As you know I’m a freelancer, so income will somewhat depend on how efficient I work on my projects. Although I’m not a big fan of procrastination but as a mommy, I tend to find excuses for myself to prolong the time to start work.

Time is precious to me whatever I have left after all the chores around the house are complete. Sometimes, I procrastinate work to squeeze a little ‘me time’ for myself to catch a breather. However, the below are what I think – unnecessary distractions that I often avoid in order to focus on my freelancing projects.

Game Apps

Oh yes, they tend to be my downfall. I can spend more time on a game app than on social media. Far too much time has slipped out of my hands chasing endless goals on Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog.

Netflix

Oh, I can be so stuck for a few hours chasing drama series. Whether it is Riverdale or Scandal, I’m so hardcore that I once I have started watching, it will take a power failure to pull me away from the screen.

Books

While reading is not a bad thing, it can be if you are like me burying myself in a book skipping meals. Good writing can take me to faraway lands and into the realm of fantasy. I could start a book in the morning and the next time I look up, it will be at night. And the only time I look up, probably because I need to use the toilet.

So I did all I can to identify my distractions and make sure I set boundaries to create a much more productive environment.

Boundaries Set!

Limitations

Rather than to remove my distractions totally, I set a place and a time limit that I can only indulge myself with those. For game apps, I turned off all the notifications (I don’t really care if My Tom is starving right now) and only allow myself one game app a day and only when I’m winding down for the day. Usually, I’m pretty drained out so I won’t even be on my phone for more than half an hour before calling it quits.

Rewards

If I get over a particular task that I have been procrastinating for the longest time (we’ve all been there), I’ll reward myself by indulging myself with an episode of my current favorite drama series. As I usually wait for the drama series to be at least 2 Seasons before I start bingeing, I’m in no rush to complete the serial.

Winding Down

My motivation to slough it out comes from the thought of winding down at the end of the day. If I particularly have a tough day, I’ll make sure I wind down with a good book to relax. A glass of red wine, a hot bubble bath and a cuddly cat on my lap are optional to my winding down session.

Unlike working in a fixed hours job, you have somewhere to go to, a certain time to reach your workplace, freelancing is very much dependent on how much you want to output. The more hours you put in, the more you earned. This means you really need to be disciplined when comes to eliminating your distractions. However, do keep in mind that all work no play makes no sense in enjoying the benefits that come with freelancing – freedom to pursue your passion.

I’ve reveal mine so it’s your turn. So what are your distractions? Come and share with us in the comments below.

Want to learn how to be productive as a freelancer? Check out these articles:

Staying Productive as a Freelancer

8 Mistakes To Avoid While Working From Home

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