WAHM Biz Tip: Set a Schedule

Posted on 28. Dec, 2009 by Mary Lutz in WAHM Biz Tips

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If you’ve been working from home any length of time, you’ve probably noticed how easy it is to get side tracked and then off track. Next thing you know, you’re behind schedule or haven’t made any progress at all. One of the best ways to counteract this problem is by setting a schedule. I know, I know, one of the main reasons you love working from home is because you’re your own boss and you no longer have to adhere to someone else’s schedule. And that is still true! Remember, you’re your own boss so the schedule you set is still yours. It will revolve around your lifestyle, your family, your activities and your business goals…not anyone else’s.

What to use:

One of the best tools for creating a schedule, in my opinion, is Google Calendar. The beauty of it is you can have several different calendars in one spot…now that’s what I call efficient! I’ve explained how I set up and use Google Calendar in a previous post, so I’m not going to rehash that here so be sure to click on the link and then come back here when you’re done.

Lynette Chandler has also provided a free 2010 blogging calendar which is great especially if you’re a blogger.

No matter which calendar you use, the point is to find one that works for you, that you’ll stick with and that’s convenient and easy to use.

How to set a schedule:

Some people find it difficult to stick to a schedule…me being one of those people. I tend to be more spontaneous and let life happen as it comes up. This has gotten me in trouble in the past because it can cause me to get behind in my work, then I have to play catch up all the time and have had to miss out on some other fun activities.

So, starting out the New Year, I created another calendar in Google where I plan each week, day by day, hour by hour or by blocks of hours. You can do the same. Here’s an example of a day on my “work” calendar:

7am to 8am: 1 hour of quiet time (with the Lord)
8 to 8:30: Fat Loss Quickie Workout
8:30 to 9:00: Shower/get ready for the day (yes it only takes me that long…look for future post showing how I do it)
9:00 to 10:00: Check email/add new Twitter Followers/check Facebook
10 to 10:30: break time
10:30 to 11:30 client work (I pick a project that can be done in an hour)
11:30 to 12:30: Blogging time-Post a blog here on Efficient WAHM
12:30 to 1:00: lunch time
1:00 to 3:30: client work-I choose a larger project that I can and need to devote that much time to
3:30 to 4:30: break time (I might do the dishes if needed or laundry and grab a healthy snack or play on Face book, start dinner, etc.)
4:30 to 5:30: client work-finish up any unfinished projects or I might use this time to Twitter, go through my Google reader and comment on others blogs.

Obviously you can adjust the schedule to fit your life and plan, and it’s especially helpful if you have little ones in school so you can be sure to use the hours you have available to focus on your business.

One of the most important things to remember when setting a schedule is to think realistically. I know I’ll get tired of sitting in front of the computer all day which is why I schedule breaks and lunch time. Plus as a work at home person you have dinner, dishes, laundry and clutter to contend with, so be sure to allow yourself some time to do those things. If you’re like me I have to purposely set my schedule in order to stick to it. I can’t just think about it in my head…I’ll get sidetracked too easily and lose focus. Oh that reminds me, during your client work times, close Facebook, email and Twitter. It will help you stay focused on the task at hand.

What do you use to help you stay focused and on task? Which calendar or planner do you prefer? Feel free to share in the comments below.

photo credit: cireremarc