5 Ways You Can Stay on Track and Reduce Overwhelm While Working From Home

If you’d like to learn strategies on how to improve your focus so you can stay on track and achieve your goals, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.

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For many in a corporate job or a brick and mortar business working from home often feels like a dream- spending more time with the family; having more flexibility and freedom with your schedule. While all these are true, the reality of working from home may be much more challenging. It requires much more self-discipline, focus, and time management than one would assume if they never had to face it. 

Right now, almost everyone gets a taste of how working from home looks like. I hear entrepreneurs on social media complaining that they are incredibly disorganised, overwhelmed, bored, procrastinating, and unable to focus. It affects their results, creativity, and raises their stress levels. 

While building my 6-figure online business and my personal brand from home since 2012, I have developed several strategies that keep me on track and help me focus on what is essential and reduce overwhelm.

1. Block Off Time Slots For Work

While it may not be possible for every type of business, some adjustments could be made to create a healthy balance between working and resting during the day. If you can dictate your own schedule, focus on watching your productivity patterns. For example, I am at my most productive between 1 pm and 5 pm. It allows me to completely free my mornings, while my body and my brain wake up. I use that time to have a long coffee chat with my family, go for a walk, read a few pages in a book, and ultimately allow myself not to think of work altogether. 

I block off time from 1 pm to 5 pm and let my family know I am unavailable. I break for dinner around 5 pm and might do a couple of low-impact activities. I might tweak something on my site, send a few emails, watch a training or two as I am starting to feel more tired and less efficient. After 7pm my working day is done, and the family time begins. Using the time when your brain is at its most active helps accomplish what needs doing much faster and with better results.

2. Prioritize High Impact Activities

Every day I make a to-do list with the most critical tasks that need to be accomplished. 80% of my list is focusing on my visibility, traditionally known as marketing and sales activities: networking, creating content, connecting to prospects and clients. Doing client work makes up 20% of my tasks. This is a good ratio for anyone who wants to grow their business, but in times of uncertainty, visibility is paramount. As sales may slow down naturally in the current economic environment, there are more people spending time online, and it presents excellent opportunities for getting on top of your target audience and for building relationships, which will pay off when the time comes. 

The list needs to be small, 3 to 6 tasks at most, so it feels comfortable and doable to complete by the end of the day. If something cannot be accomplished due to an unforeseen delay, add it to the future list on the date when you can complete or follow up on it, and give it no more attention till then.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

3. Start With What Scares You 

Whatever it is that makes you feel frozen inside needs to get done first or it is likely to be put off and add to the time allocated to working, messing up the whole system. For some entrepreneurs, this could be doing a live video or pitching an article to an established publication. 

But there is a secret. You need to figure out which of those scary things are only frightening before you start them. For example, while going live feels terrifying every time before the start, I get quite energized and even hyper sometimes during and after the stream as my adrenaline spikes up. Starting with energizing tasks will give you the courage to do things you resist doing.

This approach reduces procrastination and helps drive business forward while feeling “in the flow.”

4. Do It Together

Even with working about my productivity cycles and tackling the scary things first – sometimes it is hard to focus when you are the one holding yourself accountable. 

I host Get It Done co-working sessions to tackle tasks that require extra focus. You can create these sessions using video conference tools like Zoom or even Skype and Facetime and invite some of your colleagues, friends, clients or even family members to join you virtually. The process is simple.

At the start, everyone shares what they hope to accomplish in the next hour, then the host starts their timer for about 50 minutes, all microphones get muted, and everyone starts working on their task. After 50 minutes, we reconnect and share our progress. If you have nobody to invite, I recommend using Focusmate.com, where you can get matched to a stranger and work on your task just as effectively.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” – Andrew Carnegie

5. Learn To Unwind

Most entrepreneurs I know have trouble switching off, so it’s important for you to align your workday with your natural work/rest cycles so it becomes more manageable. While for some meditation and walks in nature may be the way they unwind and rest, other people cannot ever switch off. Their brain remains active even when they rest. If this is familiar, all you need to do is switch your attention from actively thinking to passively consuming.

