The other day I confessed that there are those time when I really don’t want to work! I can think of a dozen things I would rather be doing, or I just cannot seem to muster the focus to concentrate on what needs to be done. Since we are working from home in our own businesses, we don’t have bosses or external forces to motivate us. Somehow, we have to find a way to get ourselves back on track and deal with it when we lose focus (and find a way to get it all back!)
I am most likely to lose focus when I get interrupted. If I get off to a good start with work and then get pulled away from my desk by errands, conversation, or some household chore—that is when I can really get into trouble. I may never get back to work and end up having a rather unproductive day (even if I started out like gang busters.) I have learned that I need to push on and try to get through until at least noon or one before I let myself get pulled away. That way I at least have several hours of work under my belt before I move on to other stuff. If I get back to my desk then, it is a bonus. If I don’t, there is less harm done than if I let myself wander off at 10 in the morning!
I have talked with others who have different strategies for getting back on track when they get off—changing locations by going to a book store, library or coffee shop works for some. Others suggested that they switch tasks and do some menial filing or organizing or cleaning out drawers when they have trouble focusing. The act of getting things organized seems to inspire them to settle back down to work after the sifting is done.
How about you? Any ideas or suggestions? What do you do to catch yourself when you start to lose focus and how do you get back on track when you wander away from work in your home business?
Also: Getting December Under Control