Time Management Strategies & Organizational Tips

Time Management Tips for Work at Home Parents:

1. Set clear boundaries between work and family/home time.  Don't wash dishes during your work hours as tempting as it may seem and don't answer phone calls unless it's an emergency.  A good answering machine or voice mail will help you resolve this issue.

2.  Designate a specific area of your home for office/work space.  This will help you stay organized and also let your family know that when you're in this area you are actually working!

3.  Get help.  It's difficult to work with little ones around and it's just not fair on everyone either.  Try to get a babysitter to come in a few hours a week or trade babysitting time with a close friend.  You can also get help with the house cleaning if your budget allows.  Whatever you do, get help.  Being super mom and trying to do it all won't get you anywhere in the long term.

4.  Tell your friends and family you are actually working.  Most people find it difficult to understand that when you work from home you actually need time to work.  Set clear rules for friends and family and let them know that you need uninterrupted time to work.  If you show you're serious about your business they will follow suit. 

5.  Wake up early!  You may not like this one but successful people tend to all wake up early.  Just setting your alarm clock 2 hours before the house wakes up means you can have focused, uninterrupted time to work.  This will also free up time during the day for you to spend with your family and have a little extra time for yourself... because after all what good is working from home if you can't be flexible!

It may be difficult at first but it's a matter of simply telling yourself this is your new rule and getting it done.  Once your body adjusts to the change, waking up early will just seem a normal part of everyday life.

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