A good movie or a funny dog video may be all you need to feel relaxed and at ease. Being aware of what makes you feel rested and understanding the nature of is key to creating a great work/life balance and make working from home lifestyle more like the one we imagine it to be.

How do you stay on track with the task at hand during times when you struggle focusing? Share your thoughts & ideas with us below!

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Be Determined, Persevere and Have Faith: 3 Keys to Success

If you’d like to learn how to develop more faith in yourself so you can succeed in any area of your life, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.

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In life, there is no shortcut to success. Only through determination and perseverance, can we overcome our adversities. Do you know why people fail? It is because they give up, and they feel that it is not worth trying anymore. Well, this is where they are wrong. Perhaps, if they tried a little harder, they would have been successful in their pursuit.

Determination and perseverance shape our personalities, while faith in our abilities makes us stronger. Faith is extremely crucial as it trumps anxiety, and helps us not to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the task ahead of us. Through perseverance, faith, and determination, we can conquer hardships and achieve our goals. 

Here is how these three attributes help us:

1. Keep Our Heads High and March Ahead

Determination comes from faith. And when we are determined, we strive to achieve our objectives despite repeated failures.  

Michael Jordan is considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time. But it was not an easy start for him. After he tried out for the varsity basketball team, he was cut out. At 5’11,’ he was deemed too short. It was a huge setback for him. But he didn’t lose hope and kept at it.

Not only did his skills improve, but his height grew too, and he became the star of Laney’s junior varsity team. Today, as we all know, he went on to become one of the greats, playing for the Chicago Bulls. So, did the humiliation and the taunts bother him? No. In fact, it inspired him even more. 

So, there is no shame in losing and trying again. But, if you quit, you will repent for the rest of your life. Have faith in yourself, maintain discipline, be determined and work hard. You will succeed.    

“There’s nothing I can really do but keep going out there and swinging.” – Freddie Freeman

2. Gain Experience 

Through repeated trials, we are made aware as to what works and what doesn’t. But, if you were not determined and had not put in the dedicated effort, would you have known it? Roadblocks will be part and parcel of your journey, but it is faith that will drive you to the end of the road. 

Thomas Edison, a very successful inventor, scientist and businessman, famously quoted “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” While he was inventing the light bulb, he made a thousand unsuccessful attempts. But, did he give in? No, he remained unfazed by his failures. In his very next attempt, he was victorious. So, unless you try, how can you know that you won’t be successful in your endeavour?

3. Change Your Approach

Time and time again, successful men and women have taught us that there is no alternative to hard work. If we are determined and have passion and faith in what we are doing, we will flourish. Furthermore, if you are failing, take it positively, learn from the mistakes and change your approach.

Bill Gates, an American business magnate and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, dropped out of Harvard. Following this, he co-owned a business called Traf-O-Data, which turned out to be a real failure. Was he disheartened? No, he changed his tactics and put his skills to good use and became the pioneer of the famous software company Microsoft.

Similarly, Steve Jobs, another American business tycoon and the co-founder of Apple, got fired from Apple. He realized that his passion for work exceeded the disappointment of failure. After his brief stints at NeXT and Pixar, Jobs made his way back into Apple as the CEO. All he did was change his approach. He trusted his abilities, and he was determined.

So, you see, perseverance and acceptance of failure, along with faith, goes a long way.

“Stick around. Don’t lose your heart, just keep going, keep at it.” – Mark Ruffalo

How to Train Ourselves so that We Develop These Qualities? 

It seems all easy in words. But, how do we actually become determined and strive to keep on practising or go for broke? As it turns out, it starts with having faith in what you are doing and not having any doubt in your capabilities. True, you must hone your skills, but you must believe that ‘you can do it.’

Our mind is an incredibly powerful tool. You cannot even fathom what it represents. If you train your mind to be positive, you will become more resolute. We often see that when we are faced with trouble, we tend to elude the situation. In cases like this, faith is the tool that will help us replenish the lost spirit.

