Effort

I’m going to work on my business plan today. (Well, after I make a cup of coffee, type the minutes from last night’s meeting, start a load of laundry, weed the flowerbeds, tidy the kitchen, finalize and post two blogs, help my husband with the taxes, and go to yoga class.) I am so off track!

Know the feeling? Here are some techniques I use to keep myself on track:

Create a workspace where you feel good. I’ve tried out a couple areas in my home. One room is smaller, darker, and seems to block my energy. The other is larger, has more natural light, and inspires me to work longer; it’s my office now. Set up your office space where you can close it off, cover it up, or shut the door and not feel guilty at the end of the day.

Define work hours. I love freedom from my former job and supervisors. I’m the boss—that sounds so good to me! BUT, I have to continue to stick with my work hours in order to grow my business. I’m pretty sure the flower will become a weed if I don’t pay proper attention to it.

Make a list. I’m more industrious on the days I make a “to-do” list, provided I don’t overload my list. If I don’t make a list, I inevitably find something – anything! – to do other than what I should be doing. If you get off track, forgive yourself and start the next day with a clean slate.

Change your scenery. I go to my other offices—a local coffee shop or the new library—to rekindle my creativity and stop myself from nibbling on food. Try it!

Use distractions to give yourself a mental break – and then get right back to work. At this moment, my cat is walking across the keys on my keyboard, which forces me to stop typing, for obvious reasons. (Her helpful blog contribution: juik6t5xsdbv0op76yt2q1vgf;). I embrace the interruption (and pet the cat) because it gives me a mental break and helps me refocus on my work. As soon as she wanders off, I jump back into the current project.

Last, but not least: I stop several times during my work day to tidy my work space; untidiness jumbles my mind more than all of the above.

Stay organized!