“Work from home.”
Three words that bring about mixed reactions. When I tell people that I work from home, I often get responses such as “You’re so lucky!” or “Do you actually get any work done?” This is not surprising when you consider that remote work positions have a connotation of casualness. Try googling “work from home memes” and you’re immediately flooded with images joking about working in your pajamas, doubting the fact that any work is getting done, and highlighting the many distractions that a home environment brings.
The irony of remote positions is that often you must work harder than in an office setting, because you, not a boss, are setting up your own structure. And while I’ll admit I have experienced moments that come close to the meme scenarios above (I’m only human!), those should be the rare occasions and not the norm. A remote position can be truly rewarding if you take it seriously.
As I began to think through what systems have been most helpful in keeping me on track as I work remotely, I had the chance to catch up with Jodi Womack, co-author of Get Momentum: How to Start When You’re Stuck. Together, we discussed our strategies and practices for getting momentum, staying productive, and completing meaningful work when you work from home. Read on for our tips:
1. Determine Your Priorities
We all have 24 hours in a day, and yet some build successful companies, brands, blogs, etc. while others can’t seem to finish a project. Why is that? “The first piece [of time management] is knowing what the priority is for you,” says Jodi. You must have an awareness around what you are trying to accomplish, and then who or what is going to give you the best return for your efforts. Once you have determined your priorities, prioritize that action or relationship. “I never put the most important person last on my schedule,” says Womack. This is sage advice, and requires thinking ahead. Jodi also follows what she refers to as “The 30/30 Rule” (Get Momentum, pg. 70). This means working for 30 minutes every day on something that is due 30 or more days from now. What skills do you need to learn, what events can you attend, and what projects can you complete that will bring you closer to achieving your goals? Schedule these things out in advance so that you can adequately prepare for them.
Depending upon your personality or organizational style, putting this into practice may look different for each person. Personally, I thrive best when things are visual, so I need to see my time mapped out in front of me. Each week, I sit down with my home and work calendars. I schedule office and personal hours to keep myself accountable to getting things done, rather than leaving my days open ended. I also add task reminders and project deadlines as appointments on my calendar to help me budget my time well. If you tend to thrive better in a more flexible structure, then consider following Womack’s advice of setting milestones. “Dividing your large project into smaller subprojects – milestones – is an effective way to get and keep momentum…Our recommendation is that for every significant project… you identify a minimum of three specific milestones.” (Get Momentum, pg. 67).
2. Create Designated Spaces for Work
Setting a designated work-space is incredibly important. While your kitchen desk, couch, or bed may seem like great places to work, trust me, your level of productivity will improve dramatically by having a designated work-space away from the distractions of your personal life.
We often underestimate the negative impact that constant interruptions can have. “The problem,” Womack says, “is that we accept distractions as normal.” While not all notifications are negative, the trick is knowing the right time and place to engage with them. She recommends creating an interruption-free space, “to give ourselves the gift of our own attention,” even if just for 30 minutes at a time. Short periods of focused work are far more valuable than long periods where you are in constant response mode. Through doing so, she says that we can train our brain to jump-start deep thinking in those designated spaces. Try closing your email, your internet browser, and phone notifications for 30-60 minutes each day to give yourself time to work on projects that take more of your mental energy.
3. Create Your Own Growth Environment
I am intentional with creating a space around me that is purposeful and encouraging, because when I am alone at my desk, I want to be reminded of goals, personally and professionally. I have a calendar, inspiring quotes, pictures of my family, and a list of my personal values and affirmations hung on my wall in front of me. Fill your work space with the things that motivate you. If you like music, consider creating some encouraging playlists on Spotify to get you pumped up, or choose some mellow background music when it’s too quiet but you need to stay focused. Setting short-term incentives can also be powerful motivators. Make your day fun by establishing a rewards system. I incentivize myself by pairing my start time each day with a good cup of coffee. I fill my lunch break with things that refresh my mind, like reading a good book, or calling my hubby to say hi. Enjoy the satisfaction of completing a to-do list? Make a list and if you get it all done, grab a snack or take a stretch break. Have a friend or significant other encourage you by setting up a coffee date with them as a reward for finishing a project or meeting a deadline. Whatever works for you, do it! By setting up external systems of motivation, you can give yourself the push you need when you are lacking internal motivation.
4. Stay connected to others
If you work with a team or client who is depending on you to get things done, communication is very important. After all, “Out of sight can also mean out of mind for corporate professional development and promotions,” says Robin Reshwan, Founder and President of CS Advising. Check in regularly to make sure you know what is expected of you, and that you agree about what you should prioritize. I recommend scheduling a standing weekly call to provide status updates. Take notes and then email a summary of the discussion including your understanding of what has been asked of you. Writing it down ensures that you have a clear definition of your responsibilities, and gives you a planned opportunity to ask any questions. It also allows the other person to correct any misunderstandings before, and not after, you spend time working hard on something.
If you have the privilege to work from home, don’t squander it. Try using these systems to keep you focused and diligent. Your hard work will pay off.
Good luck!
I want to extend a special thank you to Jodi Womack for her wisdom and insight on this topic. Along with her husband, Jason, Jodi is the Co-founder of the Get Momentum Academy and Co-author of Get Momentum: How to Start When You’re Stuck.
