1. Reward yourself for minor and major achievements, no one else will!
2. Shift your thinking and stimulate your brain by solving a jigsaw puzzle, word game or quiz.
3. Amuse yourself with quips, quotes, jokes and other debauchery that'll have you crackin' a smile!
4. Pretend you can't hear the other person on the phone, just to see how loud they'll talk.
5. Your company mascot awaits you at the local animal shelter, he/she is just as lonely as you are ;)
6. Keep in sync with the rest of 'your' world ie; get in and out of your pj's as necessary.
7. Mix up your routine by treating yourself to a spontaneous breakfast on the town.
8. Take your paperwork, briefcase, laptop etc. outdoors for a change of scenery.
9. Socialize, face to face, with living things that have a pulse rather than chattin' it up with your stapler!
10. Shift the monotony by taking lots of mini breaks throughout the day.
11. Attempt to ignore duties outside of work ie; household tasks (they aren't going anywhere).
12. Break down goals into small chunks so they're easier to tackle and finish ;)
13. Create a list of short and long term goals (aka; needs and wants) and actually check them off!
14. Plan your most difficult, dreaded tasks for when you're at your most productive.
15. Making mountains from mole hills is easy, so don't do it, make a tea and chill!
16. Personal calls and visitors, yes! Clingers who assume that you're free 'cause you're at home, no!
17. Use social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to feel connected and in the loop.
18. Keep your tummy tamed by having snack foods and beverages on hand munchie attacks.
19. Silence instills the loneliness, turn on the TV or radio for background noise.
20. Brace yourself for this one...get out of the house!!
21. Create a schedule based on your desired life which ensures you still make time for a life.
22. Don't freak and stress over mistakes because you're going to make them, everyone does.
23. Embrace change and revamp your home office, hair do, junk drawer, online profile or personality!
24. Create a 'wall of self expression' using a chalk board or roll of newsprint tacked up on the wall.
25. Implement the perks and spoil yourself with 'at home' luxuries, simply because you can.
26. Sing, shout, chant or dance naked, whatever it takes to relieve stress before it builds and blows!
27. If your only contact with the outside world is the delivery guy you better have him ring twice ;)
28. Learn to amuse yourself with quips, quotes, jokes and way too silly behavior for your age.
29. Remember you can pick your friends, you can pick your nose but you can't pick your friends nose!
Showing posts with label home office. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home office. Show all posts
June 27, 2010
March 30, 2010
Lack productivity? Establish a Daily Home Office Routine!
When conducting business productivity is an important factor, regardless of where you hang your hat. Whether a person is telecommuting, already a home business owner or a future entrepreneur one has to admit the dynamics of a regular 9-5 business day change. When you decide to work from home you lose more than just a boss looking over your shoulder and a long commute, the structure that a work focused environment provides is also gone.
For home based entrepreneurs establishing a daily, home office routine enables higher efficiency. They find it easier to stay on point with a prioritized, dated work load that also encompasses mundane, easily forgettable tasks. Knowing what needs to be done is key but doing it is imperative!
Tips...
- Use a date book, agenda, calendar or phone settings to remind and/or alert you of upcoming tasks
- Keep website urls, sign-in information, usernames, passwords and email addresses together in one secure location that is easily accessible to you.
- When logging onto your computer for the purposes of internet, change your settings to open more than one home page automatically (via tools > internet options).
- Learn to self motivate and set time limits, this will minimize time for distractions.
- Determine your busiest time during work hours then determine when you work best, try to combine the two on some level, especially on complicated or daunting projects.
- Knowing when to crack the whip and when to ease off is a learned trait and equally important.
Ultimate efficiency begins with an organized workspace and a sharp, clear mind. Being strong in one and lacking in the other may hinder your work at home process. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff from my What Wrinkles...? blog and Organizational Home Office Tips from this blog may help you along (if you'd like my opinion on that too ;)
For home based entrepreneurs establishing a daily, home office routine enables higher efficiency. They find it easier to stay on point with a prioritized, dated work load that also encompasses mundane, easily forgettable tasks. Knowing what needs to be done is key but doing it is imperative!
Tips...
- Use a date book, agenda, calendar or phone settings to remind and/or alert you of upcoming tasks
- Keep website urls, sign-in information, usernames, passwords and email addresses together in one secure location that is easily accessible to you.
- When logging onto your computer for the purposes of internet, change your settings to open more than one home page automatically (via tools > internet options).
- Learn to self motivate and set time limits, this will minimize time for distractions.
- Determine your busiest time during work hours then determine when you work best, try to combine the two on some level, especially on complicated or daunting projects.
- Knowing when to crack the whip and when to ease off is a learned trait and equally important.
Ultimate efficiency begins with an organized workspace and a sharp, clear mind. Being strong in one and lacking in the other may hinder your work at home process. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff from my What Wrinkles...? blog and Organizational Home Office Tips from this blog may help you along (if you'd like my opinion on that too ;)
Thanks for visiting, please feel free to comment!
