5 tips for motivation when working from home

Working from home has many fringe benefits, but no one is immune from an off day now and then. When lack of motivation strikes, use these five tips to regain your focus.

Determine the best time of day for specific tasks. Are you trying to force yourself to work a first-shift schedule when you're a second-shifter at heart? Honour your preferred way of working. If you're a night owl and tend to have your best creative ideas at night, save brainstorming for later hours. As long as you meet your deadlines and obligations, work when it feels best for you.

If your current workload seems daunting, divide it into manageable chunks and focus on just one task at a time. Depending on your personality and preferences, start with the most pressing tasks or the easiest projects. Setting smaller goals for yourself on a daily basis can make your work seem less overwhelming, allowing you to focus more effectively.

Many people find that technical or left-brained tasks, such as those involving math and number crunching, are best done early in the workday. Whether your workday starts at seven or 11, do tasks that require the most "mojo" or brain power first, while you're fresh.

If you're having trouble motivating yourself, partner with another self-employed person and motivate each other to stay focused. Whether you meet at a coffee shop and work together or do check-ins and goal setting by phone, feeling connected to others can go a long way in helping you stayand motivated.

Although one of your primary rewards for work is your paycheck, it's also nice to create markers and motivators during the week or day. Set up small rewards for yourself for when you meet your desired level of productivity. Rewards like lunch out with a friend, buying a small item you've had your eye on, or even a nap in the afternoon can help motivate you to stay at your desk until the work is complete.