Working from home, ten years ago no one understood it and now it is totally hip. Especially as a ZZP-er, chances are you work from home. In the same building where you eat, sleep, watch Netflix, call your friends and drink wine. That can still be quite tricky, keeping private and work separate. But you can do this. I'm going to tell you how.
Provide a different atmosphere
Create a work atmosphere and a private atmosphere. How? I use scented candles and certain lights. When I work, I have a blueberry candle lit. When I finish my work day, I light my vanilla candle. For me that works very well, I associate those scents with certain actions. And when I work, I have the lights on the right side of my room on plus my desk lamp. Netflix time or I'm going to read a book, then I turn on the lights on the left side. This also works with music, of course. Just try it for a while, can really work.
Determine what you can and cannot do where
Set clear rules for yourself. It is very tempting to start tapping emails in bed, but no, just don't. Then you make it very difficult for yourself to draw the line. My bed is for sleeping, watching TV or reading. Not for work. On the other hand, I don't scroll through Facebook while sitting at my desk. I do book vacations in bed, because that is semi-private. Surf spots at least, unless it's for www.il ovebali.nl 😉
Put aside your private items
Phone, the Cosmopolitan, recipes for tonight. Get rid of it, it doesn't belong here! Your desk is for working - unless you turn it around and always work in your bed - so no private items allowed during your working hours. Then you're less likely to get distracted.
Communicate it clearly to the outside world
"Hey, you're just home anyway, I'll come pick up that lipstick!" and before you know it you're sitting around drinking tea, baking cookies and most importantly not working. Sure, it's cozy, but it's certainly not efficient. People assume you're available when you're at home, but you're not. You are at work. This is your job, your income. And if you don't take that seriously yourself, others aren't going to either.
Pretend you are really in the office
Admittedly, I always have my slippers on when I work. I read somewhere the other day that that is actually good for your productivity. Other than that, I do just wear a neat dress, a bra and have my hair done. My desk is neat, I only take breaks when I have scheduled them, and I report to myself. As an entrepreneur, no one is watching you, so you have to do it yourself. By pretending to be in the office, you adopt a more professional attitude and work more efficiently.
Do you ever run into this or have any tips? Please share them, share the love!