So, you must practice meditation to instil a sense of positivity in yourself. It will help you shed your inhibitions. You will find that you are making bold decisions, and you are confident about them.

As you can see, the focused power of faith breeds abundance. Thus, when we focus on life, we get more out of it. If we focus on failing, we will fail eventually. At the end of the day, it all boils down to how you think. If you remain positive and maintain the ‘keep going’ attitude, you will triumph no matter how hard your obstacles are. Hopefully, you will write your success story someday. 

What do you think is the biggest key to success? Share your thoughts with us below!

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How to Embody Unbreakable Confidence in the Era of Uncertainty

If you’d like to learn how to develop unbreakable confidence so you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.

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In an era of profound uncertainty where people’s trust has collapsed across all industries, looking sexy, being outspoken, or even charismatic is not enough to make us think of someone as a truly confident person. Today, people want to see the real you owning your real story.

Confidence doesn’t discriminate. It is an attribute possessed by all those who have cultivated the ability to show up fully in their lives without allowing the mental baggage of negative comments someone once said about their bodies, their intellect, their background, or their abilities to dim their light. 

You know those things we all think at times such as “you are not good enough,” “you are too fat,” “you are too short,” “you are too old,” “you are too loud,” “you are too average,” “you are too privileged,” “it’s too late for you,” and so on? Those mental recordings playing nonstop in our heads interfere with our capacity to express ourselves authentically and attract what we desire more than we are willing to admit. 

Having the courage to recognize those negative recordings as a collection of old stories playing in our minds like a broken record allows us to remember that our worth is our birthright. It is that unshakable awareness of being enough, and not having to prove anything to anyone, that enables us to radiate confidence as the full expression of who we are and what we are here to do. That is the experience of embodiment. 

“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.” – Lao Tzu

Here are 3 steps to cultivate your ability to embody confidence:

1. Always start with your body

Scientists unanimously agree our body is made of 99% energy and only 1% matter, which means that human beings respond to our energetic vibration far more than our written or spoken words. In other words, people feel us. And their feelings about us will override any picture, number, credential, or logical thinking we can bring to the conversation.

The first way to cultivate the embodiment of confidence is to get inspired and to move. That’s right, spend one-week moving your body for ten to twenty minutes every single morning while listening to your favorite playlist with a deliberate intention of feeling fearless and untamed and watch what happens in your life. Don’t be surprised if random people start coming up to you to ask you for directions, or if those who know you best will tell you that you are glowing.

2. Stop fixing yourself and start honoring who you are

It’s easy to get into fixing-mode, and to believe the solution for not feeling confident enough could come from something as plain as getting a new degree, finding the right partner, or changing the way your body looks. However, searching for the solution outside of yourself and relying exclusively on external outcomes cannot possibly lead to any long-lasting transformation. 

Rather than seeing your external goals as a requirement to feel good enough about yourself, try viewing them as a byproduct of feeling that way to start. For example, stop thinking, “I’ll feel good when I get that big commission,” and turn that into “I choose to focus on feeling good now knowing that when I do that, my performance improves, and I become a match for higher compensation.” 

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

3. Do what is right by you

When it comes to real confidence, we can’t just pay attention to what we do and how we do it. We must focus on the reason why we want to do it in the first place. In one of the most-watched Ted Talks of all time, Simon Sinek explains how some of the world’s most influential leaders understood that people don’t buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it.

The same is true for confidence. Shift your focus on your message rather than your performance and watch all uncomfortable sales calls become a chance to share a groundbreaking solution with individuals who need your services. Becoming present to your authentic message and feeling connected to your core beliefs will impact your breathing patterns, your voice, and your body language and transpire as real confidence radiating from within you.

In conclusion, to embody confidence, we must be fully present. That can only happen if we dive into the physical experience of our bodies (Step 1), detach from the old thought patterns populating our busy mind (Step 2), and restore our connection with our core beliefs and desires (Step 3). The more you practice the three steps I shared with you, the easier it will get for you to acknowledge your presence and for others to experience it. 

