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eclair
Member
Joined: 7 Dec 2005
Posts: 31
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# Posted: 23 Feb 2006 23:29
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Lynn Lopez has a nice blog entry for freelancers who are concerned with their use of energy in order to have a sustainable home office setup.
Her tips:
Telecommute.
Monitor your use of paper.
Set proper working hours.
Focus on your work!
The details are on: The Sustainable Home Office
I would like to hear your thoughts or how you go about this. Thanks! 
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http://freelance-pro.info
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mags101
Member
Joined: 3 Feb 2006
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2006 16:58
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Thanks for the post, eclair and for the link. I've been curious on how other people deal with staying focused. I've made a shedule and that has helped a good bit. Any other suggestions at there?
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WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 257
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# Posted: 28 Feb 2006 10:33
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Schedule?! Ha, that seems to be my main problem. I have several project that I have going at any given period and I find that sometimes, if I'm going good on one, I stick with it for longer than I should, perhaps... but as long as the work gets done, does it really matter?
Another problem for me is sitting still for more than a half an hour to an hour at a time. So, I make a point of using that 'move' time to move to a different project. Of course, some projects just need to be finished in one sitting, but usually I can adjust a bit.
But efficiency is important. When you do sit down to work or focus on a particular aspect of your business, then you must give 100% effort. Not most of the time, but ALL of the time.
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http://www.denisemclark.com
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A8ch
Preferred Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 94
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2006 02:13 � Edited by: A8ch
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Developing a system that works for you may take some trial and error, since each of us is different. But once you do get a system in place, the challenge is to stick to it.
For many of us that's easier said than done.
I used to set deadlines for completing certain tasks, and while that's usually a good practise, I found that I would simply extend the deadline if I didn't meet it the first time. Eventually deadlines started to lose their motivational influence for me.
Subsequently I changed my approach and began working on different major projects on different days. This was more effective because:
1. I didn't get hung up on one project for longer than I should.
2. My concentration and focus stayed sharp longer.
3. I made steady progress on each project.
Planning your work is a good habit to develop, but working the plan is the key to getting results. Achieving that requires discipline.
Hermas
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http://SixFigureProfits.net
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buckles10368
Member
Joined: 1 Mar 2006
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2006 23:46
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Putting up a sustainable home office is cool! It's perfect, actually, if you are able to sustain it. It could mean a lot of savings for you and your family. I've no problem with the first three tips. But being a mother of two kids (aged, 6 and 3), tip #4 might be a problem for me. lol. I experienced something like this when I was doing part-time work for ESS. While trying to beat the deadline, I was typing away with one kid on each lap. The TV was on, electric fan, too. And during nighttime, the AC will be on. It can be crazy, but well, fun sometimes. I DO recommend it!
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http://custserv.gbwatch.com
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eclair
Member
Joined: 7 Dec 2005
Posts: 31
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# Posted: 3 Mar 2006 00:58
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I try to not multitask these days, as much as possible. I realized that focusing on work is critical. I am thinking that what I should observe more is what tasks I could do one after the other or how they are related. Multitasking could be such a pain sometimes. But sometimes it works for some people.
Knowing one's self is really important.
I am also thinking that maybe I should check out the recycling centers in the community. I know that there are some but not in the community I live in. But I haven't been going out much these days so I have to learn to manage my paper stuff by setting them all aside until the day comes that they could be handed over to someone else for recycling.
Clair
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http://freelance-pro.info
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WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 257
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# Posted: 3 Mar 2006 09:40
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I don't think it's possible to get away from multi-tasking. As a freelancer that's a must. But what I do try to do is finish at least a rough draft of one thing before I move to another.
Sometimes a deadline is moved, and sometimes someone needs something very quickly. So most of the time, I'm very flexible. The downside of that, is that for much of my time, nothing is in a finished state by the end of the day unless I've absolutely finished a project and sent it off.
People sometimes ask, 'Are you finished yet'? Finished? I'll never be finished. But I can say that I either got a lot accomplished or not.
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http://www.denisemclark.com
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