Business
5 Sure Ways To Stay Focused On Your Freelance Work
Are you having one of those days when every project you have is falling behind the set schedule and you don’t have enough energy to keep on going or at least focus on what you are doing at the moment? This lack of concentration or procrastination do happen to us freelancers once in a while, no matter how hard we try to resist it, because we don’t have the physical presence of someone in authority like our boss to keep checking our work progress.
Working virtually as a freelancer has its ups and downs. Sometimes we tend to become a bit laid back, so here are 5 sure ways to put a magic spell to our lack of energy and help us focus more on things we need to accomplish:
1. Create a detailed list of things to do in a day. Knowing exactly your priorities for a particular day would set some clear direction on your work as well as making you equipped in meeting important deadlines. If you are have a big project at the moment, try dividing it into smaller tasks or allocate equal hours so that before you know it you are on your way to finishing the said project ahead of time.
2. Schedule in-between breaks to break the monotony of your work for the day. Don’t be too harsh on yourself by doing all work without having any breaks. Set your alarm and try to consume the 10-15 minutes in-between breaks you have allotted, either doing some stretching if you have been I front of your PC or laptop for a long time or if you feel your stomach is already grumbling, why not grab a bite so you could bring out new source of energy to your body. Remember a full stomach will help you think and perform better. Giving yourself few minutes cut-off from your freelance work in a day could bring positive vibes or energy, thus giving you a livelier mood to carry on with your duties.
3. Watch out for your health. Since, most freelancers don’t have any sick benefits or paid day-offs, don’t neglect your health. As the saying goes, “Health is wealth”, this is true in all aspects of our freelance careers. Remember, if you are having health problems, don’t feel sorry if you have to take a leave with your freelance work and consult the doctor the soonest possible time and confide any discomforts or pain you are experiencing. Early diagnosis is better than curing an ailment. Take all the necessary medications or rest if needed, so that you can resume to your normal working abilities the moment you get better.
4. Provide a good working environment. Most freelancers prefer working in the comforts of their homes. If you want to stay focus at all times a conducive workplace is a must for you to be more productive and always work effectively. Take note that any place that is too cozy is a hindrance for you to comply with your set deadlines, like the bedroom that could only be too inviting for you to lie back and relax. You can transform any available space in your home where you can be comfortable enough to work and concentrate. Better tell your loved ones about specific times in a day wherein they cannot just barge in and interrupt you from work. Act in a professional manner, even though there are no eyes watching your every move.
5. Be optimistic. If you have been too pre-occupied during the day, doing too many errands outside your freelance work, don’t feel bad. The day hasn’t yet finish and you still have few hours to accomplish even a few tasks to augment for the lost hours you became unproductive. Try to view any events positively for this will help you manage your work with vigor.
Becoming a freelancer requires you to have a lot of guts, dedication, patience and strong willpower to succeed and satisfy your client’s expectations. If you are determined to stay in this business for a long time, try to get yourself organized by setting your goals for the day. There are times when things don’t go well and you did not finish the given project, but if you have a free-spirited mind everything can be achieved in a lighter mood.
Tagged Employment, freelancer, freelancing, Internet marketing, Online Business, online marketing
ashmonnAugust 9, 2012 at 11:21 am
No matter your experience level with freelancing, this can be one of the most arduous tasks all things that one must accomplish; no matter how regimented one maybe. Day by day, week by week , and year by year I still find myself having to revert back to basics, in order, to keep my productivity level on par with my needs . Without the ability to make sure I am staying on track ,via a written schedule, I find that my attention and my motivation often drifts. In order to avoid this inevitable effect of the lifestyle of a freelancer, one necessarily has to have safeguards in place, which will ensure that one’s productivity level is always at it’s peak, because ultimately we are paid for what we produce, as freelancers.
NequanAugust 9, 2012 at 12:28 pm
These are some great tips. I struggle badly with keeping focus. Especially when it comes to reading. Not only do I do freelance work but I also take classes online so I’m on my own for both work and school. Often projects that was only supposed to take a few minutes end up taking 20 or 30.
