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Musings -
Police Yourself
As a child did you want to be a policeman or a fireman. Now is your chance; police yourself at your home office, 
and put out fires as they arise during the day.
The idea of working from home appeals to lots of people because it represents a freedom that you don't have in most offices. Unfortunately there is also a downside that most people don't consider; distractions, non-productiveness, and lack of direction. There may be days that you can't wait to get back in an office, and other days worthy of champagne.
Among the most important things you need to work at home is a dedicated space; a space that is taboo to anybody else. While this is a requirement of the IRS to make you eligible for home business deductions, it is essential to your success. Stock your home office with all the tools you will need to get your work done efficiently, printer, computer,  office supplies, and coffeepot. You will also need to set boundaries with your family so they realize the importance of your space; this includes "borrowing" school supplies or just hanging out without
an invitation.
Creating structure is the key to working at home vs. going to the "office" You will find that you are more productive and more satisfied if you create a schedule and stick to it like glue. Decide for yourself what the best times are to the unpleasant vs. the creative. Assess what times you are most alert and schedule your most difficult tasks for these times; you will have a wonderful feeling of satisfaction crossing them off the list. Tom Hopkins taught me many years ago to write down the five most important things you have to do tomorrow at the end of your day. This will give you the bones of your to do list.
Don't forget to include less intense times in your schedule. These may be the time where you answer email or other correspondence or catch up on reading. Your schedule also should reflect when you are going to check and respond to social media; we suggest before work, at midday and after work so you have a routine and don't get tempted to over  indulge. Remember, social media can be a major time suck if you don't tame it to your schedule.
Having a dedicated place to work and a schedule are the basic tools you need to keep distractions at bay and be successful with a home office.
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