Embodiment is just that: the practice of feeling more and caring more, which is what makes truly us more human.

In times of uncertainty, how do you manage to feel confident? Share your thoughts with us below!

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Developing Your Leadership Potential – 8 Methods in Which Writing Can Help Motivate Others

If you’d like to learn how to develop your potential so you can have the confidence to go after the goals you have set, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.

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When all is said and done, we are all writers in one way or another. From high-school essays, college papers, to social media posts, messages and online forum monologues, everyone has had experience with writing at some point. 

However, not many consider writing a viable avenue for leadership, whether through blogging or through writing project briefs, motivational messages for coworkers or other forms of written content. In fact, writing can be utilized very efficiently to do just that – motivate others to become their better selves. 

Let’s make a case for writing then, and how you can use the medium to convey meaningful words, thoughts and feelings to those around you. Whether work-related or otherwise, you’ll quickly discover that the writer hidden within you has much more to say than you’ve initially given yourself credit for.

1. Take Advantage of The Medium

Writing, in itself, is a very specific medium, a medium as old as time itself. This makes it accessible, sharable and very easy to pick up and practice on a daily basis. However, it can also seem daunting to those who don’t write often, as a blank page can frighten even a seasoned blogger or novelist. 

Writing doesn’t require technical skills akin to video editing, 3D modeling, design skills or software-related knowledge. All you really need is a simple text editor, a warm cup of your favorite beverage, and several minutes of your time to put your thoughts on the proverbial paper.

2. Discover your Sweet-Spot

While some leaders prefer sticking to reality such as true stories and practical examples found around us, others like to communicate spiritual, abstract and soul-searching messages to their readers. This means that both approaches (and combinations thereof) are more than viable for your own leadership writing. 

Don’t be afraid to insert personal insight, anecdotes, experiences and stances into your writing. Developing a sweet-spot for your motivational content is all about trial and error, as well as settling for a pace and style which suits your personality and writing habits.

3. Brainstorm & Mind-Map Ideas

A great way to establish your “area of focus” when it comes to leadership-centric writing is to brainstorm ideas whenever you have a few minutes to do so. Grab a piece of paper, write down thoughts that come to your mind, and then branch off into their related verbs, nouns, phrases and keywords worth exploring. 

You don’t have to be of rich vocabulary and deep thought to take advantage of writing – all you really need is some patience for your own words to surface. Write down potential titles, topics and ideas worth exploring further in order to keep them in your mind for whenever you sit down in front of a computer – by then, your digested thoughts will be ready to jot down.

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin

4. Don’t Be a Copycat

What drives most leaders and motivational writers into writing is an example of someone else doing so and moving them in the process. Having a role model and a personality to look up to for inspiration is a highly welcome choice for any writer – however, it’s important not to fall into the pit of copying their style and thought delivery. 

Developing your own “I” is what will make your leadership potential soar with readers and ensure that they remember every word you write down. Write in your own voice, in your own style and don’t be afraid to be different from trendsetters or popular online bloggers – the right crowd will flock around your writing sooner than you expect.

5. Leadership through Self-Reflection5

Who are you? The older we get, the more difficult and complex the question becomes. Leaders that inspire confidence and incite change within their followers often lead by example – be it positive or negative.

Whether it’s personal trauma, loving memories of days past or day-to-day events which leave a mark on you – these events all serve to shape who you are as a person and a leader. As such, self-reflection, meditation and introspective thinking should become a part of your leadership writing ideation process just as much as the actual process of putting words into a digital form.

6. Relay Meaning through Quotation

While it may seem cliché to rely on quotes in 2020, habits die hard, and leaders should make good use of relevant and inspiring quotes as much as possible. Quotes can come from unexpected places – be it a popular celebrity, a well-respected member of your community or a friend or family member whose words stayed with you. 

In writing, quotes can be used to break up the monotony of subheadings and paragraphs to a great effect, making the content easier to scan and gleam useful information from. Mark and attribute your quotes with respect for their original creators and your readership base will take your writing that much more seriously for it.

“Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts.” – Larry L. King

7. Make your Writing Accessible

The term “word dump” shouldn’t be frowned upon or taken as a derogatory expression for unclear writing. The first drafts of your leadership-driven content will undoubtedly benefit from rewrites, editing, proofreading, and subsequent formatting before meeting the readers’ eyes. 

Don’t be afraid to simply write, akin to an ice dancer free of any doubt or restrictions, and then discern the gist of your content in post-production. It is essential then to treat your leadership writing as a freeform exercise before attempting to narrow your content down to its core meaning and messaging.

8. Inspire Conversation & Sharing

Lastly, the best way for you to develop leadership skills further is to continually nudge others toward doing so themselves. Individuals who aim to inspire confidence, action and initiative within their follower base are bound to build a reputation as reader-centric leaders without a shadow of doubt or self-interest.

Use simple techniques such as calls to action, questions directed at the reader, and social media buttons in your posts to emphasize sharing, discussion and social leadership development. Most importantly – be there for your readers and engage with their comments, messages and questions on your website, blog, social media page or any other avenue you decide to publish your writing through.

9. Authenticity Carries the Day (Conclusion)

At the end of the day, what makes leadership through writing unique lies in its raw nature and power to unite like minded individuals under the umbrella of an inspiring thought put into words. 

Don’t think that you don’t have anything new to add or say to the world – it has never been easier to become your own leader first and convey those same emotions and messages to others around the globe. Be authentic to your persona and put your heart into the letters you put to paper – the rest is history.

Are you a writer? If so, share your stories with us below! We’d love to check them out & even potentially feature them on Addicted2Success!

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The Power of Self-Reflection & How It Can Change Your Life

If you’d like to learn how to cast your vision so you can live the life you’ve been dreaming of, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.

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We as people often neglect the power of self-reflection, yet, in the hardest times we need it more than ever. Like millions of people across the globe, I lost my job as a result of the catastrophic impact of COVID-19. But as I sit here today amongst a world of uncertainty, I find myself at peace. My mind is as clear as can be. Not because I hated my job or had lots of money saved up, because I can assure you that’s not the case. I’m at peace with my situation and know what I want going forward simply because of self-reflection.

It’s safe to say everyone understands self-reflection as a concept. But do they understand its importance? Do they even know how to self-reflect? I suspect that most people don’t have clear answers to those last two questions. My goal is to help you get started on answering those questions. “Answers” will vary amongst each of us, so this piece isn’t about providing all the possible solutions. I decided instead to share my personal experience in hopes that it might convince you to at least attempt giving it your full attention.

Why Do I Need to Self-Reflect?

We simply have too many thoughts, feelings, and emotions each day to be able to sort them out in our heads. Self-Reflection is your outlet for organization. It allows you to understand, dig deeper, and ultimately make positive, value-adding changes in how you live your life.

Before I get too deep into why you should self-reflect, I want to clarify how I’m defining self-reflection. Anyone can be aware and mindful of their thoughts, emotions, and feelings, this alone is not self-reflection. Self-reflection is a wide-ranging process in which you’re not only aware of your thoughts, emotions, and feelings, but you’re able to take corrective action to eliminate negative influences, be honest with yourself, and regain control of what you’ve let slip from your grasp.

As people, we’re subjected to a lot we cannot control. Our current situation displays that prominently. Through self-reflection, you’re able to properly and sort out what is and isn’t in your control. That’s perhaps the most beneficial aspect of self-reflection and one that is so often forgotten. Self-reflection allows us to come to peace with what we can’t control and be honest with ourselves about what we can. Proper self-reflection leads to self-correction.

I’ve used self-reflection in my life to manage my stress and anxiety, as I constantly was concerned about things I couldn’t control. Through reflection, I am able to come to terms with not having complete control, lifting a massive weight off my shoulders. Reflection also allowed me to see that I wasn’t as helpless as I felt.

