Cool desk accessories do not count for professionalism.
As one prepares to work from home, thoughts of cute desk accessories, ergonomics and where to put the coffee maker seem to be relevant. While fun to think about, not a high priority. What one should be thinking about is how to mentally prepare for productivity among distractions.
To get a handle on this, I consulted with Julie Bestry, a Certified Professional Organizer and President of Best Results Organizing. I read her site and blog religiously as I look for ways to improve my productivity. When I asked her about time management and getting mentally prepared to be a WAH-er, this was her first tip (please note my own comments in bold):
Respect Yourself!
When we work for others, it would never occur to us fight boredom or procrastination by popping home in the middle of the work day to do laundry or run out to do errands, or make personal phone calls (well, maybe a couple personal calls, right?). The big boss wouldn't like it much, our productivity would suffer, and if we're decent human beings, we'd find that our self-esteem would take a beating, because we'd realize we weren't keeping up with our obligations to others.
HOWEVER, when we work for ourselves, we tend to blow off the deadlines we'd never let pass if our obligations were to others instead of ourselves. We sabotage ourselves by giving ourselves less respect...tuning into cable talk shows for "just a minute", letting friends steal our precious time (you know who you are FaceBook Friends), or letting other chores take us away from our work.
So, the first step for a self-employed person is to RESPECT his or her boundaries. That doesn't have to mean working 9-5 with only an hour for lunch. The great joy of working for oneself is being able to schedule time as desired--for some of us who are not morning people, one block from Noon to 6p and another from 11p-2a works just dandy. Others might prefer jumping into things from 6a-Noon (6 am?! That's crazy talk!) and then enjoying the rest of the day.
It's not about how much time, or what hours you set aside, but that you are faithful to your commitment to yourself and your business. (Amen, Julie!)
Next article will focus on Julie's thoughts about having other people respect your professionalism and boundaries. Can't wait for that one!
Comments
Hey Tricia!
I came across your article on the Examiner front page and the title caught my eye. I would more tips on how to deal with obstacles while working from home! I find that I have to close Facebook, Twitter and email, but I haven't figured out how to quit answering the door to salespeople. Or darling family members who just.don't.get that I am NOT available to chat anytime!
I look forward to reading more and am adding you to my favorite examiners list!
Great tips. I just started working from home and I am loving it but I too am learning to cut myself off from distractions. The first lesson for me was to turn off the tv! More tips would be great. Thanks.
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