by Cindy Hurt
"Working from home...
A perspective from one who does!"
We left you last month with the thoughts of identifying those people
who will be helpful in your success, and those who may interrupt you!
Any parent can tell you that children just have the hardest time understanding
that Mom is "working" when she is right there. For the older
ones in the home, having a schedule that allows for time to spend with
them really helps. As they come to understand that you will make time
"just for them", they are more likely to let you "get
down to business". For the little preschoolers, you have to attend
to their needs, then make a game of when Mom "goes to work".
Pop in an educational video and with your kid(s) safely
in earshot, go to work. Frequent breaks to spend time with them, and
a fun lunch break, can add to your enjoyment as well as theirs. Hopefully
a long nap for the little one(s) will let you do that well-focused work
you want to do, and then back to some "one ear on the kid(s)"
type work. Tip: if you have a tyke who can grasp the concept, try putting
on a certain jacket, scarf, or whatever works for you to signal you
are "at work". You would be surprised at how quickly most
will pick up on this! Make it a game that he/she can participate in
and you have it made. Let your little one(s) actually put your "signature"
of work on you and kiss you "good-bye". They catch on quickly!
When you look at your master plan you need to remember
that in order to achieve balance you need goals. Look at what your short-term
goals are in your personal life. Then look at your long-term agenda.
Next, ask your self what are your short-term goals for your professional
life. What are your long-term professional goals? You should set aside
time each day to review and prioritize the demands you have on your
time.
Make lists! Think about the A, B, C’s when it comes
to lists. If you look at all you want to do, keeping in mind your goals,
then make your lists accordingly. You should have an "A" list.
This will include the items that you HAVE to do. Your "B"
list will include the things that you SHOULD do. And then your "C"
list will outline what you will TRY to do. Keeping your priorities in
clear sight helps to keep things balanced. It also motivates you to
retain your perspective. However, many times our priorities blur together.
If you can identify a small chunk of a difficult task deal with it right
away. Remember that your time is important! You may not be able to complete
the entire task at one time, but if you approach it inch by inch you
will find the finish line that much faster.
Time management is doing things more effectively, not
just more quickly. So how can you maximize your efficiency? Start by
using just ONE calendar. Call it your communication headquarters. By
using different colored pens you can stay organized. For example, keep
your personal appointments and commitments in red, use a blue pen for
your family’s activities and then perhaps a green pen for all of
your business activities. In a glance you will be able to see what is
happening for the day. But more importantly your family will be able
to stay in touch with your activities as well.
The next key to efficiency is to get organized! Have
at an arm’s reach everything you need to accomplish what you are
working on. Gather and collect everything into one place. Do you have
the information at hand when you go to make your phone calls? Do you
have your files close at hand for easy reference? Are your computer
files organized and readily accessible? Remember, the key to efficiency
is maximizing your time effectively.
Click here for part
I of this article // Click
here for part III
|