For example, I’ve dealt with depression much of my adult life and one of the biggest causes of my depression was my anger at myself for feeling or thinking a certain way. If I got nervous to speak in front of people, I would then get upset at myself for feeling this way. The more I reflected on this subject, the more I was able to realize that it’s okay to feel nervous.

Though I may not be able to control this feeling coming about, I can control how I handle it. In other words, self-reflection allows you to regain control in your life where you need it and let go where you’re helplessly trying to hold on.

“Self-reflection entails asking yourself questions about your values, assessing your strengths and failures, thinking about your perceptions and interations with others, and imagining where you want to take your life in the future.” – Robert L. Rosen

How Do I Self-Reflect?

I want to help you get started on your journey, but as I said before, there are many ways to approach it. Instead of coming up with an exhaustive list and still probably missing a few methods, I thought it best to tell you what worked for me. Ultimately, it’s up to you on “how” you self-reflect, hopefully sharing my experience helps you figure that out.

Writing is the method I prefer to use. I find that writing is versatile, especially when it comes to reflecting. The structure and purpose can be adjusted based on your goal. It’s also a great way to clear your head. Writing allows me to make sense of my thoughts and emotions more than anything else. But what do I mean by “writing?”

Below I’ve outlined my approaches to self-reflection writing:

Brain Dump – When I’m lost or can’t quite figure out where my head is, I just start typing what I’m feeling or thinking. I might struggle to find a rhythm early on, but I almost always find direction along the way.

Journaling – Another technique is to write about your day. Focus primarily on the highs and lows. Why was that moment a high or a low? What were you feeling? What were you doing? What was the situation? And so on. This is how I started my self-reflection journey and it led to many realizations about self-destructive behavior I was engaging in.

Get Specific – I talked earlier about the stress and anxiety I deal with. Once I identified these as problem areas, I started writing about them constantly. When was I feeling stressed or anxious? How did I react to these feelings? What can I do differently? And so on. This is how I started to find success. Once I knew the areas where I was causing damage to myself, I began analyzing them to their core. This is so important because you can’t begin to fix something if you don’t know its full reach.

Ask Big Questions – We all have had the big questions in life enter our head, but rarely do we take them beyond just that. I recently found myself in a position filled with confusion, when I suddenly became unemployed. I had no idea what I wanted to do next, but I realized I’d never truly tried answering that question. So, I started using my writing to try and answer those big questions such as “What am I meant to do?” and “What do I want out of life?”

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” – Margaret J. Wheatley

By devoting real time and effort to these massive questions, I was able to gain more of a sense of what’s meant for me and what I want. I am now working on taking the steps to get me to that point. Not everything can be answered or has a simple answer, but it’s still imperative to try. You’d be surprised at what results in doing so.

The biggest thing to be aware of, is that self-reflection requires true time and effort. Permanently changing your mindset and approach to life is not something that happens overnight. It requires dedication and a willingness, to be honest with yourself. If you’re dedicated to the process, honesty will naturally grow as well, but you must have an open mind when you start this journey.

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6 Game Changing Habits to Transform Your Work Life

If you’d like to learn the true habits of success so you can achieve your goals, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.

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When it comes down to it, productivity is what it’s all about. Crossing things off your to-do list is such a good motivator and feeling productive can really help to improve your mood. But sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to get everything done. When deadlines are looming, bosses are complaining and clients are waiting, the stress can sometimes be counterproductive.

Distractions are everywhere. From chatty colleagues and phone calls to viral videos and long lunches. It’s easy to let time get away. Where you work and how you work can have a huge impact on how productive you actually are day-to-day. So, your small daily habits can have a big impact on your future.

Fear not, if you are someone who struggles to stay motivated throughout the day, there are things you can do to help keep your mind on track. Studies show that there are little habits you can develop which, if they become part of your subconscious, will see you smashing your targets and clearing your to-do list in plenty of time.

