Jocelyn J. Kopac
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10 Tips To Help You Be More Productive When Working From Home

4/13/2018

54 Comments

 
​Working from home is a great perk of a normally 9-5 job, but for some of us it is our reality, so whether you are just home for the day or you have a full-time in-home office like me (and 54+ million other Americans) we all face one major problem throughout our day, distraction. It surrounds us in the form of kids, the cat, the dog, your bestie snapchatting you, Netflix or just the recipe you found of Pinterest you are suddenly hungry for. As the queen of ‘dog and squirrel syndrome’ I have curated 10 ways you can routinely reduce your distraction and boost your productivity.
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  • Have a Dedicated Work Space! While it may sound like just a good suggestion, I cannot stress the importance of this enough. It gets you away from the hustle and bustle, if you have kids, and if you live alone it’s a good way to save money during tax season. I for one got a lot of money back this year due to having a dedicated room in my home for my entrepreneurial ventures!
  • Take Some Time to Get Out of the House. This one rings especially true if your work demands high levels of creativity! I have about 5 coffee shops I go to regularly to answer e-mails, think of topics, read or just chill. They all are within a 15-minute drive of my house and have excellent wi-fi. This works because you have a deadline to get stuff done, the coffee shop closing, your next meeting or even dinner time! 
  • Resist the urge to stay in your PJ’s. One of the biggest reasons I do Instagram and Facebook Live Videos in the morning is it forces me to shower, do my make-up and get going! Your body is used to producing melatonin and going to sleep as soon as those comfy clothes are on, so getting ready for the day is a great way to shake off the morning sleepiness and get your brain working (before the morning cupssss of coffee).
  • Make a daily work to-do list. Make a schedule and to-do list. I almost separated these into 2 categories, because they are so important, but I feel like everyone tells you to schedule your time or time-block your day. And to be totally honest I could tell you I do it 100% of the time and it works, but it doesn’t and about every 6 months I must sit down and get myself back on track time-wise. I have used and use a lot of different methods, but the ones I have found that work and have stuck with me through the bullet journaling, morning to-do list and multiple apps are the tried and true:
Scheduler: I am a big fan of google and recommend google calendar because it syncs on multiple devices at once, you can color code it and you can set-up it up to give you multiple reminders, kind of like an alarm clock but for your tasks
Little Note-Book: Much of my business is creativity and I must write an idea down before I lose it, so I always have it on me.
  • Make Yourself Accountable to Others.  Share your goals and plans with friends and family, go out for coffee or maybe post on a message board to create a sounding board for yourself. Every mom knows this, but not every entrepreneur does! We get so caught up in getting XYZ done that we forget to take a minute and have a conversation about something other than work. It is important to include people in our little bubbles of creativity. I actually schedule coffee dates with girlfriends, so we can talk about normal life stuff and I can recharge my batteries.
  • Set a Scheduled Amount of Work Time for Yourself. To piggyback from that, set regular work hours for yourself and decide how long you are going to work. If you are working for a company from home it is easier to turn the computer off when you shift is done, but it is much harder when your livelihood and reputation as a small business owner is on the line. Nonetheless you must do it! Use that scheduler, automatic e-mail and Facebook messenger responders and ‘leave’ the office at the end of the day!
  • Find a way to add a workout. Living in Wisconsin the winter blues can set-in and a daily walk or rand is hard, but I found that a large exercise ball substitutes well for a chair it keeps my core tight, and I guess it helps with brain function as well. 
  • ​​Meal prep. This might sound crazy since you are home already, but just because you work from home doesn’t mean you don’t have a ‘job’. By meal prepping you can cut down on unhealthy snacking which leads to poor brain function and it will also help you keep on task by not scrolling through Pinterest to see what you are hungry for and then finding you don’t have all the ingredients so you have to go to the store, you get the picture. Plus, your waistline will thank you for sticking to a well-balanced diet!
  • Keep deadlines. I have always worked better under deadlines and most other entrepreneurs do too. By maintaining a baseline of pressure on yourself you can laser focus in on your goals and beast-mode some fantastic stuff!
  • Use a cloud-based filing system. Not only is it more secure and safe, it also will cut down on the time trying to make sure you have all the right documents on your travel tablet or whatnot! I am a Google girl when it comes to longevity storing, but recently discovered how handy Microsoft’s OneDrive is as well! They both update in real-time are smartphone compatible and if you click on the links you will get a discount!
​Planning for success is key, and the 10 strategies above should help. Do you work from home? If, so what are your best tips for productivity? I would love to hear them, leave them in the comments before or share them on social media and tag me @jocelynjkopac!