February 2, 2010
DIY Organizational Tips for your Home Office
Are you overwhelmed with endless office clutter?
Organizing your home office needn't be the panic worthy task that you've been neglecting. It's simply about taking the time to create a productive, efficient work environment that will undeniably make your life easier.
Working smart, not hard begins and ends with you. So relish in the fact that you're that much smarter for finally realizing no one else is going to do it for you and get to work!
Here are a few tips...
- Time, do not begin organizing unless you have the time to start and finish this project!
- Sit back, analyze and visualize a clean, organized workspace. Write down and then purchase the necessary office supplies required to accomplish the desired end result. Be sure to purchase storage receptacles specifically designed for each item. You will most likely need cd holders, file folders, drawers, boxes, bins, boxes, shelves, a garbage receptacle and bags, a paper shredder and cleaning supplies including pressurized air.
- When you dive into the pile take baby steps. Begin with just one item at a time until you've gone through every single thing in your office. If you can multi-task the job will be completed that much faster trying not to handle objects no more than 3 times in this entire process, if not less. Don't go anywhere within your office empty handed, until you are finished the job, there will always be something that needs to go somewhere along route.
- Keep in mind that in the beginning of this process the mess will get a lot worse, before it gets better.
- End the work day by taking 5 minutes to prepare your work station. Bring forward tomorrow's top priority projects, shred unwanted paperwork, clear any messages and remove the day's clutter.
- Begin you day by retrieving your voice mail messages, delete from the system and respond where and when required. Open your day planner, agenda or PDA and add all necessary information, check for appointments or other tasks.
- Reduce the amount of personal belongings and pictures within your office to a maximum of three items.
- Be sure to leave space on your desktop for hand writing tasks, spreading out paperwork and general office jobs that require an adequately sized, open area to complete.
- As items come into your office and across your desk, put them into their relative locations immediately. In the same spirit, if you take out an item, put it back once you are finished with it.
Take this quiz and find out What your desk says about you?
Step One
Pick up any one item and ask yourself...Is this item work related?
- If you answered 'Yes' then form a pile of similar items within reach. As you look around, start to form other groups of like items using these examples as category references; office supplies, office equipment, files, paperwork, reference materials, business contacts, knick knacks, garbage and other. Continue with basic sorting throughout your entire office remembering not to get carried away with the details, at this time.
- If you answered 'No' then place that item in the garbage or in a pile away from the main area of your workspace, to be removed later. For the future, try not to allow unnecessary clutter to find its way into your office.
Step Two
At this point, your office area probably looks worse than ever, just stay with me! You've already rid the area of unnecessary crap, clutter and garbage leaving you with a semi organized mess, see it's better already! Now your goal is too achieve smaller, more defined, functional piles of fully useable items. By downsizing that collection of broken calculators, dried up pens and old paperwork you are minimizing the potential for future clutter.
Again, pick up each item and ask yourself...Do I use this item at least once a year?
- If you answered 'Yes' then hold onto it, but not before checking its functionality. For example, keep dated paperwork within the current tax year, while putting aside past dated info to be sorted and filed later minimizing the potential for future clutter.
- If you answered 'No' then place these these items into a pile to either donate, give away, sell or recycle in some way.
Step Three
You're almost finished a huge chunk of the entire process, good for you! I know your space still looks crappy but I'm hoping you can see the potential! At this point your immediate working area ought to consist of numerous piles containing current, functioning items used to maintain and run your office, and that's it. Your desk, shelving, drawers and cabinets ought to be stripped naked and ready for cleaning, except for your computer, phone and other office equipment.
Once you've wiped everything down go underneath your desk and tackle the cord spaghetti. Begin with one plug at a time, securing long bulky pieces with velcro, plastic twisties or tape, unplugging if necessary. Place the office equipment you use every day closer to you than something you use only a few times a month. Your cable modem, wireless router, firewall, battery backup, etc.ought to be under your desk. Always keep in mind that performing your office tasks without having to stand up or even move your chair is best and then plan accordingly.
When filing paperwork into general categories keep dates in mind, removing all but the current tax year. Place your statements, bills and all correspondence in there appropriate categories such as the to do pile, file away pile, awaiting response, hold, refer, read, pay and paid are just some examples.
Step Four
It's time to begin replacing those now organized items and place them into their final resting place.
If you haven't already done so, it's now time to purchase organizational office supplies and then begin putting your items away. Remember to keep the most commonly used items well within reach while tucking away those items you rarely use. Once your organized piles of useable office related garb are put away, you are almost finished! Just take out the trash, put away that stray pile of stuff that doesn't belong in an office, piece off your recyclables and then vacuum those floors.
You've now officially hit bottom, which in the world of cleaning and organization, is a good thing.
Congratulations, you've accomplished the task of organizing your home office!
