Setting Timers

How do I get more freelance work? Well, every time I put my head down and get to work, more work comes my way.

Yet… I have these urges pulling me in other directions…Let me throw in a load of laundry…Now I’ll make a pot of coffee…Gee, the kitchen sink could use a good cleaning…Hey, there is a new magazine on the dining room table...On and on and on.

​Sound familiar?
 
When you work from home, it is essential to stay productive. Why? Because our incomes are directly linked to the amount of writing, researching, and pitching we do on a daily basis. Yet, if you are anything like me, you’ll find it is easy to get distracted by day-to-day life. That’s why I use timers.
 
I know about the Pomodoro Technique but my approach is a bit less structured. I simply set a timer for 20 minutes and get started.
 
Somedays, if I happen to catch a flow, I’ll keep going and forgo using a timer for the rest of the day. Because, really, if you are on a roll you are on a roll! I love being in the zone of productivity.
 
Of course, there are also days when my mind is racing. Then, the timer is helpful to get smaller bits of work done. Nuggets that have to get checked off my master list. Those days, I’ll set the timer for 20 minutes again and again, completing smaller tasks.
 
Benefits of using a timer:

• I’m focused on the task in front of me. No email, no social media. Just the task.
• Daunting projects feel manageable. Stretch assignments can be scary. But, once you get started, you can see which elements to tackle first.
• It helps me manage my workload. A bit of time on every project is a guarantee they are all moving forward. This is absolutely necessary when you are working on multiple projects.
• Gets me on track. For me, timers can be especially helpful in the morning. Once I dive into the work, I get motivated and excited, and that is the sweet spot where good work thrives.

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Do you set timers to get work done? How does it help you?

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