My tip for success today is listening to music while you work. Not everyone can listen to music while they work, but for those of us that can’t concentrate when there is dead silence, music can be very helpful. Today, I am listening to upbeat music that I am singing along to rather than listening to music that is just background noise. I find that my pace is a little faster (with the beat of the music) and I am a little happier.

If you are in a slump or a funk and can’t get going, try turning on some music. If you don’t have anything that inspires you, jump on itunes and spoil your self with a couple of songs or a new album. Just be careful not to have so much fun that you end up dancing around the house instead of doing what you are supposed to!

Today I am listening to Everclear – tapping my feet the whole time I am writing!

Very simply……..I wanted to share:

I found this link on the Problogger website and found it applicable to Solo Success. Check out 5 ways to start a productive day by Freelance Folder.

There are some very useful tips for those of us that only have ourselves to get motivated in the morning!

I don’t know about all you work-at-home people but staying motivated and focused is one of my biggest, if not THE biggest challenge.  You see, I started a real estate company last year after 10 years in the corporate American rat race.  Let’s just say, the last few years of running on the wheel made me a bit dizzy, nauseous, etc.  Anyway, having been in real estate investor, on the side for many years, I decided that it was time to jump into the deep end, full force.  Problem is…..if you’ve been awake for even a minute over the last 2 years you probably know that the real estate market has taken a bit of “down turn”.  So, as you may imagine, the phones aren’t ringing off the hook…yet.  So, if you want something to happen you just have to MAKE it happen.  But, if you’re a self-employed solo business owner, that takes a constant discipline, motivation and focus.  So, what are the top strategies to staying motivated when working from home….solo?  For me, one of the most important is staying connected to other work-at-home friends.  I always get a little charge talking to someone else who faces the same challenges and struggles.  So, I grab the phone, dial and hope that I’m not interrupting Shannon’s power hour of writing inspiration.  So, after about ½ hour (ok maybe it was 1hour) of gab and gossip, the idea of this blog was formed.  So it begins…..the birth of a blog and Part 1 in a series of “Successful Strategies for Flying Solo”.  Stayed tuned

Does the weather change the way you approach your work day? Even though working from home should have no effect on the weather – to some it does! For instance, for some, when it’s raining outside there is little to no motivation to work – only to curl up with a good book and take a nap. For some, when it’s sunny there is little or no motivation to work because you can’t stop thinking about all of the things you could be doing outside. For me, I get more done when it’s gloomy outside because there is no motivation to go outside and get distracted. When it’s sunny, I am convinced I am missing out on fun that is happening outside!
Having the chance to go work on the patio while the weather is nice is the goal. Often, the goal is simply  to take my laptop and find the place to work that suits my mood for the weather of the day. Ahhh, technology what conveniences it affords us! Whatever it takes to be successful and get the job done, right?!?

This blog is dedicated to those of us that are self employed and work from home. The daily struggles, maintaining motivation, loss of touch with the “outside world” and more.

I have been working from home as an independent contractor for a company where I write articles and a blog for a little over a year now. I came from 10 years in  a high pressure sales position where I was constantly in touch with the public, got plenty of exercise and was in an office environment every day. Now, I might have 10 phone calls a month instead of 2000 cell minutes used monthly in addition to an office line, no formal office, no dress code and no boss.
WOW. What a change.

The daily struggles I have are staying on track, staying out of the refrigerator, actually walking outside and leaving my house and maintaining social skills!

Some of the secrets I have learned are:

• Make a task list of things that must get completed each day
• Get dressed (even if its in jeans) first thing in the morning
• Try to walk outside as early as possible to at least get a cup of coffee – walks are even better
• Maintain a healthy and active social schedule so that I don’t completely forget how to talk to people

In this blog, you will find stories from others that own their own business and / or work from home. Feel free to share your stories with us!