Tips for Working from Home from a Professional

From someone that has worked from home for over 13 years, I know what it’s like to try and get stuff done when the TV, kids or your warm bed is still calling your name.

In September of this last year, I finally stepped out from the home office and moved into Cowork Chilliwack BUT, given the current times, I’ve quickly had to re-adapt to some old practices. I put them down in a list, because lists make it easier (see lesson three).

• Get Dressed & Ready for the Day

It’s important to feel like you’re getting ready for something. Showing up in comfy clothes (or no clothes) doesn’t help you get in the mindset to get work done. Show up to your home office dressed and ready. It’s time to get stuff done.

• Have a Designated Space

You might have a home office or den; use it. Clean it up so you can focus on your work. If you don’t have one, then make a space that’s as free of distractions as possible for your work space for the day.
For me, I have 3 kids, and if I worked upstairs I would get nothing done. I had a basement office where I could go, close the door and have my own space to work. I taught my kids that if that door was closed, they couldn’t bug me. It worked most of the time.

• Make a List

I love having a list of things I know I want to accomplish that day. Even putting ‘Make a List’ on a list and crossing it off is somewhat satisfying.
I love pen and paper. I have two notebooks that I use for lists - one is the day to day tasks & meetings notes book and the other is for bigger projects.

I also love to use https://teuxdeux.com it’s a couple bucks a month and it syncs with all devices but the mobile app is the best when you cross a list item off because you see a flying cat…and nothing says a job well done like a flying cat.

• Conference Call with People

We have so much amazing technology at our finger tips. Use it to call people to brainstorm, connect, go over ideas, problem solving etc. Just don’t leave people a voicemail. Voicemails are the worst. Seriously, send me a text or an email; NOT a voicemail.

• Right Timing

For myself, I am very productive in the mornings. I like early starts to the day and find that my productivity level begins to wane as noon approaches. I try to book my meetings from lunch and afterwards, so that I can find a way to get up and moving to force my body and mind to keep with it.

For others, you might be an afternoon person or a night owl. Find the right time that helps get you energized and productive.

• Take Breaks

Things suck right now - not going to lie. BUT take breaks and give yourself some time to breathe. Play a game with the kids, make a snack, workout, open your windows for some fresh… do something to give your mind a break.

• Don’t Day Drink

Although it’s fun, I say wait until Happy Hour: 3 or 4pm, depending how early you’d like it start. Day Drinking will shut down your productivity, give you “really good ideas”, and probably make you want to nap. Work for your Happy Hour and you’ll be happier for it.

• Reward System

It’s easy to procrastinate and get distracted. Things like social media can suck an hour away before you know it. Set a reward system for focusing; read/write this many pages, work for 50 minutes, send 4 e-mails, finish this project, etc, and then reward yourself with a break such as a 7 minute social media break, a coffee, a quick video game time, check the news...

I have more tips, but it got sunny outside and I’m going to go pretend like I’m on the golf course right now.

Stay safe, stay home (as much as you can) and stay strong.

Thanks Chilliwack,
Matt