3 Simple Daily Habits for Self-Employment Success

Self-employments has its rewards, but it also has some challenges. While you have a lot of freedom and flexibility in your schedule, you have to be disciplined to achieve results and ensure you can maintain that freedom. Building the right habits are key to long-term self-employment success.

Do the most important things first.

You might be tempted to log into your email or check your social media accounts at the start of your workday, but that may not be the best way to spend your first hours. Doing the most important things first ensures you have enough energy and focus to complete them. That might mean completing a product launch, writing the copy for your sales page, or checking in with your contractors to see their progress. You might skim through your email quickly to make sure there are no true emergencies. After that, focus on your priorities for the day.

Eliminate distractions.

Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of being self-employed, especially if you work at home, is fighting against all the things that can distract you. Sometimes it’s family and friends who call in the middle of the day because they know you’re at home. It may be a neighbor who drops by for a “quick chat.” Even things around the home - the television, the internet, the food in the refrigerator - can distract you.

Fighting distractions is sometimes more art than practice. Put your phone on silent during work hours. Don’t answer the door if you’re not expecting visitors. Set up a time for a quick internet or snack break. Staying focused on your work improves your efficiency and effectiveness.

Plan for the next day.

Close each day by planning what you’re going to do the next day. Doing this ahead of time allows you to be more efficient when you start work in the morning. You won’t have to spend time tomorrow thinking about what you need to work on because you’ve already done the planning.

Without these important habits, you might struggle as an entrepreneur. If it seems you’re having a tougher time than you should - you’re working longer hours and not seeing the ideal results - take a look at how you’re spending your days. Your daily habits may show you exactly what you need to change to be more successful.