Business success from home: how to avoid the distractions that prevent you from earning a second income
Anyone who has tried to start their own home business knows that distraction is a major source of frustration. It is easily identifiable; It’s not that easy to get over. Some common distractions found in your home are loud music, incoming phone calls, the doorbell, chores, kids, neighbors, social media, TV, and your cell phone. Common distractions like these lead to internal frustration and wasted time trying to build your new business. Do you feel like you’re working non-stop and yet accomplishing only half of what you need to do when you’re trying to take your idea and make it happen? This is a common sentiment for new entrepreneurs trying to keep their day job and start a home business to generate a second income.
Distractions happen in part because you’re overwhelmed. Distractions impede your productivity and are sometimes masked when you use the term “multitasking.” Interruptions that prevent you from staying focused are a common occurrence in the daily planning of opening a home-based business from home. They happen because you miss deadlines, don’t plan, strive for perfection, and try to do everything yourself. The biggest distraction you don’t notice is the email alert on your phone or computer. That bell that rings so many times in the background breaks your concentration because it generates about the potential that the email will give you an answer that will help you create your business. More often than not, that email will prevent you from making the progress you need to succeed because it allows you to distract yourself and keep you unfocused.
To overcome a distraction it is necessary to establish a routine. Your routine is easily adaptable to your situation. Only you know what works and what doesn’t. Your routine should include time to work and time to play. Make it include time for your main job, your new home-based business idea and creation, chores, family, wandering, pets, paying bills, laundry, friends, social activities, fitness, social networking, and personal growth. These are some of the primary needs of every good entrepreneur. A routine will allow you to define the “work hours” you need to stay focused.
A designated workspace is crucial to your success. Your workspace should be clearly defined, private, organized, and customized to your needs so that you can use the area for inspiration, creativity, and building your new business. If you have a view from your designated workspace, position your desk away from the window so there are no external factors that increase your loss of concentration.
Let your family and friends know about the work schedule you have outlined for your new home-based business. It is crucial to set these boundaries so that you can focus and limit interruptions.
I have found it helpful to write a list of things that distract me and put it front and center on my desk. This way, when I catch myself doing these things, I know to stop and get on with the tasks at hand.
When I am fatigued and tired, I have found that I am more easily distracted. So make it a priority to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night so you can be successful in your home business.
Stay tuned for the big picture. The “why” of why you started your new home-based business. Keeping “why” front and center in everything you do will give you the strength and self-discipline you need to succeed. Reflection time is just as important as time to celebrate your successes and help you keep an eye on the prize that awaits you.
Social media is an important business tool that helps the success of home based businesses. I recommend setting up personal and business accounts when trying to use social media to build your business. This will allow you not to be distracted by your cute family member’s new puppy.