Whatever you do, wherever you work, sometimes you just need some space to concentrate. It’s not always easy to create that space, mood or whatever you want to call it. This is what I do:
Ignore the door and take the phone off the hook
I know, phones don’t have hooks anymore, you get my meaning, put them on silent or whatever you do.
If you really can’t do without the phone
Your friends can wait a bit, then take all the others according to priority. Answer anyone offering you a big job straight away, the taxman’s place in the queue is way behind your friends.
Make the coffee before you start
Or if you’re a caffeine junkie, keep the coffee maker (and the biscuits) close by.
Make sure things are hunky dory with your family or those people you live with
There’s nothing worse for concentration than a row.
Work in a tidy space
Preferably where there’s room to swing a cat. It’s always nice to be able to spread out.
Wash
That might sound silly but as a freelancer I get the opportunity to work dressed how I like. I always work better however when I’ve had a shower, a shave and I’m dressed in something comfortable.
Make sure your airflow is sufficient
This doesn’t mean checking for carbon monoxide poisoning – even though that would be a good idea from time to time – it means that ideally you’d work in a light and well-aired space. Especially in the spring and summer.
What about the music?
I’m going to be non-commital about this because it’s very personal. When I really want to concentrate, I shut the door, fire up my iTunes playlist with this on it and I’m away.
Sometimes I put one of those “nature sounds” records on that you find in Garden Centres. The sea works great, especially when the sun’s out, but tropical rain forests don’t go down so well. I’ve also got a thunderstorm one, but I use that one mainly just to scare the dog.
Generally, put the stuff on that gets you going, fires you up, puts you in the right place. If Metallica’s your bag, go for it (although most people will prefer something a little calmer).
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