As a freelancer, your time is your own and you’re free to work anywhere. Being your own boss and building a strong, profitable business from the ground up is the stuff that dreams are made of. However, despite these freedoms, finding motivation and keeping your levels of productivity high isn’t as easy as it sounds. Working from home (or anywhere) can be full of distractions that make it difficult to concentrate and ensure you’re hitting those targets and deadlines effectively.
If you’re managing multiple projects, as well as all the other responsibilities that come with being a freelancer, it doesn’t take much for all these obligations to overwhelm you. So, with this in mind let’s explore how you can give your productivity a boost as a freelancer. Read on to find out more.
Streamline Your Invoicing Process
Getting paid is essential, but that doesn’t make the invoicing process any less laborious and complex. Many freelancers stumble when it comes to sending out invoices, and it’s a problem that slows their productivity and leaves them vulnerable to mistakes. By investing in the Google Docs invoice template from FreshBooks, you’ll be able to streamline your invoicing process, send out accurate and automated invoices and get paid on time – every time. Stronger management of your invoices means less time spent chasing payments and writing out dozens of documents every month.
Set A Working Schedule and Stick to It
One of the pros of being a freelancer is that you’re not committed to a strict 9-5 working day. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t develop your own working schedule. Choosing a selection of set working hours that works for you, will help you maintain good levels of productivity and ensure you’re in a professional, working mood.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks may sound counterproductive, however, studies have shown that regular short breaks can maintain those levels of productivity and help you focus on the task at hand. Use your break time wisely, even if it’s just ten minutes every hour, go for a quick walk, drink some water, move your body or have a snack, just make sure you get away from your desk and your screen.
Remove Distractions
Distractions are a productivity killer, therefore you must remove as many of them as possible. Work away from the TV, ask your roommates or partner to keep the noise down whilst you’re working and ask friends and family not to call around during your working hours.
Distractions also come in the form of emails, social media and the internet. So, rather than being sucked into a doom scrolling scenario, set time aside specifically – like during your breaks – to scroll social media or set time aside in the morning to check your emails. Blocking distracting sites can also be beneficial.
And Finally, Reward Yourself
You’ve done a good job! So you should be rewarded for your efforts. Whether it’s a new pair of shoes, a meal out or an indulgent lunch, treating yourself for a job well done will keep you motivated and eager to work even harder.