Lifestyle Wednesdays - Creating habits when working in flexible environment

Freelancers, independent artists, writers and entrepreneurs have all the freedom of a flexible schedule. How does a flexible schedule differ from a 9 to 5 job , does it really make you less stressed?

Creating habits is very important when having a flexible schedule weather you are a freelancer or an entrepreneur to complete tasks effectively and keeping up with things on a daily basis. The reason people with flexible schedules find it harder to manage their time is because you alone are responsible for creating your schedule and keeping the deadlines.

To be as effective as possible is important to create habits, habits takes time to implement and sticking to it.

Here is a few steps to habits to creating habits that will put you on the right track.

1. Create a weekly schedule

Create a weekly schedule, writing down small daily deadline and a weekly goal to accomplish before the end of the week. To do lists and checklist by the begging and end of each day.

2. Mondays are the most important day

Use Mondays to establish what the rest of the week is going to look like. If any failed deadlines from previous week, get them done before moving on to new tasks.

3. Take breaks

Often when the work load become to much, we forget to take breaks and we keep going without any breaks. Studies have shown that taking a 10 minute break every 90 minutes helps your brain regain energy and work more effectively.

4. Stay consistant

The key to creating a habit is to repeat it constantly. Even though you might not have set hours working with a flexible schedule, it is important to keep some constancy in your schedule. Even if the habit occurs on different times every day. Try to find a rhythm to your work and you will find yourself automatically creating habits without even thinking about it.

5. Find motivation, think long term

Often when working as a freelancer or independently sometimes you get to a point where there is a lack of motivation and inspiration. During this time is it important to get back on track as soon as possible, the longer time passes the harder it gets to get back into it. Personalize your motivation everybody gets motivated by different things. Quotes, writing down accomplishments, positive feedback or just a treat to yourself after accomplishing a big deadline. Small things can lift your spirit up and get you even more motivated. Think on the long term effects and results from your work.

Learn to use your flexible schedule to your advantage and keep these small steps in mind when things gets too hectic . Enjoy being your own boss!