3 Easy Ways for Freelancers to Limit Distractions

 

This article focuses on freelancing, in particular, it looks at ways to limit distractions. The content should appeal to freelancers, side hustlers, and anyone working from home. 

There are many reasons to love the freelancing lifestyle. It's wonderful to be able to set your own hours and have the flexibility to work from anywhere. However, it's also easy to get distracted unless you have a plan to limit those distractions. This article aims to provide a remedy by providing some pointers.

1.  Check emails/messages at specific times

One of the problems with the "constantly on" culture is it's easy to be always connected to your messages, emails, and collaboration apps. Of course, there are advantages to getting information immediately, and you should leverage that at certain times.

However, you will find it difficult to concentrate on a work task if you have new messages coming in all the time to distract you. Therefore, a good strategy would be to limit the time you stay connected to your messages. For example: 

• Opt to check emails when you are ready for a break. 
• Customize your collaboration tools and notification schedule. 
• Define what should be considered "urgent" and "important." 

Remember, as long as you can get back to people in a reasonable timeframe, an instant reply is rarely needed.

2.  Use technology to manage distracting websites and apps

Wasting time online is an easy thing to do. Social media sites have a lot of advantages, but you can spend hours scrolling if you aren't careful. You should limit the time you spend on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Distractions are always just a click away. The good news here is technology is available to help if you can't manage this process yourself.

For example, there are various apps that will block websites and apps or limit your time on them. Some apps, such as Freedom, are even sophisticated enough to allow you to schedule the times you want certain websites to be available. Having dozens of online tabs open is rarely necessary but something that's done more as a force of habit. Use technology to keep open only what you need, or even go offline completely while you complete an offline work task.

 

3.  Keep work and entertainment separate

If you work from home as a freelancer, you probably have work apps and entertainment apps combined on the same device. This is a dangerous mix because it increases the likelihood of getting distracted throughout your workday.

Think about having separate devices for work and entertainment. This is an ideal solution if you own a desktop PC, a laptop, and a smartphone. Also, don't be tempted to use your TV as a work monitor when good quality, large screen PC monitors are available at a reasonable cost. Finally, consider where you work from. Ideally, you should have a dedicated work area that you don't use for entertainment. Remember, keeping your work and entertainment separate makes the switching-off process much easier.

Final Thoughts  

Technology has made freelancing an option for many people around the world. The freedom to work from anywhere and set your own hours is appealing. However, it's important to remember that distractions are everywhere. This article has provided some tips to help manage that struggle. Remember, check your emails and messages at certain times, use technology to limit distracting websites and apps, and keep your work and entertainment separate.

Thank you for reading!