Working from home is a goal for many people but are you the kind of person who can handle it?

It takes a special person to be able to handle the constant distractions life throws your way. Most people think it’s easy; you don’t have to commute, the lunches are onsite and the boss isn’t hanging over your shoulder. All true but if you don’t become the master at fending off procrastination and distraction, you’re in for trouble.

Even after 2 years working from home full time, I fight those ugly demons everyday (and yes procrastination and distraction are demons). Things like the dishes in the sink and laundry always need to be done. And when the phone rings, and it will especially when friends and family know you work from home, half the day can be wasted before you even sit down at your work station. If you have kids, guess what, they’ll be home in just a couple hours and you know what happens then… “Can I have a snack?” You get the picture.

You have to practice discipline daily and for some of us minute by minute.

Remember distractions and procrastination can easily turn into excuses for not having a productive day. If your conversations start out by saying to yourself, “I would have gotten to that but I had to (blank) instead,” you’ve got some work to do on managing your time more effectively and building discipline into your routine.

The best advice I can give you is to first set some real and true boundaries with your family and friends. Get in a routine and stick with it no matter what and be honest with yourself. Even if there is nothing on your agenda for the day, dive into some research and learn something new about your niche. Do something productive for your at-home-business everyday.

I wouldn’t trade working from home for anything. Even after all this time I still need to be sure to keep my routine in check. Truth is, I just might be the hardest boss I’ve had… I can get quite an attitude with myself and be a real hard ass when it comes to me! But that works for me. You will have to find what works for you.

Keep your chin up and make it happen!

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