There’s nothing quite like looking back on the day as it comes to a close and seeing results - knowing that you’ve actually accomplished something. My mood in the evenings when I’ve had a productive day is entirely different from days when I’m not getting stuff done. I can be exhausted from working my butt off, but the thrill of accomplishment makes the exhaustion worthwhile.

Compare that with the feeling when you’ve been wasting time and blowing off work. Oh, you’ve done a great job of kidding yourself. You’ve been busting hump all day - just look at how much time you’ve spent at the computer. But inside, you’re well aware of the deceit - the lack of any real work getting done.

Who Are You Fooling?

Working in constant panic and fire drill mode, especially for a work at home parent, is a disaster. Things fall through the cracks and you start ending the day ticked at yourself for wasting a whole day. Then during that important evening family time, you waste it by thinking about what you didn’t get done. Maybe you even get a little snippy and moody. Being productive makes for a much smoother home-business and can make for a more peaceful home.

Stop kidding yourself. If you are just treading water, eventually you’re going to drown. That is unless you reach for a life preserver - start by making a productivity plan.

Focusing on Productivity

Do you have a productivity plan? Are you a member of the [1] GTD set, or perhaps a [2] Mac-n-Merlin enthusiast? I lean toward grid-paper, mixed with some [3] DYI Planner, my own [4] flow template, and a little
Printable CEO thrown in. No mater what you use, it’s better than keeping it in your head. Just the act of making a list can help thrust you into a cycle of productive work.

Make a plan, no matter how simple, and follow it. Things will constantly come up, so make sure it’s flexible. By giving yourself a map to follow, you are much better equipped to have a productive day.

The thrill of productivity can have a huge impact on your business and your home life - but unfortunately so can the agony of deceit.