Staying motivated when you work alone

Not a day goes by when I do not think confession of Jessamyn West. "Every time I'm writing a book, I did not get out of bed because if I get out of bed I always see something that needs dusting" It took me ages to develop the discipline to ignore what needs dusting. Add to that the phone calls and friends dropping by to chat and have a situation that could send rushing to fill out a job application.

Fortunately, the problem can be handled quite easily, and must be treated immediately. Let your friends know you're serious about the work you do at home and let them know when you're free for an interview. An answering machine or service capable of monitoring the phone, allowing you to move forward with other projects. One writer has taken to wearing a special hat to signal his family that he should not be disturbed. Develop your own variation of a "Do Not Disturb" sign and let your family or roommates know that you mean business.

Anyone who starts a home business is located opposite the end of another problem that threatens to put them out of business before it even begins. E ', paradoxically, the opposite side of the chaos-solitude. There gathered around the water cooler, not to chat with friends for lunch, no staff will tell the latest jokes. E 'for you ... all by myself. Sometimes it feels like everyone else is outside playing ball while you are inside practicing the piano. Here are some proven ways to remind yourself that you mean business.

1. Find a friend and business are still a lot better. Your work-at-home friends can fill a gap in your life that no one else can fill. Make it a point to go out for lunch and trade ideas with these people empathetic, at least once a month. And in those days when you do not make the sale or your cash flow is shrill, leaving friends to cheer you up and return the favor when they need support.

2. Dress for the job. Do not be tempted to schlepp around the old robe. Outfit yourself for the work to be done. There you can feel like a mogul in your sweats.

3. Listening to music while you work, if you do not get distracted. How to wear the right costume, the right music can help prepare the ground for the work you're doing. Unlike Muzak office, you get to choose whatever you want.

4. Take a break. Working alone can lead to work tirelessly. Worst slave driver in the world may be less demanding than a self-motivated bosser. Take a walk or schedule a break to run errands in the middle of the day. Leave some 'and you'll get more in the long run.

5. Make field trips. At least once a month, preferably more often spend the day away from your office to fuel your imagination. Visit a successful business. Attend a seminar. A different approach, even for a few hours, can recharge the batteries, giving a new perspective, and stimulate new ideas.

6. Keep your eye on the bigger picture. If your dream is financial independence, to find a solution to a difficult problem or invent a popular new toy, the more excited you can get the final result, it will be easier to deal with obstacles and frustrations along the way.

7. Make your workspace more stimulating environment in your home. Are important visual reminder of an orderly and efficient storage system. Create a dream board with pictures of your goals and hang it in a conspicuous place where you'll see it often.

Despite all the ups and downs of running a business from home, many people who seek him can not imagine working any other way. The rewards of freedom, satisfaction and growth are so great that they are more than compensate for the slow time and time alone .......