When you work from home, it is easy for the lines between “work” and “home” to get blurred. You may find yourself constantly interrupted by family, fiends, and neighbors. It may also be harder to concentrate on “work” when you have a sink full of dishes and other chores to take care of.

Having a dedicated workspace will help you stay focused. If possible, try not to use your workspace for anything but work. Once you step into your workspace, your mind will be on work and your family will know not to bother you. As much as your work area should be business like, it should also be a warm and inspiring space that you actually like to spend time in; otherwise, the time you spend there could feel like punishment.

Some people like to have a visually stimulating workspace, filled with pictures, motivational quotes, and other items. Think about “your why” – the reason you are working from home, and fill your workspace with objects that represent your reasons. Whenever you are feeling frustrated, simply taking a look around the room will help to motivate you.




For instance, if you wanted to work from home to spend more time with your children, hang up some pictures of them. If one of your goals is making enough money to buy a new car, hang up a picture of your dream car. If you want to take a luxury vacation at the beach, put some seashells on a bookshelf to remind you of your goal.

Other people prefer a clean and uncluttered workspace. If looking at clutter bothers you, visit your local office supply store for some file folders and other organizational tools. At the end of your work day, clear your desk of all papers. When you enter your workspace the next day, your area will be clutter free and your mind will be able to focus on your work (not your clutter).

Aside from the actual environment, creating a ritual may help inspire you to work. Maybe you would like to spend the first fifteen minutes of each work day reviewing notes of what you need to work on that day; perhaps you need to light a candle or some other physical activity that tells your mind you are now in “work mode”.

Setting goals and having a visual tracking system placed within your workspace can also help you stay motivated. Even those that prefer an uncluttered workspace can still hang up a simple typed sheet of their goals. Each day, you can take a look at them to remind you of what you are working towards.

When you are done with your workday, closing the door on your workspace will clear your mind and get you ready for “family time”.