How to Work From Home and be Productive

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By Shirley Philbrick
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So you work from home. Whether that means internet freelance writing, medical transcription, being an artist, or the many other work at home options; it is essential that you view it as your work and make it as productive as possible. Here's how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

When you first begin your work at home venture; it's imperative to change your mindset. This is your job and likely you make your income here (otherwise it would be a hobby.) You must respect it, and your time involved in whatever work you do at home, just as you would if you had an employer.
Step 2

Use the night before to organize your to-do list for the next day. List any business calls you must make and any projects that need finishing. This alone will increase your productivity levels significantly.
Step 3

Get dressed for success ! Just because you CAN work in your pajamas doesn't mean you SHOULD. Studies show that people who work from home that get up and get dressed as if they were going out to work, are more productive.
Step 4

Do all the essentials first. This means taking your shower and other basic hygiene steps and getting dressed before you begin work, get coffee, or anything else.
Step 5

Have a glass of water first thing in the morning to get your brain rehydrated. After you've taken care of personal hygiene, eat breakfast. Again, you will find yourself more productive in your work if your body and mind have nourishment.
Step 6

Don't turn on the tv. Because you're working from home, you have access, but it may hinder your productivity. If you NEED sound, turn on a radio or put in a cd that has some beat to it.
Step 7

Unless you're expecting business calls; let phone calls go to voice mail. These can be returned on your break or at another time. Personal calls can sometimes run on and on, and you may find yourself surprised at how they can effectively suppress work at home productivity.
Step 8

The same applies to email. Consider using a separate work email address. If you need to check business email, do so first thing in the morning and last thing before you stop work for the day, if at all possible. Leave the personal email checking for a breaktime or evening. Constant email checking is one of the largest work productivity deterrents known either in work at home situations; or the outside workplace.