For those who have given up and returned to your 'old' ways may need to ask yourself one last question...Am I Messy or Am I A Hoarder?
Organizing your home office needn't be the panic worthy task that you've been neglecting. It's simply about taking the time to create a productive, efficient work environment that will undeniably make your life easier.
Working smart, not hard begins and ends with you. So relish in the fact that you're that much smarter for finally realizing no one else is going to do it for you and get to work!
Here are a few tips...
- Time, do not begin organizing unless you have the time to start and finish this project!
- Sit back, analyze and visualize a clean, organized workspace. Write down and then purchase the necessary office supplies required to accomplish the desired end result. Be sure to purchase storage receptacles specifically designed for each item. You will most likely need cd holders, file folders, drawers, boxes, bins, boxes, shelves, a garbage receptacle and bags, a paper shredder and cleaning supplies including pressurized air.
- When you dive into the pile take baby steps. Begin with just one item at a time until you've gone through every single thing in your office. If you can multi-task the job will be completed that much faster trying not to handle objects no more than 3 times in this entire process, if not less. Don't go anywhere within your office empty handed, until you are finished the job, there will always be something that needs to go somewhere along route.
- Keep in mind that in the beginning of this process the mess will get a lot worse, before it gets better.
- End the work day by taking 5 minutes to prepare your work station. Bring forward tomorrow's top priority projects, shred unwanted paperwork, clear any messages and remove the day's clutter.
- Begin you day by retrieving your voice mail messages, delete from the system and respond where and when required. Open your day planner, agenda or PDA and add all necessary information, check for appointments or other tasks.
- Reduce the amount of personal belongings and pictures within your office to a maximum of three items.
- Be sure to leave space on your desktop for hand writing tasks, spreading out paperwork and general office jobs that require an adequately sized, open area to complete.
- As items come into your office and across your desk, put them into their relative locations immediately. In the same spirit, if you take out an item, put it back once you are finished with it.
Take this quiz and find out What your desk says about you?
Step One
Pick up any one item and ask yourself...Is this item work related?
- If you answered 'Yes' then form a pile of similar items within reach. As you look around, start to form other groups of like items using these examples as category references; office supplies, office equipment, files, paperwork, reference materials, business contacts, knick knacks, garbage and other. Continue with basic sorting throughout your entire office remembering not to get carried away with the details, at this time.
- If you answered 'No' then place that item in the garbage or in a pile away from the main area of your workspace, to be removed later. For the future, try not to allow unnecessary clutter to find its way into your office.
Step Two
At this point, your office area probably looks worse than ever, just stay with me! You've already rid the area of unnecessary crap, clutter and garbage leaving you with a semi organized mess, see it's better already! Now your goal is too achieve smaller, more defined, functional piles of fully useable items. By downsizing that collection of broken calculators, dried up pens and old paperwork you are minimizing the potential for future clutter.
Again, pick up each item and ask yourself...Do I use this item at least once a year?
- If you answered 'Yes' then hold onto it, but not before checking its functionality. For example, keep dated paperwork within the current tax year, while putting aside past dated info to be sorted and filed later minimizing the potential for future clutter.
- If you answered 'No' then place these these items into a pile to either donate, give away, sell or recycle in some way.
Step Three
You're almost finished a huge chunk of the entire process, good for you! I know your space still looks crappy but I'm hoping you can see the potential! At this point your immediate working area ought to consist of numerous piles containing current, functioning items used to maintain and run your office, and that's it. Your desk, shelving, drawers and cabinets ought to be stripped naked and ready for cleaning, except for your computer, phone and other office equipment.
Once you've wiped everything down go underneath your desk and tackle the cord spaghetti. Begin with one plug at a time, securing long bulky pieces with velcro, plastic twisties or tape, unplugging if necessary. Place the office equipment you use every day closer to you than something you use only a few times a month. Your cable modem, wireless router, firewall, battery backup, etc.ought to be under your desk. Always keep in mind that performing your office tasks without having to stand up or even move your chair is best and then plan accordingly.
When filing paperwork into general categories keep dates in mind, removing all but the current tax year. Place your statements, bills and all correspondence in there appropriate categories such as the to do pile, file away pile, awaiting response, hold, refer, read, pay and paid are just some examples.
Step Four
It's time to begin replacing those now organized items and place them into their final resting place.
If you haven't already done so, it's now time to purchase organizational office supplies and then begin putting your items away. Remember to keep the most commonly used items well within reach while tucking away those items you rarely use. Once your organized piles of useable office related garb are put away, you are almost finished! Just take out the trash, put away that stray pile of stuff that doesn't belong in an office, piece off your recyclables and then vacuum those floors.
You've now officially hit bottom, which in the world of cleaning and organization, is a good thing.
Congratulations, you've accomplished the task of organizing your home office!
For those who have given up and returned to your 'old' ways may need to ask yourself one last question...Am I Messy or Am I A Hoarder?
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