This semester, I am required to complete a "service-learning" project for my PR class. The best way to describe a SL project is that it sort of relates to an internship: I have to put in a certain amount of hours, it's all for credit, and I have to do work related to my field. I was lucky to be partnered up with EPU-Children's Center. I definitely scored since all the work I'm assigned can be completed from home. I am helping with their annual fundraiser event in June. I had to post the event on all the community calendars, and I am now currently updating a media contact list, drafting a press release, and then sending the press release to all the main people on that contact list. I thought it would be easy, a walk-in-the-park. I was naive. Working from home is tough and you need to be disciplined. So, I want to share with you tips that have been working for me, and sometimes I am still working on them.
1.) PRIORITIZE: On top of the SL project, I have mountain-like piles of homework, my internship, work, make time for friends, spend time with family, and my sorority functions. It is important to create a list detailing all the main projects that are due, starting from the most important to the least important. Unfortunately, my blog as taken a back-burner because I have been labeling everything more important than creating new content for my blog. This tip I am still trying to master, but it has helped. Know your priorities and write them down.
2.) EARLY BIRD GET THE WORM: After making my daily to-do lists and checking my agenda, if I see that I have no time in the day to work on my SL project, I make a note that I need to go to bed early that night so I can work up early the next morning. Get up early and start your day off right by completing a project. Getting up early has helped me SO MUCH with my SL project because I blocked up this time frame just specifically for this project and it mentally prepares me for the whole day. I feel good about myself when I start the day off right like that, which sets the whole tone for your day.
3.) BE REALISTIC: When making your to-do list and weekly goals, set realistic goals. One day about a week or so ago, I thought I could get up early to work on my SL project, go to school all day, work on homework right when I got back home, eat dinner, take a shower, work on my blog, and then more homework.....the day after staying up late to complete more homework. That day was an epic fail. It is ok to realize that you are putting too much on your plate. Be smart, be realistic, and prioritize throughout the week.
4.) OPEN COMMUNICATION: If you feel overwhelmed, or fall behind a project, let your boss know. I really fell behind everything when I got sick and once I was feeling better, all I focused my time on was catching up on school. I sent an email to my boss describing my situation and said "I just wanted to keep you in the loop so you are aware I am still committed to my work." Your boss will appreciate that open line of communication.
As I said, I am no pro yet at these tips. BUT! They are currently helping me and I am still learning. If anything comes up, I will let you all know. What about you? How do you stay productive working at home? Tell me your tips over Twitter! Until next time...
~Selina
1.) PRIORITIZE: On top of the SL project, I have mountain-like piles of homework, my internship, work, make time for friends, spend time with family, and my sorority functions. It is important to create a list detailing all the main projects that are due, starting from the most important to the least important. Unfortunately, my blog as taken a back-burner because I have been labeling everything more important than creating new content for my blog. This tip I am still trying to master, but it has helped. Know your priorities and write them down.
2.) EARLY BIRD GET THE WORM: After making my daily to-do lists and checking my agenda, if I see that I have no time in the day to work on my SL project, I make a note that I need to go to bed early that night so I can work up early the next morning. Get up early and start your day off right by completing a project. Getting up early has helped me SO MUCH with my SL project because I blocked up this time frame just specifically for this project and it mentally prepares me for the whole day. I feel good about myself when I start the day off right like that, which sets the whole tone for your day.
3.) BE REALISTIC: When making your to-do list and weekly goals, set realistic goals. One day about a week or so ago, I thought I could get up early to work on my SL project, go to school all day, work on homework right when I got back home, eat dinner, take a shower, work on my blog, and then more homework.....the day after staying up late to complete more homework. That day was an epic fail. It is ok to realize that you are putting too much on your plate. Be smart, be realistic, and prioritize throughout the week.
4.) OPEN COMMUNICATION: If you feel overwhelmed, or fall behind a project, let your boss know. I really fell behind everything when I got sick and once I was feeling better, all I focused my time on was catching up on school. I sent an email to my boss describing my situation and said "I just wanted to keep you in the loop so you are aware I am still committed to my work." Your boss will appreciate that open line of communication.
As I said, I am no pro yet at these tips. BUT! They are currently helping me and I am still learning. If anything comes up, I will let you all know. What about you? How do you stay productive working at home? Tell me your tips over Twitter! Until next time...
~Selina