With some of the world’s wealthiest professionals finding fortune through building businesses in their own homes, self-employment has become somewhat of an aspirational trend (#goals). Names like Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs and Katrina Lake immediately come to mind when we think about self-made success. Along with others, the rise of these awe-inspiring stories have influenced an employment shift as more youth are forgoing traditional nine-to-five jobs to have more professional independence.
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However, without some of the features of the conventional work environment, such as constant supervision or a strict work schedule, many young entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to stay productive and focused. Being self-employed usually starts with being the engine of your business or trade. As such, everything depends on when and how efficiently you work to improve your output. Therefore, it is critical for the self-employed to optimise their efficiency and productivity to ensure their business/trade thrives.
If you are self-employed and you find yourself procrastinating, wasting a lot of time, losing motivation or falling short of your business goals, here are a few tips on how to get those productive gears turning again. With these hacks, you’ll perfect the art of self-discipline and get back on track in no time!
Our mood is strongly influenced by our working environment. As a result, a clean, uncluttered workspace makes for a clear and focused mind. Therefore, remove loose materials from your desk and ensure that your surroundings are free from any other distractions that might obstruct your work. You should also make sure that your workspace is ergonomically designed. In other words, ensure your desk and chair sufficiently support you, allowing your body to assume the best position for being productive, safe and comfortable. Additionally, you can also add a few miscellaneous items to brighten your space like a scented candle or a photo. They may seem insignificant, but these added elements may affect your mood more than you think!
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An assigned area or work space creates the ideal setting for productive work. While home offices can be useful, they can sometimes be distracting, with a beckoning couch, bed and TV just a stone’s throw away. Leaving home to an office shifts your mind to an attitude geared for work and productivity. As a result, co-working spaces like Nexxub offer optimally designed modern spaces to help you achieve your productivity goals in an efficient and cost effective way.
Recording a daily list of duties that you need to accomplish is integral for any working person. Even more effective is adding a suggested time allocation for each task when planning your day. These work lists allow you to keep track of all your work to be completed and monitor your progress as you work towards your larger goals. In fact, progress is a huge motivator and actually documenting your progress as you cross off each item is great motivation to keep working.
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It is important to prioritise activities that help generate income to support your business. Working on projects that are creatively satisfying but generate less revenue can drastically affect your business growth and discourage you when you see how little you’ve progressed. Work smart by ensuring that you complete important work first. The Eisenhower Matrix is a great place to start. By categorising what is urgent, important, not important and not urgent in a small quadrant, you are quickly able to categorise and prioritise your work. Overall your decisions will be more efficient and your process in getting things done, more organised.
Possibly the most difficult problem entrepreneurs may face is staying motivated. When we start our businesses, we are overflowing with passion, our minds constantly filled with possibilities as we develop our ideas and brainstorm how to offer and market our trade to the world. Your creative intellect and your inspiration are the driving forces for your business. Unfortunately, sometimes we may lose confidence along the way. Without motivation and without faith in your craft, your business will never live up to what it can and will be! If you find yourself lacking inspiration, take a break, relax and get those creative juices flowing again. For instance, you can explore new surroundings, take a trip, go to a concert, revisit the place where your idea first struck you – anything that will allow you to reevaluate your mindset and reignite that inspiration!
Exercising is a great habit that can boost your productivity. Persons who exercise often, tend to be happier and more focused. Go for a jog to help get you in the right frame of mind to work! Hitting the gym or simply going for a walk is a great way to minimise stress, stay in shape and improve your productivity. Come back to work feeling relaxed and ready to tackle any problem that comes your way!
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Productivity is a lifestyle, and it only gets better with practice. All in all, progress and improvement will motivate you to keep pushing and achieving. Use these tips to build your business and realize your potential. Make a habit out of being productive and you won’t be able to stop!
So, what are you waiting for? Your self-made success awaits!
