You’re all settled into your chair at your desk, ready to get some work done. But the background noises keep intruding on your work at home work day. What now?
When family, pets, and day-to-day distractions get in the way of your work at home day, it might be hard just to get through your regular working routine. When distraction interferes, learn how to use anti-distraction to get back on track.
Anti-distraction is what you use when other diversions keep intruding. What takes you away from your work during a typical day? Is it the kids, your spouse, pets, something captivating on reality TV? Find ways to combat these distractions with anti-distractions of your own design.
For instance, drown out distracting background noise. Play a favorite CD or DVD – something you’ve heard and seen a thousand times before. You’ll find it’s much easier to tune out the old, familiar sounds of a favorite program, while anything new (no matter how uninteresting it might ordinarily be) can cause your mind to wander away from work. Shut the door and drown them out, so you can get back to the task of making money.
Learn how to use diversion to your benefit. When the kids, spouse, and pets are threatening to drive you batty, find some way to get them out of the house (and your hair) altogether…and all together. Giving them tasks to complete will often free up a few minutes at least. Look for fun craft projects and other time-consuming activities to keep kids quietly entertained, and encourage your spouse to enjoy a hobby instead of looking for your company for entertainment. Sometimes, it’s good to establish a rule that when you’re working, everyone pretends you simply aren’t at home.
Sometimes, the only way to combat distraction is by simply cutting yourself off. Shut the door, remind everyone you’ve got a job to do, and then get it done.
