Here are some links to great articles that discuss being self-employed and staying on schedule. Enjoy!
http://selfemployment.suite101.com/blog.cfm/create_a_self_employment_schedule
http://www.rossrunkel.com/101/2006/07/daily_schedule.html
Success from the nest This one was GREAT!
Self-discipline
http://www.msfinancialsavvy.com/article.php?aId=268 This one really got me! I needed to read this…
Finally, some practical advice we all can use! Here it is, from “Quintessential Careers.com”:
Q: How can the self-employed worker discipline himself or herself to work outside the organizational structure of a typical workplace?
A: First, acknowledge that there is a greater discipline inherent in a work environment than the ease found at home.
Here are some suggestions the business owner can begin implementing over time:First and foremost, create a dedicated space for your work. It wasn’t fair for me to set boundaries for family members around talking to me or coming into my workspace when I claimed the dining room and kitchen as my office. I didn’t want to restrain their activities just because I chose to work in the space designed for cooking and eating. Only when I designed and executed a studio/office space next to our living area could I legitimately request privacy and quiet.
Set up specific hours during which you will not respond to any household needs (e.g., You will not put in another load of wash between 9 a.m. and noon).
Establish a business phone line and refrain from answering the “house” line during business hours. If necessary (I have Caller ID and can tell if I want to speak to the caller on the “house” line) I’ll answer the call “This is Jane Pollak.” That way, the caller knows that this is business as usual, not time for girl talk. A quick appointment can be made to have a chat later in the day at a mutually convenient time.
Limit distractions in the workplace — TV, for example, if you know that it will take you away from what you should be doing.
Create an hourly map for what you will accomplish. For example,
8:30 – 10 a.m.: write proposal for talk on Martha’s Vineyard
10am – 11:30 a.m.: design order for graduation gift egg
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.: check phone messages, email
12 – 2:30 p.m.: attend Entrepreneurial Woman’s Network luncheonStick with the plan. Most importantly, follow your own directions for the day. Map in time for relaxation, phone calls and email because they are realistic uses of your time.
