Flexible Working Life

One thing I constantly mull over as a freelancer, is how I can increase my turnover.
I love my job and I’m lucky to have a steady stream of ideas and work coming in, but when I look back over my week, there seems to be a lot of time that I can’t account for.

I want to produce articles more quickly, get more efficient with my research, get commissions quicker and generally stop messing about. I think it must be the same with any freelancing position, there is always the question about increasing your turnover.

The points listed below are things that I’m going to try out next week and hopefully make them a habit and increase my productivity.

1. Make lists
I do this at the moment, but my list always seems to get lost when I’m half way through and then I have to start a new one and by then, everything has changed. I suppose this should read, ‘Make lists and don’t lose them.’ And, ‘Finish one thing on the list before starting another.’ And ‘Prioritize the list.’
I made a list yesterday where ‘Shop for black bag’ was before, ‘Invoicing.’ What’s the saying here? Something about a cart and a horse? I have seen this program and think I’ll give it go. Having a list as a constant reminder on my homepage should help keep me focused.

2. Sort out email
I have been reading a lot lately about how you should only check your email once a day.
I have my email open all the time in the background as I’m working and notifying me of new messages. This takes me away from my work and into my mail. Not good.
Before I know it, I’m replying to things on forums and it’s four o’clock already. I also need to clear my inbox, I have emails in there from August 2007! Another thing I’m going to do is set up lots of mailing groups. One for all research groups I use, one for all the PR people etc. That would save a lot of time so I’m not searching around for addresses for hours.
3. Group work into categories
I’m going to use a diary and actually plan my weeks work. This sounds like something I should be doing already, and I do, but in a crazy way. I’m now going to look at work I have to do throughout the upcoming week that’s similar and group it together. So, I’ll do all my interviews on one day all my research on another day – the thought being that if I’m ‘in the zone’ I’ll be more productive in that area.

4. Create consistent habits and routines
This goes back to planning. I’m writing a book at the moment and every day I realise I haven’t got around to writing anything. From now on, I’m going to take an hour first thing in the morning and write it. Everyday.
Each Monday I’ll look at the week ahead and see if I can group work together. Then I’ll plan my day by making and prioritizing lists.

5. Prepare the night before
At the end of each day, I’m going to look at all the stuff I’ve completed and congratulate myself before looking at the stuff I haven’t done and feeling despondent.
Then I’ll work on that stuff and get prepared for the following day. Any phone numbers I need, or email addresses I’ll get together and I’ll have an idea of what tomorrow will consist of.

6.Focus
I’m going to focus on each task as I do it.
I have a bad habit of thinking of other things whilst working, like if I get an idea for something, I’ll leave what I’m doing to pursue that –research it on the internet or email someone. No more. I’m going to add anything that distracts me to my to do list and complete the task I’m working on.

I’m also going to truly enjoy the task that I’m doing. I love my job, I love my life and I don’t want to spend any time of it not being present. I have to stop thinking about the future and worrying about past events and put all my energy into the present and by doing that, hopefully I should be much more productive and happier.

Stumble it!