Freelance writers often work from home. Sometimes you will have to avoid distractions throughout the day such as emails, pets, kids, neighbors, condo or apartment maintenance crew, sirens, and anything else that can distract you from writing. Combating distractions is an art form!
Working from home has it perks, but it takes discipline. Freelance writers have many clients, some of which enjoy using instant messenger. Make sure your clients know that during the day you’re writing and working on projects. This is why it’s imperative to set your hours. Let clients know when you are available. Of course, in the event of an emergency, you’ll want to speak with your clients.
Throughout the day, freelance writers can be distracted by thoughts and ideas. Make sure you take the time to write down your ideas then get back to work on your writing project. After all, one of those ideas could be a Million Dollar idea.
Stay-at-home moms enjoy working from home because they get to spend time with the kids instead of putting them in daycare. However, kids who constantly want “mommy” can distract you from completing your writing projects. You may consider hiring a baby sitter or putting your kids in a play group for the day. It sounds the same as day care, but it can be more fun. Sometimes play groups are limited to the amount of kids who can attend so it’s a win-win situation.
Tips to combat distractions
- Turn-off the television
- Wear ear plugs
- Work at an office
- Stop and write down any ideas you have then immediately go back to writing
- Turn off instant messenger for some time (make sure your clients can reach you by phone)
- Set your hours
- Hire a baby and or pet sitter
Freelance writers want to stay focused on their activities. Noise from the outside such as lawn maintenance can be very distracting (I know) when you’re writing. Do your best to “block out” the noise. You may want to wear ear plugs if the noise is too much for you to handle. The other alternative is to move, but that could be expensive.
Staying focused can be challenging for some freelance writers because they’re always in their head! One thought or idea can send you off on a tangent. Before you know it, you’re spending hours on Google researching “this or that.” The challenge for some freelance writers (me) is they enjoy researching and learning. You can always research on the weekends or on your free time — not on your clients’ time!
Rebecca
What distracts you from writing?