How to do more as a freelancer and not lose motivation

Not a single carrot: how to discipline yourself, working from home?

Having embarked on the path of freelance, many at first experience quite understandable euphoria. Finally, there is no need to get up any light or dawn, push around in public transport and listen to the notation of the boss. Grace, and nothing more!

But over time, all these advantages can turn into bad habits that will not be reflected in the best way on the success of remote work . Moreover, this “quagmire” is very quickly and imperceptibly formed that you will not even immediately notice it. Unless when you calculate your next monthly earnings and realize that it has decreased.

In order not to fall into such a trap, you should, first of all, not lose discipline. And although in symbiosis with the concept of freelance it sounds a little mocking, without it it is impossible to constantly stay afloat, working remotely.

Self-discipline is actually at the forefront of success in the freelance field. But how to maintain it, read on.

Who gets up early ...

Waking up at any time without observing any hourly deadlines is a very bad habit. It not only affects the decrease in working capacity, but also negates the seriousness of your remote work. Therefore, it is very important to set your working hours and, in particular, the time of your ascent. If you believe psychologists and other scientists, it is ideal to wake up at 8 in the morning. In addition, it is in the first half of the day that people are most active and efficient. But in the second half, many are experiencing an energy decline. This also applies to your customers.

Those freelancers who prefer to lead an owl lifestyle should take time during the day to negotiate with customers. Many of them work as standard from 9.00 to 17-18.00, and after that they become inaccessible for communication. Do not bother them with clarifications or delivery of work at a time convenient for you, but absolutely unacceptable to them. Seek balance. Still, the client is always right.

Meet on clothes ...

Precisely refuse work in pajamas. Even if you are alone in the apartment and no one sees you. Your brain and subconscious mind perceive pajamas as an action for relaxation, rest and sleep. That is why, without removing it, you risk constantly yawning and literally dozing off in the process.

Of course, you should not put on a business suit or a pencil skirt, but it’s still worth putting yourself in order. And the latter applies not only to clothing, but also to brushing your teeth, taking a shower, combing / shaving. This helps to cheer up and tune in to work.

Flies separately, cutlets separately

Never work in or near the bed. And generally move away from the place where you sleep. Kitchen is also not the best option. However, like the bathroom. The same psychological principle applies here as with pajamas.

Try to arrange a separate (albeit conditionally) mini-office, which will be your workplace. This will help to concentrate on tasks and switch the brain from the “home” mode to the “labor” mode.

I see no one, I hear no one

Avoid all online junk not related to your specific job. Turn off the sound signals about changes in social networks. Do not look there every hour. Yes, and messengers, too, it is desirable to translate into silence mode. A glimpse is enough to understand who the message came from. If this is not a client, then it is not interesting.

The same fully applies to home distractors in the form of a cup of coffee, a sandwich or a cigarette. Until you complete the task or part of it - no joys in life. The people also said that walk boldly only when you did the job.

Not a single labor

Focusing on the assignment, do not forget about well-deserved breaks. It’s good if it’s not just 15 minutes of a snack or a break, but a full-fledged exit to the street, a meeting with a friend or other motor and communicative activity. It refreshes thoughts, allows you to relax and does not turn into a domestic worm. And such breaks are definitely useful for maintaining a healthy physical and mental form. And with the first and second, freelancers often have problems.

Tasks, plans, business goals

It is very important to have at least a minimum schedule. Let it be notes the next day, plans for a month or longer term goals. At the same time, it is important not to overdo it, harnessing the race for financial success. Excessive work activity will result in burnout and subsequent procrastination.

Try to calculate how much time it takes you to complete a standard task as part of your specialization. This will help to make a plan for the month with the calculation of the number of projects and financial rewards for them.

60 minutes for yourself

Not in the plan to go to the hairdresser or to the dentist. For this you have the 5th item.
Be sure to devote 1 hour a day to your improvement and development. Read specialized literature and articles, participate in webinars, learn a foreign language or learn a new skill. You can also devote this hour to your own image. For example, write a post to your account, update your portfolio on a stock exchange or website, review brief points, and so on.

This will help you move forward in the field of remote work, thereby increasing your earnings. The implementation of a huge number of similar projects, without recognizing and not trying a new one, is a movement to nowhere.

In the end

But if suddenly you feel tired and exhausted, allow yourself a well-deserved rest, even if only 2 days. In terms of productivity, it is much more useful than work at the end of the forces. Whip the whip, but the carrot also relies on the work.

And how do you discipline yourself when working from home?)