Here are some of the best habits to cultivate which can help you get motivated, get working and get stuff done:

1. Look at your phone later

Most of us reach for our phones as the first thing we do in the morning. Often, we check our phones before we’ve even left our bed. It normally starts by just turning off the alarm but ends up with you scrolling through Instagram, checking the emails that came in overnight and shooting off a few replies before you’ve even put your feet on the floor.

However, if you can avoid the temptation of your screen for just twenty minutes in the morning, you’ll find that you’re more ready to face the day properly after you’ve eaten and let the caffeine kick in. Give yourself some crucial minutes in the morning to get into the right headspace before you try to tackle anything work-related. You’ll find yourself less stressed and you’ll actually get more done once you start.

“Put down your cell phones, put everything away, and feel your blood pulsing in you. Feel your creative impulse, feel your own spirit, your heart, your mind. Feel the joy of being alive and free.” – Patti Smith

2. Prioritize

Sometimes, having a super long list can be overwhelming. When your inbox is stacking up, making sure you know what needs to be done first is a huge part of being productive. Getting on with the important, time-sensitive tasks will not only make sure you hit your deadlines but will also motivate you to work at the best pace.

Hitting deadlines and managing your time is an effective way to ensure you work well throughout the day. If you know which tasks need to be done right away you won’t be distracted or procrastinate with other menial jobs. Take some pressure off yourself but knowing which things need your attention immediately and which don’t.

3. Get organized (and stay organized)

Tidy workspace, tidy mind. Making sure you aren’t surrounded by junk and old coffee mugs is key to being productive all day. If you’re always searching under old papers to find what you need, you’ll not only waste time but you’ll also lose focus. Whether you work at a desk, or on a laptop or phone or spend lots of time in the car, if it’s clean and organized, you’ll find it easier to concentrate on the task at hand.

Train yourself to always take your mug to the sink, file papers in the right place and put stationary back where it belongs as you go along so you’ll never have to dedicate time to tidying up. The habit of keeping your spaces clean and tidy will benefit your productivity levels to no end.

4. Exercise daily

However, you like to do it, moving your body helps your mind. Successful entrepreneurs and business gurus all know that mental health is linked to physical health. Challenging yourself, pushing through the pain and setting goals is a great way to focus your thoughts, relieve stress and check out of the office for a while. This means when you get back to the grind, you’ll be refreshed, attentive and prepared.

Just twenty minutes of moving around can help get you back on the right track. If you can’t find time to dedicate to exercise, try to get in the habit of walking during your lunch break or cycling to work. Even a quick stretch in the morning to get your day going will help.

“Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind.” – Nelson Mandela

5. Get that natural light

Obviously, if you work at a fixed desk in an office, then rearranging may cause some problems. However, science has shown that those who work near natural light from windows are 12% more productive. Moving to work by a window is a quick and easy way to up your productivity without doing a thing!

If you work from home, try to make sure your desk is positioned by a large window. If you have to work in a dark space, try to get in the habit of taking your breaks in a light space. Drink your coffee or tea in a space with windows, if you like walking while on a business call, try to walk in space with lots of natural light. You’ll end up being more productive without even noticing. 

6. Take a time out

It’s so easy to stay connected these days. Smartphones mean we are never more than a few taps away from sending an email or comparing some numbers. But everyone needs a break. If you are constantly trying to stay in touch with work and never take some time for yourself, you may find yourself burnt out.

Taking a break and carving out some time in your busy schedule to relax will help keep your enthusiasm for your work and prevent you from feeling lethargic or tired. Finding some time to spend with friends, or learn a new skill will give you the mental stimulation you need to keep your focus and means when you do start working, you’ll be at your most productive. 

from
https://addicted2success.com/life/6-game-changing-habits-to-transform-your-work-life/

How to Turn Working From Home Into a Success

If you’re stuck working from home and would like to maximize your productivity and efficiency so you can achieve the results you so desperately crave, sign up for the free 90-Day Master Class hosted by the founder of Addicted2Success.com, Joel Brown.

