Dealing With Distraction
The biggest challenge most people who work from home face is distraction. You may picture working at home as a stress-free life, but you may find that being able to stay disciplined and focused in the middle of constant distraction is a lot more difficult than you anticipate.
In an office environment, workers are often placed inside cubicles, probably to reduce noise and other distractions. The decision to work from home is usually at least partly motivated by wanting to get away from living inside a cubicle. You are looking for freedom: flexible hours, even a flexible location. You may imagine sitting on a beach with your laptop.
In an at-home work environment, dealing with distraction is a daily challenge. For one thing, other people tend to view a person who works from home as not really working. They will be quick to call you on the phone, or show up on your doorstep, expecting you not to be busy. And if you’re not battling other people, you may find sometimes you are battling yourself. Self-discipline and motivation take constant practice.
The belief that you can create a life free of distractions is unrealistic. Life is full of ringing phones, crying babies, and needy spouses. And if you’re able to get away from all that, you will still have to contend with noise in your head. Your mind may start running away with planning dinner or next week’s schedule. You’re curious what emails you have received in the last hour or two. Ultimately you are distracting yourself even when others aren’t distracting you.
Self-discipline and focus won’t come easily, but they will get better with time and practice. As long as you are truly committed to your goals, you will be able to deal with the distractions both inside and outside yourself.