I’ve been a WFH (Work From Home) businesswoman for nearly two decades. You would think that after so many years, I’d have a great system for staying productive and focused while doing business from my kitchen table.
Kitchen table? I know, I know…many people recommend NOT working from your kitchen table. I would agree that it’s not always the best place to get focused work done. Honestly, despite having a proper office space, my kitchen table is my go-to workspace. For one, I have an AMAZING view of Table Rock Lake from my kitchen table and it’s so inspiring. Plus, it’s close to the coffee pot…and snacks.
I really enjoy that I get to work from home as there are so many benefits. But it doesn’t mean that it isn’t easy for me to get into a “funk” fairly often. I go through a cycle of being determined, focused, and productive. It moves to over-relaxed and taking a few extra breaks or staring at the lake for hours. Eventually, I end up at the point of bedhead, no makeup, and no motivation. Most likely, I’ve been wearing workout clothes for weeks (but not working out) and feeling defeated.
As the cycle continues, one day I wake up and realize I’m in another Work From Home Funk.
Sometimes I stay there for several days, unable to muster up the get-up-and-go attitude desperately needed to keep my momentum.
Instead, unsure of what to do or work on, I spend endless hours scrolling through Facebook like I’m looking for something but I don’t know what it is.
Next thing I know, I don’t know why I’m in business or where I want to go with my business. I’m thinking that maybe it’s time to find a job. I know the funk is deep when I’m tempted to apply for a JOB. It’s always enough to shock me back to my senses.
So what do I do to get out of my Work From Home funk?
I PUT ON REAL CLOTHES.
Seriously. The dry shampoo gets put away, I wash my hair, apply makeup, and walk further into my closet – past the yoga pants, skorts, tank tops, & sweatshirts and grab a cute dress or favorite blouse & pants. If I need to have a particularly focused workday – I make sure I’m dressed for the job. (You know I’m really serious when I put on shoes!)
GET OUT AND DO AN ERRAND BEFORE LUNCH.
Working from home sometimes results in days or weeks without leaving the house. I find that when I get in a funk, I haven’t had any interactions with people in awhile. So I’ll go grab a coffee at my favorite bakery or stop by the bank. Anywhere where I can smile, say “hi”, and chat a bit. It doesn’t have to be long, but these little outings clear the cobwebs.
WRITE OUT A LIST OF IDEAS.
Without opening my computer or looking at my phone, I’ll sit down with a pen and paper – or my appointment book – and write out everything on my mind. Even the silliest of things are written out. Within a few seconds or minutes, I have decent ideas flowing, which reinvigorates my drive to push forward in business.
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE ELSE.
The best way to overcome an obstacle, no matter what, is to help someone else. On days that I’m especially struggling, I’ll reach out to another business owner to check in with them. Basically, I do for others, what I would want for me.
WORSHIP.
Actually, this is what I start with before I do anything else. I don’t consider my belief in God as an add-on or side interest. It’s at my core and drives everything I think, do, and how I live. Truthfully, when I get in a funk it’s a sure sign I’ve put my focus on the wrong things. Such as, comparing myself to others. Worship and thanking God provides the shift in perspective. (Here’s one of my worship playlists on YouTube)
I absolutely love working from home. What a blessing that we live in a time when so many are able to do so. Just like everything else, it takes work and effort to enjoy the benefits of having your office at home.