If you’re looking for more content like this, be sure to check out my newsletter. It’s filled with insights like this and more about entrepreneurship, digital marketing and leadership!
54 Comments
Jessica Roessler
4/15/2018 08:48:19 pm

Jocelyn is very helpful and available to me when ever I have a question orneed something! She has worked very hard to get to where she is today and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:51:31 am

You are way too sweet! Glad I can help.

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Rose-Marie link
4/16/2018 05:23:40 am

Great tips! I am a big fan of productivity and love the tip about accountability! Rose @ Our House of Love

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:51:12 am

Accountability is at the root of most problems. Once that hurdle is crossed nothing can stop you!

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Melissa Javan link
4/16/2018 05:33:14 am

I think the "don't stay in PJs tip" is for me. These are good tips; I've found that to have accountability partners help.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:50:34 am

Reach out! Have a core 3 or 5 people that I consistently talk with to keep me on track. I am happy to do the same for others.

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Tiffany
4/16/2018 07:09:12 am

Google Drive...what a great suggestion! I've been working off a flash drive and feel i need to make a move :)

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:49:37 am

Oh girl! Step into the 21st century with me! If you need help just reachout!

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susie liberatore link
4/16/2018 08:00:06 am

I need to follow the get out of the house thing more for sure!!

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:49:08 am

I honestly love coffee shops because they don't judge you for sitting there for hours! :)

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Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine link
4/16/2018 08:05:08 am

Act as though you "don't" work at home!

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:48:28 am

Pretty much! Your livelihood depends on being motivated and efficient. Just like a regular job!

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Erin Haugerud
4/16/2018 10:43:34 am

These are good tips! I get asked a ton how I manage my time - it's a lot of discipline

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:47:31 am

Discipline is a great word!

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Katie link
4/16/2018 12:55:40 pm

These are such great tips. When I first started working from home it was great, but I felt lost at times. I finally found my groove, but I wish I would have stumbled upon these tips sooner.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:47:04 am

Ya I agree. I was 100% unprepared but once you find what works for you you do get in a groove.

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Hillary Gruener link
4/17/2018 01:17:39 am

I always stay in my pj's! Whoops. I do find that when I get ready for the day and workout beforehand, I feel much more productive. It also helps for me to have a set schedule.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:46:20 am

Yes the set schedule is definitely a mindset thing! Try a schedule, I am a fan of paper but Google calendar works just as well!

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Linda link
4/17/2018 05:08:17 am

Great list. #2 and #3 are awesome and ring so true for me! I love the idea of being intentional about getting out of my pj’s so I can handle my FB Lives in a more presentable light and getting out of the house - so I’m not stuck in a rut or distracted by the “every day” life.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:45:26 am

It is so important to be welcoming and yet comfy with your marketing. There definitely is a fine line between this is me and now I know too much about you. Ha happy video making!

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karen link
4/17/2018 08:52:31 am

Great tips! I love that you included getting in a little workout each day. It's so easy to stay strapped to our desks and seated. Movement helps spur productivity, so bring it on!

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:41:50 am

Yes my exercise ball is my bestfriend.