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The current global battle against coronavirus has forced millions of people across the globe to self-quarantine in their homes. Many companies are adjusting to the situation by switching to remote work in order to minimize health risks. Unfortunately, many people have actually lost their jobs and are forced to look for new ones online. While for some of us remote work sounds like a dream come true, for others the downsides outweigh the perks. 

If you are lucky enough to be able to work from home but you’re not used to it, here are some tips on how to stay motivated:.

1. Set up a home office 

When you’re stuck at home, there aren’t many ways to change the scenery between work and leisure time. What you can do to create a work atmosphere in your home is have a designated workspace. Start by finding a place with plenty of natural light. Ideally, it should be a separate room where no one else is allowed during work hours. Your home office should look as similar as possible to an actual office. You need a comfortable chair, a desk, and a good lamp. 

All distractions, such as magazines and TVs, should be out of sight. Moreover, make sure your office supplies are organized and your desk is tidy. Clutter creates disorder and disorder affects your productivity in a negative way. 

2. You still need a morning routine

There is something about putting on a suit, making your way through the heavy traffic, and talking to your co-workers in the elevator. Remote work is a weird thing. It creates an illusion that you’re not really working. Your morning routine is very different these days. You just wake up and turn on your computer, skipping all the steps in between. It seems amazing, but be careful – it’s a trap! Remote workers tend to relax more than they should. 

Depending on what you do, your schedule can be more or less strict. Staying up late, waking up late, and not being active from the start can be detrimental to your productivity and self-motivation. If your boss still makes you get up early and gives you short deadlines, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The fact that you’re already in your office makes it easier to oversleep.

No one says you can’t wear casual clothes and sleep a little longer (since you aren’t going anywhere) but don’t stay in your PJs and skip your morning shower. Set an alarm, get up, take a shower, get dressed, and have breakfast. Maintaining a morning routine will make you feel more grounded. 

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius

3. Take regular breaks

Try to plan your day realistically. You need to work but you also need time to recharge. There are two types of remote workers – those who forget to take breaks and those who take too many breaks. No supervision and too many distractions are some of the biggest challenges of remote work, which is why you need to be very disciplined while working from home. 

Use your alarm clock to remind you when to take regular breaks and when to go back to work. The lunch break is your vital mid-day break that should be part of your everyday routine. For some additional routine, plan a lunch menu for the whole week and cook in the evenings. 

4. No reason for social distancing in the virtual world

Even if you’re an introvert, working from home because of quarantine may trigger stress and anxiety due to a lack of social interaction. A sudden switch from spending most of your time in close proximity to your colleagues to being all by yourself can be overwhelming. That’s why it is particularly important to stay connected. 

Staying in touch with your colleagues, friends, and family can do wonders for your mental wellbeing and productivity in times of trouble and uncertainty. Fortunately, modern technology makes it easy to stay in touch in real time. With so many instant communication channels to choose from, you don’t have to feel so lonely at home. 

“Loneliness is not lack of company, loneliness is lack of purpose.” – Guillermo Maldonado

5. Take care of your mental and physical health

When working from home, achieving a good work-life balance is not easy, as the line between work mode and non-work mode often gets blurred. Work can be therapeutic during this period. What else would you be doing? Your favorite books and TV shows can be a great pastime in quarantine but only if consumed in moderation. 

After a few days with nothing to do, many people get bored and lethargic even under normal circumstances. When you add complete isolation with nothing but bad news coming from the media, work can be a helpful distraction.

Once you’re done working, it is very important to leave your designated workspace to mentally disconnect from work. Do some activities together with your family. You can play board games, watch movies or cook together. Take this opportunity to clean your home and organize your closets. Don’t forget to exercise.

Working from home is likely to take a toll on your body unless you make an effort to stay in shape. Physical activity invigorates not only your body but also your mind. Additionally, take some alone time for meditation and limit your news intake. Although staying informed can save your life in these trying times, this type of information should be taken in moderation and only from trusted sources. 

Share some tips with us about how you stay productive assuming you work from home! We want to hear from you!

from
https://addicted2success.com/success-advice/how-to-turn-working-from-home-into-a-success/