How do you stay on task?
Interview with Cecilia, a content writer managing her remote career in Dubai
First of all, by blocking all distractions using the apps, I mentioned above.
However, I believe distractions are not a sign of laziness, but fatigue or boredom. So when I notice I'm getting distracted, I just take a 10-minute break.
That means getting up and away from my computer. I make tea, get a snack, or even stand in the balcony for a few minutes. I've found that to stay creative and focused; it's better to take breaks rather than force myself to stay on task when my mind is telling me it needs some rest.
Also, when I notice I'm distracted, I remind myself of my priorities. Is Instagram more important than my work? If it isn't, why am I spending time on Instagram when I need to be working? There's a time to scroll through my social media feeds, and there's a time to work.
Cecilia got her start translating blog posts, and in 2018 she went fully remote. See her tips for managing an international remote work career.
Read full interview from Interview with Cecilia, a content writer managing her remote career in Dubai.
Interview with Pola, a Paris-based content writer
By limiting distractions. That could be silencing the phone, changing online status to “do not disturb,” or not checking emails right as they come in. If I’m looking at a blank page too long, doing a few stretches can help. Oh, and coffee!
A job ad in an online group led Pola to find her ideal career as a content writer—see her remote work & job seeking takeaways.
Read full interview from Interview with Pola, a Paris-based content writer.
Interview with Mehmet, a nomadic digital maker and entrepreneur
Disconnect as much as you can. Go offline, if possible.
In this always-connected era, all of our tools require connectivity. As an engineer, I always try to have my development environments somewhat offline-ready. This step allows me to do some creative work or bootstrap some mini-tool for myself while I take a flight. This also helps if I have bad WI-FI in a weird location (like up in the mountains) or a coffee shop.
To me, the best productivity is when I am “not communicating.” As remote-teams, we tend to go heavier on “communication” and put importance on “presence.” This can be a big enemy for productivity and focus.
Mehmet has embraced his remote team leadership style. Hear about his most helpful productivity trick and why he has "quiet" days for his staff.
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Interview with John, an international business writer sharing 15 years of insights
I take breaks when I need them, so when I return to work, I’m motivated to continue.
For over a decade, John has worked as an international business writer. See his insights on the state of remote work, freelancing, and attracting clients who are the right fit.
Read full interview from Interview with John, an international business writer sharing 15 years of insights.
Interview with Alyssa, a copywriter and content strategist
I use time blocking to make sure I'm staying focused on my most critical tasks. If I'm writing or editing, I'll listen to instrumental music. If I'm doing lighter work like marketing or admin, I'll listen to podcasts. I always like to have something to listen to.
“Life seems to go on without effort when I am filled with music.” ― George Eliot
Alyssa has found her rhythm as a freelancer and founder of the blog, Freelancing Flow—see her tips for keeping it all running smoothly.
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Interview with Phil Strazzulla, an entrepreneur enjoying the health benefits of remote work
Sometimes I'll use FocusMate and do 50 min sessions with other remote workers. Other times I'll just set a goal to have a few things done by the end of the day. I find in the mornings and evenings I can be very on point, and so try to book calls and meetings for the afternoons.
A curiosity for remote work led Phil to make it a primary work arrangement. Hear how it has helped to improve his health and impacted his approach to rest.
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Interview with Kati, a co-founder shares her tips for juggling multiple side hustles
I have a To-Do list. It's a notebook that I keep with me at all times. If I don't have it, I email myself a "To Do" to add to it when I get back.
I am intrinsically motivated to succeed and get things done.
If I didn't have the To-Do list, I would have a ton of half-finished projects and never get anything finished.
I also allow myself breaks as needed. If I am overly tired, I can take a quick nap. If I can't focus, I can take a walk or watch a movie.
Kati has made a career at using the internet and gig economy to her advantage—see how she successfully manages multiple side hustles and a business.
Read full interview from Interview with Kati, a co-founder shares her tips for juggling multiple side hustles.
Interview with Mindi, a content manager and social media strategist
I use a system based on The ONE Thing to keep myself on task. Every week, I review my priorities and map out the most important tasks to get done that align with my quarterly and annual goals.
Every day, I review my priorities for the week in a spreadsheet (like this one) where I meticulously track my progress on those most important tasks.
I believe in time blocking my calendar with the tasks that matter most, but it's all too easy for other priorities to slip into those slots.
I've discovered that taking a more flexible approach to scheduling tasks and due dates flows better for me than trying to be rigid when something pops up.
In running a household with three kids and a partner, it's critical that I can manage all those responsibilities in addition to what I do as a remote worker.
When I start getting fatigued with work, I will transition to doing some food prep or house cleaning. A little time away from the screen allows me to focus with a fresh brain when I come back to the computer.
A ten-dollar per hour social media gig got Mindi hooked onto remote work—see how she meets her client and business goals and manages time zone differences.
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Interview with Laurent, an introverted remote worker & engineer
I am an introvert, so meetings are draining to me. Because of that, I initially wanted to have them spread out in my schedule as much as possible.
But I came to realize that I was more productive whenever I had big blocks without meetings.
Now I am trying to pack all my meetings back to back as much as possible in the day. So I end up having a block of meetings, and a block of no meetings. I still feel exhausted after that block of meetings, but I end up being more productive after that since I get a lot of uninterrupted time.
We’re also pushing as much as possible toward an asynchronous communication culture, so nobody feels pressured to respond to chat messages immediately.
That’s one reason we have been using Twist (instead of Slack or Microsoft Teams or others), the notifications control you have are really great. This really helps with staying focused on the task at hand. I can decide to check Twist only when it’s a natural break in my current work.
In this interview, this VP of engineering shares his strategies for managing family time and organizing meetings as an introvert.
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Interview with Grainne, a professional writer and content marketing manager who works remotely
I set a specific block of time for each task I'm working on, and I always try to focus on one task at a time.
I'm easily distracted so I usually have my phone on silent, and I'll only check emails a few times a day.
I'm usually available on Slack but I'll set myself to "away" if I'm finding it hard to focus and a task requires my full attention.
Grainne's freelance work led to her landing a remote work job—see how she manages distractions and balances her work with Buckets.co and her clients.
Read full interview from Interview with Grainne, a professional writer and content marketing manager who works remotely.