As a business owner who works primarily out of a home office, I’ve had to put a lot of thought into productivity techniques that work for me. There has been some trial and error but I’ve found a few key practices that keep me focused, on schedule and loving the work that I get to do every day.
I’ve learned that multitasking just doesn’t work. Doing less sometimes equals doing more. If you are an entrepreneur that works out of a home office, it’s normal to struggle with maintaining focus amongst the myriad distractions you face every day. There are tons of resources out there providing suggestions and techniques to help you make the most out of your workday.
Here are 4 of my go-to productivity strategies.
Reduce Tech Distractions
At home, distractions can seem endless: a knock on the door, a barking dog, that pile of laundry just down the hallway. Of course there are some things that I just can’t avoid, but there are other distractions that I can eliminate.
For me that means eliminating nonessential tech-related disruptions like push notifications to my phone and social media. I also remove clutter from my desktop (both the physical and computer versions) and I avoid working with too many open tabs in my browser.
Work and Recover Properly
Sitting at a desk all day while looking at a computer can wreak havoc on your body and well-being. I make a point to stay active throughout the day by taking small, periodic breaks to get up and stretch or maybe even going for a walk in the beautiful San Diego sunshine.
And while I love coffee and won’t give it up completely, I know that too much caffeine can leave me jittery, dehydrated and unfocused, making work difficult. Same goes with too much sugar. If you are an entrepreneur who works from home, break up your day with healthy habits.
Learn to Say No
Over the years I’ve learned the importance of saying no. The power of saying no is that it leaves you open to fully saying yes to the things you have committed to and the things and people that mean the most. It also allows you to focus on the must-do tasks, those things that propel your business and bring you joy. Get comfortable saying no to the things that don’t serve you or your business and you will find yourself less distracted and more productive.
Keep a Routine
There is a lot of freedom in being your own boss, which is one of the reasons that I was drawn to having my own web design and SEO business. But I’ve found that setting a workday routine helps me to focus and be most effective each day. I get up at the same time each morning and arrive at my desk ready to work at the same time each day. I also break for lunch on a regular schedule. This routine works best for me and allows me to maintain my energy and focus.
These are just a few of the techniques that I’ve developed over the years. And to be honest, they are a constant work in progress. What works for me, might not work for you. What productivity tips do you have for other entrepreneurs who work out of a home office?
