9-5, Monday-Friday, in-person office work are all relics of the past. Let's revolutionize how you live by changing how you work.
Top 5 Must-Haves for Remote Workers (+ 50% off sale)
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Hey there, This week is Thanksgiving in the US. Just wanted to say a quick thank you for subscribing to my newsletter and taking the time to read it. I know there are tons of newsletter options and ways to spend your time. I appreciate you letting me be a part of your day β€οΈ As Black Friday approaches, we're bombarded with tech deals and encouraged to buy our way to productivity. But lasting success with remote work comes from our systems, not new gadgets. This week, let's focus on building a sustainable approach to thriving while working remotely. Here are the real top 5 must-haves for remote workers: TLDR below π | Read this on the web | Subscribeβ 1. Virtual BoundariesAre you getting Slack messages on your phone while scrolling Instagram? Can you open Netflix in the same browser window that you have work reports open? If so, you don't have virtual boundaries. This leads to the feeling that you're never able to chill because your brain is always expecting another ping from work. It also means you have trouble focusing on the task at hand because it's so easy to get distracted. Virtual boundaries are even more important than physical boundaries in remote work. Instead of attempting to fight your way through this mentally messy environment via sheer willpower, build strong boundaries into your devices to clearly separate your virtual work and personal life. Tip: Evaluate your devices. Are they helping or hurting your ability to focus? Utilize separate password managers, browser profiles, focus modes, and virtual desktops to create automatic dividing lines. Resource: For step-by-step instructions on setting up virtual boundaries, check out this guideβ β 2. Multiple Work ZonesThe goal of most office spaces was not to create the most effective place for their workers to do their job but to fit as many workers into one space. One desk, one person. This is why the horrendous open office floor plan became so ubiquitous. Don't replicate the office at home. Instead, use your environment to inject inspiration and maximize utility to allow your work to be effortless. Switch up your locations based on your tasks: a desk for focused work, a cozy nook for creative tasks, and some time outdoors for calls. Experiment with new settings to see how it affects your work. You might be surprised to find the time and energy you save when your workspace isn't working against you. Tip: Consider what environments make you feel energized for each type of work you do. Let those insights shape your work setup. Resource: More examples (including my approach) hereβ β 3. Morning RitualIf you're starting your day by scrolling through work notifications in bed, you need a morning ritual. Working remotely doesn't mean working all the time. The time you used to use to deal with morning traffic should now be utilized via a ritual that serves you. A commute was a transition (chosen for you) that provides a distinction between your work and home life. It usually ends up being both time-consuming and annoying. A ritual is a transition (you choose) that provides a distinction between your work and home life, especially personalized to what is best for you. It could be as simple as a quiet coffee routine, a quick walk, or journaling. Whatever helps you feel grounded and focused before diving into work. Tip: What would your perfect commute look like in an ideal world? Put it on the calendar to start your day with tomorrow. Resource: Check this out for more ideas on what your new ritual can look like β 4. Clear End of DayIn the office, knowing when to end your workday was probably something you didn't give a second thought to. You most likely arrived around 9am and went home around 5pm. Yet, when working remotely, the question of when to end your workday is now front and center. Are you required to spend eight uninterrupted hours in front of the computer? What if you're now using alternative work schedules? How do you know what is "enough"? Too many people leave "done" up to a feeling and end up burning themselves out. Every remote worker should start their workday with a clear end of day defined. Tip: Identify your exit criteria and commit to it. Keep it consistent. Resource: There are three different approaches to define your end of day. Review which one will work best for you hereβ β 5. An Understanding of How, When, and Where They Work BestKnowing yourself is a critical piece to an effective remote work experience. In the office, we rely on peer pressure and others making the rules. You have the autonomy to do what works best for you now. You can't optimize your workday experience without this information. However, most people are so used to doing work one way they have no clue what their personal preferences are. βExperimenting to understand your ideal conditions (like the times of day you're the most focused, your preferred work environments, and how tasks affect your energy levels) is key. This self-awareness lets you structure your workday around your strengths, which boosts your productivity effortlessly. Tip: Try to make one small change each week to figure out what works best for you. Resource: Check out these Work Style profiles for ideas on what to experiment with β As tempting as it is to chase productivity through purchases, the real game-changer is how you approach your workday. This Black Friday, invest in yourself. Start small, refine your systems, and build practices that serve you long after the sales are over. After all, habits outlast gadgets every time. How many of the five must-haves do you have? β TLDRInstead of buying new gadgets, remote workers should focus on these essential habits for success:
Invest in the sustainable practices that outlast gadgets. β β Quote of the WeekBeing busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing. - Thomas Edison β In Other Newsβ
β In Case You Missed ItβHow to Find a Great Remote Jobβ βWFH Gift Guideβ β
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9-5, Monday-Friday, in-person office work are all relics of the past. Let's revolutionize how you live by changing how you work.
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