If there is any takeaway from COVID-19 regarding work, it is the truth that remote work is more than a trend or a fad; it is now the norm.
Everyone is now coming to terms with the fact that work that is location-flexible should not be tied to the office. It took lockdown restrictions to accept this, but now we have.
But while there are several gains from remote working including flexibility and increased productivity, it does not come without challenges, one of which is how remote workers can find the motivation to work.
This comes from not having work colleagues around or working in an environment with unending distractions. Remote workers need a strategy to keep their motivation at the peak level in order to deliver quality results.
Create a Structured Environment
Let’s face it; no one can work effectively in the usual home structure. That’s the reason behind the idea of offices in the first place. It is almost impossible to maintain focus when working from your bed or couch with a TV before you and a refrigerator full of snacks a few steps away.
The much comfort you derive from such an environment sits on the opposite end to the motivation you need to work. Not to mention the fact that it is unhealthy as well.
Make an effort to create an office-like structure in your home. Have all the necessary tools and equipment around, including ergonomic furniture that promotes your wellbeing. You may also decorate your space with motivational notes and designs to get your enthusiasm running.
This structure shouldn’t be limited to space, but time too. Have blocks of time for focused work. Human beings are creatures of habit. Create a routine and you would soon find your brain falling in line. And if you have family or roommates, communicate your schedule to them so that they know not to distract you while working.
In addition, you don’t have to work from home, especially if the likelihood of distraction is more than you can handle. You can always use a coworking space.
Planning your work
Human beings are motivated by progress. With each goal we break, we feel the drive to pursue more and even tougher goals. You can leverage this hack to be productive by planning your work and setting small goals that propel you towards greater ones.
For big projects, it helps to break them into smaller pieces so that you don’t feel jetlagged along the way. The feeling that you are actually making progress boosts your mood and pushes you to do more.
