By Princess Jones
A dedicated workspace is one of the most important aspects of working from home. A place, preferably with a desk, where an entrepreneur can settle in for a few hours of work each day (and many, many more each night) is the ideal arrangement for success.
Don’t underestimate how important your workspace could be to your productivity. If your home workspace is going to be where you get things done, you want it also to be a comfortable space that is conducive to work. Small things count. From environment to equipment, here’s how to makeover your home workspace.
1. Turn Up the Music
Music is good for the soul, it’s good for your creativity, and it can drown out cartoons, tantrums or the noises of your neighbors. In terms of inspiration, I listen to the Legally Blonde: the Musical soundtrack (networking prep, heh), while nineties gangsta rap gets me through the bad days. Don’t get me started on my Beyonce obsession.
2. Stock Up on Snacks
Food is a big motivator for a lot of us. We associate certain snacks or meals with work. For some, that’s a bowl of M&Ms to chomp on during breaks. For others, it might be Taco Tuesdays or Pizza Fridays. If you’ve got a certain special treat that you like to reward yourself with, stock up on it and keep it within eyesight so you’re be reminded about what you’ll get when you finish that next email.
Want to go for office realness? Write your name on your food and put it somewhere where your kids can see it, but cannot touch it. That’ll show ‘em.
3. Wear Slippers (or Other Comfort Clothing)
I don’t have slippers. I do, however, have a pretty standard “uniform” I wear when working. It strangely resembles what I wear everywhere else, but, that’s beside the point. Wear what you love to work, even if nobody can see it. You created your own job; you get to define your dress code, glitter and all.
4. Save and Splurge on One Really Great Gadget
Odds are you have a computer at your workspace. There are probably other gadgets, as well. When you work at home, the best thing you can do for your productivity and peace of mind is to have the best technology you can use and afford. I spent six work-hating months cursing my laptop before I finally allowed myself to “splurge” on a new one, and I want those months back. Also, I love being geeky. Just sayin’.
5. Hang a Mirror on the Wall
This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s a bad idea to spend days and days without seeing yourself. Put a mirror somewhere around you, or use your webcam. Check in with yourself and make sure you look happy, that you are in love with yourself, your work and your life. Making your workspace magic really comes from within. Plus, you can tell yourself if there is something in your teeth.
