Smart time management is crucial to running a successful business. The ability to set a schedule and stick to it can be especially important for home-based business owners.
Those who give in to any number of potential distractions throughout the day, or overschedule themselves, could see the freedom of working from home become an impediment to productivity.
There are myriad temptations to procrastinate when operating a business from home. For instance, you may feel that the dog should have an extra walk on a pleasant day, despite the fact that you are on a tight deadline. Perhaps you may sense a sudden urgency to go to the grocery store for some fresh produce. You might also take a break to catch up on the news or browse YouTube videos, which could result in going down an hours-long rabbit hole.
Excuses are around every corner of the house.
One of the most vital actions that you can take to avoid seeing the hourglass go empty is to carefully schedule your day and week. By setting timetables, business owners can better keep to the job at hand.
Prior to logging in for the week, establish a goal for what you want to accomplish. If you fall behind, question whether you can wait until the end of the day to get groceries or take the dog out. Ask yourself questions such as, ‘do I really need to check personal email every five minutes?’
Another popular rationalization is saying, I can always do the work tonight. But will you really have the motivation or is it more likely that you will be tired, lack focus and try again the next morning only to repeat the cycle.
Some may see power naps as essential for restoring energy levels and clear thinking. That’s fine. Just make sure that a half-hour, early afternoon catnap is not interrupted by your cat crying for dinner hours later.
Of course, give yourself time to take some breaks. In certain situations, they may increase productivity.
Many business owners find it helpful to walk around the house or the yard when struggling for a solution to a particularly vexing matter or to summon inspiration to overcome a bad case of writer’s block.
In various situations—such as preparing a memorandum, crafting an effective advertising slogan, or addressing a supply chain issue—incorporating physical movement can be advantageous. Stepping away from the desk in these circumstances often yields positive results.
Overextending your schedule is another pitfall for those who run businesses at home. You may think, I can work while doing laundry and hosting a playdate.
If you are not careful, you may find yourself taking a personal call while doing the laundry that turns a 10-minute task into an hour-long conversation.
Hosting a playdate for your seven-year-old could mean constant interruptions and the need to keep a close eye on rough housing and preventing accidents, all of which lend themselves to a complete lack of concentration.
For those operating their businesses from home, maximizing time management, reducing distractions and avoiding procrastination are vital to realizing goals and objectives. While working at home, business owners still should have a workplace structure and schedule that results in a high-efficiency operation set for sustainable, future success.
