Working online at home? How not to get distracted?

I write down what I want to accomplish in a day. Including leasure time, this helps alot and force your self to stick to it.

Also reminding my self that if I dont stick to it I will probably be stuck in the 9-5 longer that I could be is the biggest motivation in the world

Writing down is a big thing. When it's written down in front of you, you can't avoid it. If you don't do it you feel like you've left something hanging and it makes you feel guilty because someone could tehcnically see that you didn't do it.

Hey buddy,

Here are some tips off the top of my head:

1) Limit checking your email to 2-3 times a day.

2) Don't get caught up with spending hours on forums

3) Use a timer when doing your tasks.

4) Write down a simple to-do list. As you complete the tasks, check them. If you've completed all task, and you feel like accomplishing more, write down a new list.

5) Remind yourself why you've got to do your work today, and why not to leave it to another day.

Hope that helps you make the most out of your day

John

To do lists always keep me focused, you need to be strict with yourself

Work on something you love.

Hi,

Get some quality noise blocking headphones and listen to inspiring music while working on your list. Try not to get caught up in browsing, watching videos and reading forums as it's easy to waste time when you're at home.

Depends on where your office is in your house. Your office can be just a desk and computer. At one time I had to set mine up in a large closet to get away from family on badluck staying with me.

I actually like distractions though. I find that the work I accomplish is about the same by myself or when someone is watching the T.V. On a different note, I have no kids running around so that can make a huge difference.

If your on a wired connection go buy a wireless usb and put your office in a closet if large enough. Ask the family not to disturb you, if they have to for an emergency then they have too. Promise the kids something in return for there silence, like letting them out of the closet more often lol.

P.S. Yah are flagging old Arnold up there I hope, do others really flag or am I just a trouble maker.

It helps to have a separate room for an office. Also, if you're writing it's good to disconnect from the internet for awhile. Then you're not tempted to check emails, spend time on Facebook, or visit forums.

When the dishes in the sink start haunting me... I go to a coffee shop or the library for an hour or two.

Rose

LMAO, I am sitting here trying to finish a project and I am trying to give advice on how to manage time. Ironic, first thing I can think of now to do, get off WF lol.

I use choke board to write my list , when I am done , erase it and get a new one for tomorrow ! And always think that if you don't work , then you will stuck for ever at your day job , that is unacceptable

I would be interested in an answer from someone who has kids. My one year old is right beside me now, chanting 'Mummy, cally' ...

I find to do lists to be a double edged sword. When I first started working from home full-time I would sit down in the morning and write a huge to-do list only to find out that I had very little done at the end of the day.

Now I still do a to-do list but it contains no more than 3 items - ever. If I write the three items down and get them done within an hour - awesome, I make another to do list, with another 3 items. I've found that really helps to keep me focused and I end up getting a lot more done. A mind trick maybe, but for me it works!

I'd be lying if I said distractions weren't still a big problem for me, but a few things that help me:

- If you have a TV in the room you work in, move it out or something. You'll be tempted to switch it on "just to see what's doing" and you'll never see the last of it.

- Forums like this can be a huge distraction. Same deal. You get a post notification or you decide to visit just to see what's what and suddenly you're embroiled in thread after thread, the hours ticking by like seconds. I've actually gone so far as adding this forum to my router's scheduled block-list. Without going through a load of hassle (time enough to restrain myself) I simply can't gain access until after 6:30pm.

- Unless you're reliant on email, check it once in the morning and maybe during your lunch break, and at no other time throughout the day. I receive new mail almost constantly, and as quick as it often is to deal with, it's enough to break my concentration.

- Switch off your phone and, if necessary, hang a "do not disturb" notice on your door (mine reads "P*ss off!" ) It's funny ... no-one bothers you if you work a day job, but working at home seems to be a ticket to constant harassment by friends and family who obviously figure you're just sat idly, twiddling your thumbs with nothing better to do.

- Plan your day the night before. Otherwise, without a task-list to follow (even if not in a strict order), your day will be one of total disarray. A bit of this, a bit of that, some of the other in between, and come the evening it's all amounted to squat.

Good luck.