A lovely rose garden leads to the entrance of Creative Juices.

Running your business at home sounds great. I started my business in 1981 out of my parents home. From there I moved my office several times. From store fronts to industrial parks, then to an office building and now my own home.

Too Many Distractions

I love working at home. The commute is very easy. I work off my living room in what once was a one car garage. Two glass French Doors lead off the driveway into the office. A blanket of rose bushes guide the way. In Spring and Summer it’s quite beautiful.

It also means lots of distractions. It’s easy to take a few minutes to prune the roses and pull a few weeds. My Chihuahua loves to sleep on my lap, preventing me from moving.

Occasionally my two foster boys, ages 5 and 7, are home from school with lots of needs.

Then there’s laundry, cleaning, mail, dog walks etc. It’s not easy to keep your mind focused on actual work.

How to Get Work Done

So here’s my suggestions for working at home and staying on track.

1. Set aside a dedicated workspace. Having your own room would be ideal. If not, create a little nook somewhere.
2. Start and stop work at specific times. Give yourself a schedule and stick to it.
3. Turn off the TV and iPad. You’re there to work, not play.
4. Take a break (after several hours of working, of course). Walk around the block and clear your head.
5. Tell the neighbors, children, dog, cat that you are not to be disturbed when you’re “on the clock”.
6. Only answer your business phone. Forget the telemarketers on your home phone (if you still have one).

Easy peasy. Feel free to share your tips too.

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