“Sorry I couldn’t answer the phone when you called. I was working from home.” – Anonymous
Welcome to The Vibe!
The only weekly blog that shows up early at the supermarket but doesn’t hoard all the paper towels.
Each week we discuss ONE IDEA that will help you live a better life.
This week’s topic is WORKING FROM HOME.
If you think this post is helpful, please forward to a friend.
Just remember to stay six feet away at all times.
Let’s do this…
The Vibe: Home Work
Week #2 of lockdown in progress.
One of our many new challenges is our new office.
We are all suddenly WORKING FROM HOME.
Just one problem…
Our entire family is home as well.
24/7.
We are taking conference calls in the mud room.
The sounds of Fortnight in the background.
Being asked to make waffles just when you unmute your line to speak up.
Interesting times.
At first glance, working from home sounds amazing.
There are defiantly some advantages.
The commute, dress code and free coffee come to mind.
But home base is filled with DISTRACTIONS.
It can be one of the most challenging environments to get real work done.
I think the advice is average at best.
With all due respect to Harvard, I’d like to share some ideas to fill in the gaps.
These HOME WORK ideas are from the busiest and most accomplished people I ever came across.
How To Do Your Home Work:
1) Get Up Early
This is by far the most effective idea on being productive at home.
No one wants to talk to you at 5am.
The early morning is gold.
It’s distraction free.
You have time to think.
Your mind is fully charged.
Added bonus: You get to see the sunrise.
Waking up early is THE most time tested way through out history to have a productive day.
Two thousand years ago Aristotle said, “It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.”
There is no substitute for getting up early.
2) Know Your ONE THING
If you only could get ONE THING done today what would it be?
That’s your #1 priority.
Author Gary Keller calls this your ONE THING.
Everything else is just a distraction or back ground noise.
We don’t have time to get everything done.
But we always have time for our #1 priority.
What’s your ONE THING?
Get focused.
Get going.
3) Set A Schedule
Put your schedule on the fridge.
Have your partner do the same.
Communication is key.
Start the day knowing who and when everyone is on kid duty.
This reduces a ton friction.
4) Take Lots of Breaks.
Go for walk with your kids.
Working from home is about being PRODUCTIVE, not punching a clock.
Fresh minds do great work.
4.5) Cut Some Slack
Give yourself (and everyone else) some slack.
This is a new environment for everybody.
Your kids will remember this crazy time.
Our job as parents is to make it a great memory.
All we can do is ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES.
And let’s cut everyone some slack along the way.
Be well…
#HomeWork
Until next week,
Joe Ciccarone
The Vibe 