Are you a freelancer who is always on the go? Do you find it hard to stay productive when you’re not in your own office? If so, you’re not alone. Staying productive while working from home can be challenging, especially if you’re used to working in an office environment. This article will share six tips for staying productive while working from the road.
Make a list of the tasks you need to complete
Listing out the tasks you need to complete can help you stay focused and on track. When you have a list of things to do, it’s easier to prioritize and stay organized. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with a simple to-do list and add items as you go. You can try listing techniques, including the Pomodoro technique and the Eisenhower matrix.
Pomodoro technique
The Pomodoro technique is a time management strategy that can break down work into manageable chunks. To use this technique:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task until the timer goes off.
- Once the timer goes off, take a five-minute break.
- Repeat this process four times and take a more extended break (15-20 minutes) after the fourth Pomodoro.
Eisenhower matrix
The Eisenhower matrix is a prioritization tool that can help you determine which tasks are urgent and essential and which ones can be put on the back burner. To use this technique, list out all of your duties and then categorize them as follows:
- Urgent and important: These tasks need to be completed immediately.
- Important, but not urgent: These are tasks that are important but can wait.
- Urgent, but not important: These tasks may be urgent but aren’t necessarily important.
- Not urgent and not important: These tasks can be put on the back burner.
By categorizing your tasks, you can prioritize what needs to be done first and save the less important tasks for later.
Invest in a good travel laptop bag
If you’re working from the road, investing in a good laptop bag that can protect your computer from bumps and bruises is essential. A good laptop bag also has plenty of pockets for storing your charger, mouse, and other accessories. For digital nomads, some accessories you may want to consider packing in your laptop bag include:
- An extra charger: Laptops use a lot of power, so it’s always a good idea to pack a spare charger in your bag. This way, you’ll never be caught without a charge.
- A portable mouse: A portable mouse can be a lifesaver when working on the go. If you don’t have one, consider investing in one. It will make working on your laptop much easier.
- A noise-canceling headset: If you’re working in public places, a noise-canceling headset can help you focus by blocking distractions.
- An external hard drive: An external hard drive can come in handy if you need to back up your work or transfer files between devices.
- A power bank: A power bank can be a lifesaver when working on the go. If you don’t have one, consider investing in one. It will come in handy if you ever need to charge your laptop or other devices while on the go.
Take advantage of technology
Technology is your friend when you’re working from the road. Several apps and tools can help you stay productive while working from your laptop.
Some of these tools include:
- Cloud storage: Cloud storage can be a godsend for digital nomads. Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud allow you to store your files in the cloud to access them from anywhere.
- Project management tools: Project management tools can help you stay organized and on track. Services like Asana, Trello, and Basecamp allow you to create to-do lists, set deadlines and track progress.
- Communication tools: Communication tools like Slack, Skype, and Zoom allows you to stay in touch with your team while working from the road.
Taking advantage of technology can make working from the road much easier.
Find a place to work that suits your needs
When you’re working from the road, finding a place to work that suits your needs is essential. If you need peace and quiet to focus, look for a quiet cafe or co-working space. Consider working from a busy cafe or co-working space if you prefer working with background noise.
Some things to keep in mind when looking for a place to work include:
- Wi-Fi: Make sure the place you’re planning to work has Wi-Fi. This way, you’ll be able to connect your laptop and get online.
- Outlets: Make sure the place has outlets available so you can charge your devices.
- Comfortable seating: You’ll spend a lot of time sitting, so ensure the seating is comfortable.
Finding a place to work that suits your needs can make working from the road much easier.
Take breaks often
When working from the road, it’s essential to take breaks often. Working long hours can be draining, so take a break every few hours. However, if you feel like you’re wasting time, there are many ways to take a break that can actually be productive.
Some productive ways to take a break include:
- Exercise: Taking a few minutes to exercise can help you rejuvenate and re-energize. If you don’t have time for a full workout, consider taking a brisk walk or doing some stretching.
- Meditate: Meditation can help you clear your mind and relax. If you don’t have time for an entire meditation session, consider doing some deep breathing exercises.
- Read: Reading can help you learn new things and escape from work for a while. If you don’t have time to read an entire book, consider reading articles or blogs related to your work.
- Listen to podcasts: Podcasts can be a great way to learn new things or be entertained. If you don’t have time to listen to an entire podcast, consider watching shorter YouTube videos on the same topic.
Celebrate your successes!
As a freelancer, a lot of the journey will be spent alone. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to celebrate your successes. When you work for yourself, there will be no company-wide email announcing your accomplishments or staff parties to congratulate you – it’s up to you to pat yourself on the back.
Some ways to celebrate your successes include:
- Treating yourself: When you reach a milestone or accomplish something great, treat yourself! This can be anything from buying yourself a new book, taking a day off, or going out for a nice meal.
- Telling your friends and family: Tell your friends and family about your successes. They’ll be happy to hear about your accomplishments, and they’ll be there to support you through the tough times.
- Recording your successes: Keep track of your accomplishments by recording them in a journal or blog. This will help you reflect on your achievements and help keep you motivated.
- Giving back: One of the best ways to celebrate your success is to give back. When you reach a milestone, consider donating to a charity or organization you care about. This can bring a sense of fulfillment and help you make a difference.
Make sure to take a step back and celebrate your successes, big or small. This will help you stay motivated and inspired to keep going.
Final thoughts
Working from the road as a freelancer can be challenging, but it’s also gratifying. By following the tips we’ve provided, you’ll be able to make working from the road much more manageable.
Make sure to take breaks often and find a place to work that suits your needs. When you reach milestones, celebrate your successes by treating yourself, telling your friends and family, or giving back. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey – after all, you’re doing what you love!
