Being able to manage your time effectively is one of the greatest assets as a work at home professional. Most telecommuters are able to create their own schedules, however adhering to that schedule can often prove to be quite a daunting task. The things that we need most as a telecommuter are just the things that tend to hold us back the most.
One of the most important tools that we have as telecommuters is email. Although necessary, it is often a distraction. Create an email that you use strictly for work, aside from the email address that everyone else in your virtual world has. While we love the money angels and funny jokes we get daily, work is not the place to read them.
While the telephone is a necessity for any home office, it can also be a hindrance to schedule adherence. Turn the ringer off during work hours or divert personal calls to voicemail unless there is an emergency. Most of us have friends or family that figure since we work at home we can stop and gossip at any time. Sure, we could, but again that keeps us from staying on task.
The Internet is not always your friend. Yes, we need the Internet for work but we should not be surfing during work time. Countless hours are wasted on games, chat and other distractions on the Internet. Work time is not the time for Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or any of the other places we love to frequent virtually.
Television can also be the nemesis of a productive day. With the great variety of talk shows and court shows available during day time television, while quite entertaining, again can be quite the distraction. Instead, integrate television time into your day. Schedule an hour to watch your favorite show as an incentive to get some things marked off you're your to do list.
Make a reasonable schedule and stick to it. It is not reasonable to expect to sit in one spot doing nothing but work for eight to ten hours straight through. If you are able to, schedule a fifteen minute break every couple of hours to take a brisk walk around the block to get rid of some of that pent up energy. Think of the things that you love to do, whether it's watching television, taking a nap or reading a book and use that as a reward for a job well done midway through your day. Manage your time wisely and don't forget to relax while working at home
The author is a successful entrepreneur and a leader in providing work at home business opportunities to interested persons.
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