 

As your business and personal time mesh, it's more important than ever to structure your day. For example, if you regularly take a walk or go to the gym, try to do it every day at the same time, value a personal appointment with yourself - even when you're very busy. It will help you keep your business on track! I like to get up early and work until noon, then take a few hours off to enjoy lunch, do some reading. Then I'm back at my desk at 4:00 until who knows when!

 

3. Outsource All You Can

When I began my KCmond Consulting, I made the mistake of acting as my courier service. I soon learned how much time I was wasting by visiting clients too much just to pick things up and drop them off. Whenever you start thinking, "Well I can do that myself," STOP. Streamline your business, making everything as automatic as possible. Use outside services to stay focused on your 'real work. Get accounts with an overnight delivery service, messenger service, virtual assistant (VA), bookkeeper, etc., Save your energy for your brilliant ideas!

  Read: STAY AT HOME OPPORTUNITIES - COVID -19

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

In-person meetings are valuable when appropriate but schedule them sparingly. Try to do most of your business via phone, fax, and e-mail using the best equipment you can afford. For most home-based entrepreneurs, when you're out of the office, you're not making money.

So, it is crucial you can communicate flawlessly from where you are.  And please, do us all a favor and get separate lines/services providers on your phone and the Internet! No one likes getting a busy signal.

5. Group Your Errands

Try to group your meetings and errands to minimize your out-of-office time.  Try as much to prioritize work schedules, and attempt to complete them in one fell swoop. Even better, do what I do and designate just one day a week as your "blitz" day for errands and meetings.

6. Stay Focused

Make your workspace off-limits to other roommates or family members

when you're working. Keep all personal paperwork such as TV, Radio, Magazines, etc.

7. Beware of Yappers

Many of your friends and family will be immediately delighted when

they learn that you're working at home.  When they call you simply to chat, politely remind them that you're working and ask them if you can call them back after your day is over. It may take them a while, but they'll eventually "get it."

8. Work with Your Moods

Keep track of your moods and productivity compared with the time of day. For example, if you find you're more alert in the morning, use this time to make the important calls and do your creative work. Take advantage of your natural cycles.

9. Suit Yourself

To bring out your best work, make your environment perfect for you. How do you work best? With plenty of breaks, or with no interruptions? In silence, or with some light music in the

background? On a cushy couch and coffee table, or at a business desk in an ergonomic chair?

Also, find some places you can do work when you need a change of scenery.

10. Break for People

 Read: Tips on How to Enhance Career - Get that Job with these Skills 

Feeling sluggish, lonely, or moody? Arrange for at least one social break during the week. (I aim for two or three.) Schedule breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just coffee with a client, vendor, or friend. Join a business networking group or sign-up for social activities such as dance class or recreational sports league. Don't go into hermit mode - it can be self-destructive!

 

Thanks for reading. If this article is interesting or there is an area you want us to research and write on, kindly leave a comment beside it.

 

 This intellectual property belongs to KCmond Consulting.  No part of it is expected to copy or publish without the sole permission of Kingsmond Ehimare. 

 

 

 

 Kingsmond Ehimare

 

Is a seasonal Business Psychologist, entrepreneur, he designs and implements leadership, organizational and team systems, processes and training programs sketched to shape the desired culture and drive a high level of organizational performance, employee engagement, and individual financial growth.