Self discipline is critical. For some, getting up in the morning, taking a shower, getting dressed, eating breakfast and then “going to work” in a home office is next to impossible.
Not everyone can set a “work schedule” and stick to it. There are those who must be told that they have to start working at 8 AM , take a one-hour lunch, and go home at 5 PM . They must be given tasks to perform in a given period of time. For those who need a truly structured schedule and assigned tasks, you really had better get a j-o-b.
Successful home entrepreneurs establish a work schedule for themselves, but if need be, you can alter your schedule if you work for yourself. You'll have appointments, your child will be in a school play, you'll decide to take a vacation. These things happen.
Then, there’s the challenge of dealing with distractions and interruptions. Many home workers establish a time when they will accept phone calls from family and friends. They notify them that they simply will not pick up the phone during certain hours.
We can even set a scheduled time for calls from clients/prospects. Doing so can prevent distractions when you are working on projects that need close attention.
How about family interruptions? What will you do if the baby wakes from her nap earlier than usual or your children start arguing, as siblings do? You’d planned that time to work! You must learn to adapt to unplanned situations, because they will occur.
We’ve all seen advertisements saying “I work in my pajamas.” I personally cannot get serious about my work when I’m in a nightgown! I won’t say I’ve never answered a quick email or phone call when I’m not “dressed for work.” Ordinarily, however, when I get dressed in the morning, I feel ready for my day, ready to “go to work.” Getting dressed triggers the mental “switch” that says "it’s time to go to work."
If you are considering working at home, look inside yourself, be honest. Do you have the self-control, the discipline it takes to “be your own boss?”
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