7 Tips to Create a Freelance Routine and Stick to It
Being a freelancer means being a self-starter. You’re a manager and an employee. You’ve got to get the job done, even on the days you don’t feel like it. One way to do this is to create a freelance routine and stick to it.
Here are seven tips these freelancers follow to create a routine that guides their day:
Keep a Paper and Pencil To-Do List
I use a paper and pencil to-do list and color code it. I list the tasks in black. Put a box in front of an urgent task. Draw a red arrow toward extremely urgent tasks. The arrows and boxes are icons that denote priority. As you complete tasks, check the boxes in blue. Any tasks you don't complete, copy onto the next day's to-do list. In the morning, number your tasks so you know which tasks to complete and in which order. These methods help you create a schedule each day and develop a routine.
Janice Wald, Mostly Blogging
Build Your Working Hours Around Your Productive Times
Consider when you are most productive and try to block out your schedule. This way, you spend those hours putting in billable hours for clients. For me, my most productive hours are between 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. I wake up at 7:00 AM and complete my morning routine before settling into the four hours of solid work. Because these are my most productive and focused times, I only take short breaks to collect as many hours as possible before taking a longer break at noon. After those four hours, I give myself the rest of the afternoon to work on my personal projects, as I catch a second wind of creativity and focus between 3:00 PM-5:00 PM. Your productive working times may not be 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, so find yours and try to build a schedule around those hours first.
Kristine Thorndyke, Test Prep Nerds
Draw Boundaries with Loved Ones
One roadblock to having a routine as a freelancer is that sometimes friends and loved ones assume that since you can make your own schedule, you are available anytime. However, regular interruptions can cloud your focus and make your workday longer than necessary. You need to establish boundaries between your work life and personal life. For example, avoid answering non-work non-emergency phone calls during working hours, and consider getting separate numbers for home and work. If loved ones give you flack, remind them that being able to focus on work during set hours enables you to be fully present during off-hour gatherings. If relatives still do not cooperate, then you can tell them you have a meeting, since they are less likely to demand your time if you already have another commitment versus working solo.
Carly Hill, VirtualHolidayParty.com
Start with a Non-Work Activity
As an SEO freelancer and blogger, I've found that one of the best ways to create schedules and routines is to have immovable activities throughout the day which are not related to work. Whether that's meditating, going to the gym, or even just walking your dog, it's an incredible way to segment the day and ensure that you take an all-important break from your laptop.
James Taylor, Digital Tool Report
Put Yourself in the Frame of Mind for Work
Wake up just as early as if you were commuting to work. This helps you to have more personal time in the morning. Three hours before work is good to aim for. Get showered, dressed, and ready as if you were going to an office. You don’t need to wear a suit at home, but I will wear a polo shirt and chinos as if I'm going to the office rather than a just t-shirt, or worse, pajamas!
Have a separate home office if possible. A spare room is ideal if you have one, so you can remove distractions from around the home. If you don’t have a spare room, create a dedicated work area with a table.
Also, schedule Breaks. If your family is at home, tell them they cannot just come and talk to you any time (unless there is an emergency). Try to keep a schedule of 10 min breaks throughout the day where you can help at home if needed or just take a break - like the breaks you would naturally have in an office to chat with a coworker.
Max Peters, Technical SEO Consultant
Build Freelancing into Your Daily Routine
Build freelancing into your daily routine. If all of the work doesn't need to be completed in one sitting, try doing a bit each part of the day. For example, if you're a writer, start thinking about the topic you're going to write on in the morning while eating breakfast or brushing your teeth. In the afternoon, write half of the article and come back to it after dinner once you're refreshed and energized. This is a great way to handle the workload to avoid creative burnout.
Jodi Neuhauser, Ovaterra
Start By Focusing on a Single Task
Having worked from home for 11 years as a freelancer,I suggest focusing on a single task for your morning of work before checking emails or messages. Your brain only has a certain amount of effort it can give before needing a break, and if you open your emails and start planning lots of little tasks into your day, it'll take up too much energy. You won't be at full capacity to focus on the one big thing you have to do that day.
I recommend pre-planning the single most important work task you have to do that day, and getting on with it in the morning before checking emails or messaging apps. Then you can get to the managing part of your work in the afternoon once the high-intensity work is complete. A great book to support this is called "Deep Work" by Cal Newport.
Matt Jackson, Matt Jackson SEO Expert