Motivation is not something that comes to me in droves. Seriously. I get bursts of it here and there, but the rest of the time, it definitely does not come naturally. I suffer from depression, as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), so this plays a part in my non-motivational skills. So to those of us who work from home (and not as a salaried employee), how do you keep motivated to do your work (so you will get paid!) and also keep the house looking, well, not like a tornado hit? My main goals are simple.
1) We have clean dishes and cups
2) We have cooked food to eat
3) We have clean clothes to wear
4) There is at least a path from here to there (seriously, I try to keep it better than this, but on weeks like this one, this is the best I can do)
5) I have worked enough to get paid.
I am a transcriptionist, and get paid per page. I am also usually on deadline, however I have this really awesome boss who procures files for us that the deadline is never ridiculous. But a deadline is a deadline, whether or not your kid is sick or you have SAD. (more on that in another post.)
So, if I don't work, I don't get paid. And if I do work, and only get one file done, then I get paid for that one file only. What I am saying is yes, I work from home, but that does not mean that I can spend my time cooking and cleaning. If I am not actively typing (and not on blogger or facebook :) ) then I am not getting paid.
Here are some things that keep me motivated. I would love for you to leave your motivational tips in the comments!
1) Routine. If I do things the same way every day, they get done and I am not even thinking about the fact that I am getting them done. How many moms out there can say that routines help? However, how many moms out there get to stick to their routine all the time? Thought so. LOL
2) Get outside a little each day. This is not just for us SAD peoples. This is for everyone. Getting outside into the fresh air and sunlight, even on the cold days, can help with motivation.
3) Make time for yourself. When (notice I said when) I do this, I am much more motivated. When I don't think I will have time for myself, I end up taking way too much time doing nothing. I could have done the dishwasher, folded the clothes, and had time to watch half an episode of Castle, but instead, I sat here and worried that I never have time for myself. Ugh ;)
4) When all else fails - A good friend of mine once told me she gets things done 15 minutes at a time. I have taken this to work, as well. I can type for 15 minutes. I can. Then I can get up and switch the laundry, or sit outside for 5 minutes, or crochet (which calms my nerves) for five minutes. Then I can type for 15 more minutes. This really helps on those depressive days. It keeps my mind focused for periods of time, but I don't get all depressed about how "this is my life, in front of this computer". :-)
5) I am still coming up with number 5, but lists always look better in 5's, don't they? LOL
So, what do you do to keep motivated? Well, my break is up. Back to work.
God Bless,
One Christian Mom
4 comments:
I don't think I have anything different to add, but I sure do agree with the points that you made. I think I have SAD, too, and making time to get outside at least for a little while each day does help. I also think I feel more motivated on the days that I take (make!) the time to "fix" myself up in the mornings. Anyway, glad you are back! -- Tina
Your point about routine made a lot of sense. Yes, its good to have some set things, but not tooo much to where it drives you crazy! I have made a "general" schedule for my day home with two kids, 2 years and 4 months. The general part helps me stay on task and get things done (and not literally spin in circles). But I have enough flexibility to mix up the day too. I heard a business person quoted once as saying "Every day, come up with 3 goals for your workday. Just three." I think that's great advice. Thanks for blogging, enjoyed it!
Great ideas! On your point #1- Yes I understand what you're saying about having some structure in your day, but maybe too much. I have a "general" outline for my day, cause I have a 2 year old and 4 month old. And if I didn't have some structure I would never get the house cleaned...and would possibly go all day spinning around in circles. My biggest challenge lately has been keeping my oldest occupied, rambuncious 2 year old! I literally wrote time in my schedule- Play with Kellen. Yes, sit on the floor and play. Hehe. Thanks for blogging, enjoyed it!
Tina, thanks for reminding me to "fix" myself up. I have nowhere to go today, but I got dressed anyway, and it definitely does help. I have a tendency to sleep in sweats, thus eliminating the need to change... I know, ewwww. But that's SAD for you. I need to get myself some real "jammies" that I will feel self conscious going out in, which will force me to get dressed every day!
Taylor, thank you for reminding me that I can (and have) overschedule. Right now, it's a loose schedule, like mondays is groceries, tuesdays is laundry, etc. That way, I have a constant schedule of things to do so I am not going "how do I get this all done!" on saturday afternoons!
God bless!!
Shellie
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