Getting into Work Mode at Home

It can be difficult to actually make yourself work when you are working at home. There are plenty of things to distract you . . . the kids, the inviting bed that begs you to sleep just a few more hours, the dishes in the sink, TV, the list goes on and on. But you don't have to give in. There are several ways to get your butt in gear when you are working at home.

The first thing to do is set your alarm and abide by it. This takes willpower, but it can be done. You might want to set something up so you have to get out of bed, like have a friend call you or arrange to carpool the kids to school. That way, you are forced to get out of bed.

Getting dressed is the next step. If you stay in your PJs all day, you are just inviting a nap! The simple act of putting on real day clothing will get your mind into the mindset of being awake and alert. You don't have to put on a suit, but jeans and a T-shirt at least.

Although working at home is supposed to be flexible time, you do need to have a schedule, even if it is nothing more than "work one hour on proposal, thirty minutes checking email". Having a set amount of time to work on specific tasks allows you to complete these tasks when you want to, but requires a certain amount of discipline to actually sit down and get done.

You might want to have an accountability partner to help you stay focused as well. Or perhaps it might help if you set some goals and post reminders around your computer or work area. For example, if you want a new laptop, print a photo of it out and hang it beside your desk so you can be constantly reminded of exactly why you need to buckle down and get to work.

Working at home can be more than a little bit of a challenge. You really do have to make the effort to get out of bed and step away from the TV. Leaving the distractions of home behind you and sitting down to really work is not as easy as it might sound, so you will need to work out ways to keep yourself motivated. However, the work at home life can be very rewarding and it is well-worth trying it out.