1# Set goals to stay motivated
The first thing to do to stay motivated in the long term is to set goals. But be careful, not just any goals!
Your goals must be achievable, measurable and determined over time.
Simply saying that you want to increase your turnover or simply spend more time with your family does not work. They are not concrete enough.
Examples of valid goals:
Increase my sales by 50% by July 1, 2020;
Stop working weekends as of next month;
Sign a new freelance assignment before the end of the month;
Complete such and such a project before such and such a date;
Once you have determined your goals, break them down into sub-goals and tasks. Not only will this allow you to set up an efficient action plan, but your goals will also seem more accessible.
When you have a slump, look at your list of goals again. Take the opportunity to measure the work you have already accomplished. You can even represent your progress in a visual form (graphs, diagrams...) to motivate yourself even more!
2# Set up a comfortable and inspiring workplace
Work from home
As a freelancer, you have the chance to design your workplace as you wish. Don't hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity to create a place conducive to concentration and creativity!
The ideal is of course to have a room entirely dedicated to your activity. But if you don't have the possibility, a curtain, a glass roof or even a wall of slats to separate a space in two can make all the difference.
From a decoration point of view, pay particular attention to the light. Give preference to natural light as much as possible. Complete with a few spotlights in strategic places.
Dare to add photos, paintings, plants and various accessories for a personalized and warm workplace. It is essential that you feel good there!
Finally, don't forget the centerpiece: your desk! Don't be afraid to invest in a large desk with storage and a comfortable chair. You'll be spending a lot of your day there, so make sure you're comfortable.
If you feel comfortable in your office, you'll be more motivated to work.
3# Find a routine that works for you
Now that you've got your goals set and a nice place to work, it's time to get into a routine! And that starts with setting a schedule.
Setting a work schedule
For some people, not setting a time for the start and end of the work day is a recipe for procrastination. For others, it's an opportunity to work 15 hours a day (or more) and therefore neglect their private life.
Take breaks
Next, schedule breaks in your schedule. Real breaks! Not just 5 minutes every hour to go smoke a cigarette or drink a coffee.
Include a lunch break of at least 30 minutes in your schedule. Eat wherever you want, but not at your computer. And certainly not while working!
Also, give yourself some time to get some fresh air: go for a walk, do some sports, tidy up the house, read a book... It's good not to always have your nose to the grindstone! You'll be more productive when you return.
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