Tips to Motivate Yourself While Working from Home

December 22, 2007 | 1 Comment

Much as working from home and being your own boss may seem attractive to you at first, it comes with its share of problems. Doing your own thing may give you the flexibility, the money, the freedom and the satisfaction that you always desired but it comes with huge responsibilities. There is no check at the end of the month that will settle all the bills if you are an entrepreneur and working for yourself. There is no IT department that will see to it that your computer virus scan is updated and does not crash on you and there is no one to blame when things do not go exactly as you had planned either.

This leads to a situation where you may feel de-motivated and forlorn with the pressures mounting up. And therefore, one of the most difficult tasks to do when you are working from home or working for yourself is to continuously be on your feet and keep yourself motivated to go on. A slack in pace can mean loss of time that means money lost.

There are some ways in which you can ensure that you are always on your feet and on top of things when things pull you down. The first rule is to keep reminding yourself why you gave up that dream job to start something of your own. Was it the freedom or the independence or the satisfaction of doing things your way? Do you think you can go back to working for someone else again? These questions will definitelyhave you back on your feet in no time.

Also remember your end goal. Small hurdles in the way are obstacles that need to be overcome and should not pull you down. If you have been dreaming of a world tour or a dream house, then remind yourself continuously that you can only achieve it by working hard and putting your best foot forward.

Secondly, don’t postpone projects just because you do not have a boss to answer to. To egg yourself on, you could consider setting deadlines. And if you have problems in self-regulating or self-disciplining, then go ahead and broadcast your intentions. Tell friends about the project that you have, commit yourself to your client and announce it to whoever will listen. The added pressure will keep you from procrastinating when something needs to be completed on time.

Combat loneliness by creating a support system around you. Even though you cannot walk to the coffee machine when you need a break or want to pour things out to someone, you can pick up the phone and talk to an empathetic friend or ex-colleague.

When things get really heavy and difficult to manage, take a break and do something that will rejuvenate you. Sometimes a power nap can work wonders and letting your sub-conscious work for you can result in some very complicated situations sorting them out almost as if by themselves. Don’t let the pressure of doing everything depress you. Being too harsh on yourself shall not ensure that you reach your goal faster. It will only ensure a faster burnout and lead to frustration. Take a break when you have to and you will realize that you work more efficiently than before. Take a small walk, watch a favorite program on television, listen to some music or take a warm luxurious bath.

A motivated person can accomplish much more and much faster than a bored one. Ensure that you acknowledge and appreciate your victories, however small they may seem in the short term scheme of things. While you are working your way up the economic ladder, ensure that you give yourself the incentives that are due. Plan a reward before the start of an important project and ensure that reward is something that you like to do. Depending on how you feel and how important and difficult it is to accomplish that sub-task, choose the reward to be a day off from work or a movie or play that you want to watch.

Remember that you are your own boss and your own subordinate and therefore you need to play both roles yourself. Motivating, egging, demanding more from yourself while providing breaks, rewards and support.

Written by Vishal P. Rao of Work at Home Forum.

Posted in Working from Home

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