Boost Your Productivity and Creativity at Home with These 5 Habit Strategies
Folks, today’s guest contributor is none other than Gretchen Rubin, a well-known author of bestsellers on happiness, habits, and human nature. You may recognize her from her inspiring talks, popular daily blog GretchenRubin.com, and her podcast Happier With Gretchen Rubin. Today, she shares her expert advice on how good habits can help you maintain your sanity and stay on track when your workplace is also your home.
5 Ways to Stay Creative and Productive When Working From Home
In her book, Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin identifies 21 strategies to master habits. She uses many of these strategies personally to keep herself on track as a blogger. Let’s delve into the top 5 habits she uses to boost her productivity and creativity while working from home.
1. Safeguards Strategy
Gretchen utilizes the Strategy of Safeguards to remove herself from the temptation of distractions. To focus on her most challenging work, original writing, she heads to a nearby library without internet access. By physically distancing herself from the allure of technology, she eliminates the need for constant self-control. This strategy ensures she stays on track without succumbing to the distractions of multiple screens.
2. Scheduling Strategy
The Strategy of Scheduling helps Gretchen allocate specific tasks to designated times. She recognizes that work can often become a form of procrastination. By committing to tasks like writing a blog post at a set time, she eliminates the urge to engage in other non-essential activities. This disciplined approach ensures she remains focused on the task at hand, even when motivation is lacking.
3. Foundation Strategy
Gretchen incorporates the Strategy of Foundation to prioritize physical movement throughout her day. Whether it’s hitting the gym, attending a yoga class, or taking short walks with her new puppy, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining her energy and focus. Research has shown that regular physical activity not only boosts productivity but also enhances creativity. For Gretchen, movement is essential to combat restlessness and stimulate fresh ideas.
4. Monitoring Strategy
To keep track of her productivity, Gretchen uses the Strategy of Monitoring. By monitoring her posting frequency, she ensures consistency in her blogging efforts. Regular tracking helps her maintain a steady output of content without agonizing over whether to write each day. This method simplifies her routine and eliminates unnecessary decision-making, enabling her to focus on the task at hand.
5. Treats Strategy
Lastly, Gretchen employs the Strategy of Treats to allocate time for leisure reading. By indulging in activities she enjoys, such as reading, she recharges her creative energy and nurtures her well-being. Reading not only provides relaxation but also sparks new ideas and perspectives, making blogging easier and more fulfilling. By prioritizing activities that bring her joy, Gretchen enhances her overall productivity and satisfaction with her work.
In conclusion, Gretchen Rubin’s insightful strategies offer valuable tools for maximizing productivity and creativity while working from home. By implementing these habits, you can optimize your workflow, stay focused, and enhance your overall well-being. So why not give them a try and see how they can transform your work-from-home experience?
Remember, the key to success lies in cultivating positive habits that support your goals and aspirations. As Gretchen wisely advises, “When you know what to do, changing your habits isn’t so hard.” Take charge of your routine, experiment with different strategies, and discover what works best for you. Your journey to a more productive and creative work environment starts today!