Just getting started out on your business? Working another job until your business takes off, and you can shake the side hustle mode you’ve been in? Maybe you’re a mama and you’re busy with the littles all day. In either situation, you’re probably finding it hard to carve out some time during your conscience hours to FINALLY sit down and write a blog post, or do any other type of business building work.
I get it, time is at a premium, and it’s super hard to think about using that precious free time or even sleep time, to work on something that isn’t quite paying for itself yet. But it’s totally worth it, think about the prize at the end of the journey, and even the journey itself. You’re learning new skills, and meeting new people along the way, and once you finally get to that point where you can earn a living from your blog or creative business we can all share a virtual cake!
But in the mean time, I’ve discovered a few ways to get yourself stoked about working on your business when all you really want to do is curl up with some good Netflix binging, and maybe take a nap.
Figure out the best time for you to work.
Are you more creative first thing in the morning? Maybe think about waking up earlier to get some work done before the kids wake up or you have to report to your 9 to 5.
Perhaps you’re a night owl and do all of your best thinking after everyone else has gone to sleep. Then stay up a little later to get a few things done on your business. Late nights are when I shine, so once I get those babies to sleep, you can bet I’m cracking open that laptop to tap out some work.
Carve out time during the day
Do you get breaks at work? Bring your laptop to the office or if it’s allowed use your work computer to check a few business-y things off your list.
Are you a mama that stays home with the kiddos? Utilize that nap time and that quiet play time to whip up a blog post, or create Pinterest images in Canva. Sometimes a work life balance is about blending instead of separation.
Find Cues that Get You in the mindset to work
Sometimes it’s hard to get in the right mindset to work, when you’re the boss, and at this point in your business, no one will really know if you’ve been slackin' in some areas. But don’t fall into this trap! Find some cues that snap you out of the haze of procrastination.
Use music to your advantage. Sometimes the right tunes can get those creative or at least productive juices flowing. Maybe music is too much of a distraction, think about downloading some white noise to help you focus.
Think about your environment, is there a place that inspires you to work? Maybe it’s the coffee shop down the street, or that comfy spot on the couch. Perhaps you’ve even got your own home office. Where ever it is that helps you get in the frame of mind to work, be in that environment. The productivity will follow.
Get rid of Distractions
Sometimes you can’t get rid of all distractions, but find a way to MINIMIZE them while you're working.
Turn off the TV. I used to sit in front of the TV and try to get a few things done for Loving Simple, but I found that it took way longer for me to complete tasks because I wasn't really paying attention to that task, I was watching what was on the TV instead. Even boring reruns proved to be too much of a distraction. So my dates with Loving Simple have become a no TV and definitely no Netflix zone.
Turn your phone on silent. This has helped me heaps. Not having to look at my phone every time I got an alert has really freed up a lot of time when I’m in work mode.
Stay away from Social Media and Email. It’s best to keep email checking and social media monitoring to allotted and set aside times. Unless of course they inspire you. However, I’ve found they tend to be HUGE time sucks for me, because I use them as an excuse to procrastinate.
Give in to rest
You can’t work all the time. Even the good Lord knew we needed a day of rest. So, if you’re feeling tired and a little stressed, maybe catch that nap you’ve been wanting.
Take some time to relax outside with the kiddos.
Binge watch something on Netflix just for fun.
It does your mind and your body good to take some time away to reset. And when you get back to it you may find that you’re feeling even more productive and creative.
Implement all or a few of these little tricks, and you'll find yourself making some awesome strides in your business. Just remember:
Work when you're at your best
Carve out time for business building in your life.
Use mental cues to get you feeling productive
Get rid of distractions
Give into rest
These have allowed me to make some pretty big strides while building and growing Loving Simple.
Until next time, happy business building!