As many of you probably realize, getting as much done during the day as possible is extremely important. If you work from a home office doing any type of work (blogging, internet marketing, etc.), then you can especially appreciate this mindset. The faster you get your work done, the faster you get to spend time doing things you love! Plus, getting work done faster generally equals more money at the end of the week, which is also never a bad thing!
But what can you do to get more accomplished? What changes can you make to literally get more done in the same amount of hours? Is such a thing really possible? It is possible, but it takes some creative thinking, some planning, and a little bit of flexibility on your part.
When I first started working from a home office, I quickly maxed out my potential by working as quickly as I could and for as long as I could. My simple laptop, mouse, chair and desk could only aid me in getting so much done. By the time the day wound to a close, my brain was tied in knots and I wasn’t sure if I was coming or going! I literally could not do any more… I was maxed out.
However, as time went by, I began to realize that I might not actually be thinking ‘out of the box’ about things. I was a bit ‘tunnel-visioned’ when it came to getting my work done. I began to realize that with a bit of creativity and some fresh ideas, I might really be able to boost my production!
Here are 6 tips that you can use to help you get more out of your day. Don’t be afraid to try some different things, and remember that it takes some flexibility to get used to doing things using different methods… so don’t be discouraged if you have a hard time at first.
Tip #1… Make Sure That You Have a Fast Computer
This might seem like a no-brainer, but having a fast computer can save you a LOT of time. Does your computer freeze up a lot? If so, then it might be time to invest in a new pc.
Tip #2… Make Sure That You Have a Fast Internet Connection
The same principle really applies here. If you are waiting for ten minutes to access online files or to download email attachments, then you are wasting WAY too much time on a slow connection! Think about a faster internet connection, or even a different provider.
Tip #3… Take Breaks Often
This might seem like a weird way to get more accomplished, but it is true. People who work at home or in an office on their own tend to take fewer breaks… however, it is consistently proven that taking a break every two hours helps you to maximize your output.
Tip #4… Be Comfortable
I once had a friend who had a car accident... after which he developed a bit of back pain. Before the accident, he had no trouble staying focused at work. After the accident, however, he could not sit for more than twenty minutes without going crazy! He was stumped. Why was he having so much trouble sitting in one place? Eventually, he realized that his chair was not supporting his back effectively. A new chair with better lumbar support completely solved the problem. So remember, comfort is not just convenience… it might be a necessity.
Tip #5… Get Up Earlier
If you work for yourself or have the ability to set your own schedule, then you no doubt realize that it can be a temptation to start work later and later as the week goes on. However, many studies suggest that the earlier you begin, the more productive you are! So try to get up and running at a decent time. You might moan at the alarm clock, but you will be dancing when you have your work done for the day and still have time left over to spend doing things you enjoy!
Tip #6… Better Your Skills
If your job requires you to do quite a bit of typing, then consider taking some typing classes to get faster at it. You may already be able to type 60-70 words per minute… but wouldn’t you get a lot more done in an hour if you could type closer to 100 words per minute? If you use other skills, try to develop them as well (if possible).
Regardless of what methods you decide to use to increase your productivity, here is a thought process that you can use throughout the day to spot places where you might be able to improve.
- Try to see where you begin to get bogged or slowed down during the day
- Figure out why this is happening
- Find out how to bypass or eliminate the problem
It might take work, and it might not be easy… but it will pay off with more money, more time, and a more successful experience working from home!
About The Author
Josh Sigafus is a professional content writer who has written hundreds of articles. His work has been published all over the internet on dozens of different websites. Josh often uses resources such as http://westbendchiropractor.com to research his projects and to find unique facts that his readers will find interesting and thought provoking. He is a father, a husband, and enjoys playing music when he is not working.
