Tips For Working Smart as a Distant Assistant
Working at home during the pandemic has oddly made us feel like we’re not being as productive compared to working in the office. Budget Bender shares a few tips for being productive as a Distant Assistant.
Productivity Tips
1. Establishing Routine
Creating a list of things to do for the day helps you from straying. Tasks are better met when your list is posted somewhere very visible in your work area. This also helps you avoid procrastinating or overworking yourself.
Do the list for a couple more times until you develop a daily habit. Setting work hours also helps, especially when your job doesn’t necessarily have fixed working hours.
Knowing when to start working and knowing when to stop can also help a lot. This is very applicable to those who do not have fixed schedule for work. Household chores and other tasks at home can take away one’s time and focus. Knowing which task takes precedence can help.
Related Post: Top Reasons Why People Decide to Work from Home
2. Creating your own workspace.
Having a space all to yourself can be a great boost in productivity and gives you a sense of having your own office. Decorate this area according to your preference. This space will make you feel less pressured.
The nook that you create for yourself will help you concentrate on your work. If you are comfortable where you’re sitting, work can get done quicker.
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Place a few items such as a motivational poster or a picture of whoever inspires you. This is a nice afterthought which can encourage you as well.
3. Work SMART
Make a list of daily goals which are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. These goals will help you figure out which tasks to do first.
Getting to do the easiest tasks helps you move on to the bigger ones faster. It allows you to have more time to focus on the harder ones.
As a Distant Assistant, the list also helps you keep track of your progress, and how quick you’re getting at finishing tasks. It also helps you set long-term and short-term goals, and have daily targets.
4. Setting Healthy Boundaries
Make sure to have time for yourself. A busy workload is understandable, especially for those who have been working at home. Have yourself a short reprieve from work.
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Also clear the line between your job and your other tasks at home. According to Budget Bender, work is just one aspect of your life, and should not take precedence in your daily on-goings.
Having a clear timeframe helps you differentiate your household tasks and your job. You must not allow them to overlap. Avoid overworking yourself just because you are at home.
Related: How Distant Assistants Manage Their Time
5. No Multitasking
Finish one thing at a time. It can be hard not to do two things at the same time, like cooking and finishing a report, but you have to remember that it will take you more time to finish two tasks at once.
Conclusion
Working at home is no easy feat. Household chores are abundant, and your job can be demanding as well. If there were more than 24 hours a day, you would probably be needing all of those.
However, this can take a toll on your health and on your personal life. Having a clear definition of work-life balance is key to better time management. All these are the embodiment of working smart as a Distant Assistant.
About Jaime Jay
Meet Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's a master connector, an entrepreneur extraordinaire, and a published author who knows how to get things done.
Before he found his way to the business world, Jaime served his country as a brave paratrooper in the U.S. Army. But that's just the beginning of his many accomplishments.
He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for entrepreneurs everywhere.
When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the countryside and taking in the invigorating effects of Uitwaaien – a Dutch practice that involves facing the wind to boost health and relieve stress.
He enjoys spending his free time outside building stuff with his wife, Nikita the dog and their two kittens (for now at least) Tommy and Tater.
He is ‘over-the-moon’ happily married to his wonderful wife Sara, his amazing daughter, Jessica, who is serving our country as a United States Army soldier. Jaime and Sara are the proud grand parents of two beautiful little girls.
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Quit Repeating Yourself provides guidance for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and managers to help prevent unknown challenges from ruining their business.