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Melanie link
4/17/2018 09:12:48 am

These are such great tips, especially taking some time to get out of the house. That really saves my sanity.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:41:21 am

Yes, yes, yes! Even if it is just browsing my local thrift store I find I am more ready for creativity afterwards.

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Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome link
4/17/2018 11:04:22 am

These are really great tips to keep yourself focus while working from home.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:40:13 am

So glad your found them insightful.

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Mimi link
4/17/2018 11:05:55 am

Working from home I know what the struggle is, I always get dressed and when I'm done working I take a shower, that waay I separate the two situations

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:39:47 am

What a great idea! I never have tried that I definitely will though!

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Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups link
4/17/2018 02:49:40 pm

Great tips, I think I would struggle with distraction working from home.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:39:14 am

It most definitely has it's learning curve, but once you get the hang of it it is so freeing!

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Marya link
4/17/2018 05:42:03 pm

So important to get dressed & keep moving. But it is tempting to stay in comfy pants all day!

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 07:38:31 am

Oh! I totally agree. I find buying comfy work clothes is the best option for me!

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patricia @ Grab a Plate link
4/17/2018 10:57:10 pm

There are super-fab tips! I soooooo need to build in some workout time! I'm trying, but it often escapes me. Thanks for sharing!

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 08:57:46 pm

I wish I had a good quick workout to share with you, but I haven't found one that I can stick to either. ;)

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Kelsey
4/18/2018 05:56:20 am

These are great tips! I have a home office, but I find myself doing a lot of work on the couch and I need to stop! I'm so much more productive when I'm sitting at a desk.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 08:58:21 pm

I totally do that too! And then I get sore, and then turn on Judge Judy. Bad haha

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Nicole | Glamorously You link
4/18/2018 08:02:54 am

I definitely have to work on getting out of the house more and meal prepping. I don't have an issue with bad snacking but sometimes I spend too much time cooking lunch and then it's hard for me to get back into the groove lol

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 09:00:42 pm

I find meal prepping definitely keeps me on track, plus my hubby likes it too.

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Bailey
4/18/2018 08:04:03 am

It's so important to get out of pjs (she says while sitting in her pjs on the couch). But seriously, it's a game changer.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 09:01:23 pm

I am answering this in my PJs but yes there is definitely a time and place!

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susie liberatore link
4/18/2018 09:11:29 am

YES YES to all this!! Getting out and managing time are my two things to work on!

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 09:03:15 pm

Those two go hand in hand!

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Shan Walker link
4/18/2018 09:27:49 am

These are awesome tips. I'm pinning to read once a week. lol

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 09:14:55 pm

That is exactly what I want to hear!

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AMY link
4/18/2018 02:53:58 pm

I love this, especially the tip about a designated workspace. I need to use my computer instead of my phone.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 09:03:56 pm

Oh yes! Help your eyes out use your computer!

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Kristin Cook link
4/18/2018 04:59:18 pm

These are great ideas. I think you are spot-on. I especially think getting out of your pjs and having a dedicated work-space is very important.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 09:14:10 pm

Glad you found it helpful! Stop back for this week's blog on Friday!

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Amy @ Orison Orchards link
4/18/2018 08:25:23 pm

My two biggest take-aways from this are: 1. Don't stay in my PJ's, and 2. Add an exercise routine. I flake out on both of those all the time, even though I know they will help my productivity. Great reminders!

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/18/2018 09:15:55 pm

Girl you and me both!

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Ashley link
4/19/2018 07:47:11 am

This list is just the motivation I need to get out of my PJ's today! I found this very useful. Thank you

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/23/2018 08:36:22 am

Get it girl!

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Di link
4/19/2018 06:01:35 pm

Getting out of the house for a walk is always a win-win for me: a little exercise & a mental health break. I come back sharper and more focused.

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Jocelyn Kopac
4/23/2018 08:36:59 am

I totally agree! It gets little hard in the Wisconsin winter, but as soon as Spring hits I am out and about!

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