I once spoke to a successful business owner who gave me a tip. He said to set my alarm clock for one hour, make sure I have at least an hour of work planned, then do nothing but work for that whole hour. Don’t answer the phone, don’t check emails, don’t even use the bathroom. Just work. It helped me out a lot. I need to actually do it more often.
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TashWordAugust 9, 2012 at 10:41 pm
I agree, Nequan – focus on a sepcific task for a set time is a great way to be productive. You feel great for having achieved AND for not having lots of clutter in your head from trying to multitask, A simple kitchen timer is a great tool to use in breaking day into work chunks.
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omgomgomgAugust 10, 2012 at 11:26 am
I have found that setting and sticking to a schedule to be the most important part of being a freelancer. I try to set progress goals for myself every day, take breaks when necessary but don’t quit for the day until I have met my goal.
arajooAugust 10, 2012 at 8:43 pm
There are a lot of perks of being a freelance worker, but I must say that I already felt the feeling of being tired of everything. I agree that taking breaks is so important in order to avoid information over load. Setting a goal works too omgomgomg as there will be something you will look forward to.
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OverAchieverAugust 11, 2012 at 1:02 am
One of the most crucial things that can make or break a freelance career is that of estimating the time a job will take. Most people consistently underestimate how long it will take them and most also fail to account for unusual circumstances. Many a career has been ended by a freelancer becoming too burned out after taking on far too much or by damaging their reputations beyond repair because they couldn’t meet their deadlines.
MoniqueSeibelAugust 13, 2012 at 11:10 am
I agree, wholeheartedly, with this entire list. If I do not make a specific to-do list daily, I often end up wasting time, feeling overwhelmed of where to even begin. Therefore, I’d spend too much time on one thing, and the rest would be neglected. Evaluating your priorities and making a list of important is such a necessary step. Also, keeping a positive mindset is vital. I don’t like your chances, if you even you do not believe what you are doing is possible.
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LinxAugust 14, 2012 at 1:10 am
Excellent article…thank you. I do agree that prioritizing is most important. Realizing that it is the income from your freelance work that allows you to live the life you want…carving out that space for it is vital.
Eliminating distractions is a very close second as there are many trying to get it. Find a way to protect yourself from that, some friends of mine go and sit in coffee shops in areas where people do not know them.
When you have created the space and eliminated distractions: it flows perfectly.
vida_llevaresAugust 22, 2012 at 12:43 am
I agree. Doing freelance work can be a test of focus. It takes so much discipline so you can succeed in your freelance work. I would always highlight the importance of knowing and understanding one’s own working style.
toughtrasherAugust 22, 2012 at 6:12 am
The main point goes out as organizing your work and tasks to do. If you are not organized, you will get very stressed and eventually want to give up your jobs, which can lead to some serious trouble with the employers.
Managing time is a key to success everywhere, particularly work.
dhintakaAugust 24, 2012 at 4:37 pm
The article is beautifully written. I have been working as a Freelancer & I can say that I need to work hard that any nine to five job workers. Freelancing might sound cool but it requires a lot of hard work & patience. I like your 4th point. I totally agree to that. In order to make our freelancing work, we need to see it in that way. We need to get serious about it so working in a cosy room doesn’t work. We must dedicate a specific number of hours to work or to find work. This dedication one day will win us a jackpot.
anonamossAugust 27, 2012 at 6:22 am
This is me all the way. I even set schedules for myself and sometimes I cut myself some slack. When I cut myself slack I get really far behind. It’s a coincidence that you mentioned writing a schedule for yourself with breaks. I’ve been doing that for about two months now, and it has really helped me. My family doesn’t realize how easy it can be to get distracted when you work from home. It can actually be harder working at home than it is working at a traditional job. I have more focus when i’m working at my “day job.” I find that I have trouble focusing when i’m working from the computer/home.
cheaSeptember 9, 2012 at 10:26 am
I’m having one of those days today… The author is totally right,though. If you schedule breaks throughout the day , you will be far more productive than if you just try to keep on working until you’re finished.
BrianDouglasOctober 27, 2012 at 1:54 am
I’ve got the guts, I’ve got the dedication, and now I’ve got a lot of encouragement from this post, thanks a lot for the confirmation of my own beliefs and working ethics and practices, and thanks for the encouraging words.
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