19. How to make working from home work for YOU - tips to get focused, create routines + habits and stay social (and sane)

Working from home sounds like a dream, right?  I remember working in an office and imagining how good it would be to skip the commute and prep time.

But shortly after starting my business, I realized working from home isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. 

Whether you’re doing it just because of this particular COVID-19 situation, or transitioning to full-time working from home, or trying to do any of it with kids, here’s what no-one tells you about working from home.

Today, I’m sharing insights that I’ve learned through procrastinating by cleaning my baseboards, not showering for DAYS (but who’s counting?!) and making the most of the work environment I’m in. 

You’ll hear how I’ve set up a great work environment, mindset, the tools I use for working remotely and not going crazy in solitude, and even how I work from home - with my kiddo. 

By the end of this episode? You’ll be ready to create the best work-from-home experience possible for YOU… and who knows?  You may just decide working from home is for you and never go back to the office.  Or at least stop wearing a bra. 


Here are the juicy bits you can look forward to:

  • Think about your personality and work style 10:03

  • How to set up your space 11:42

  • Why ergonomic matters? 13:39

  • Few other little touches I’ve added over time: plants, oils, music, screen and flitering glasses 17:10

  • Routine (Here’s a few challenges I never thought I’d have): 

    • Establish some routine and ideal work schedule 21:36

      • Personal hygiene routine 21:49

      • What makes you feel good? 22:28

      • Try to maintain some consistency - approximate time you start and end your day 22:58

      • Batching work 23:26

      • Stacking meetings on the same day 23:48

      • Having a closed door policy and no notifications available 23:54

      • Plan and be intentional with your downtime 24:42

    • Know your “clean enough” standards for the house 25:10

      • Do about 20-30 minutes a day  26:41

      • Hire a cleaning Company 27:06

    • Organize meetings and interactions with other people 54:35

      • Working from you could feel alone 54:49

      • Tech, video conferencing can make a big difference 55:38

      • Make a real effort to see other humans - whether with work or friendship 57:19

  • Establish boundaries 27:32

    • That will be less of an issue right now 28:40

    • Because you can work anywhere, it’s (too) easy to end up working everywhere 28:28

    • You require setting boundaries or you’ll get nothing done 29:14

    • A schedule is important as much as possible 29:35

    • If you report to a boss,  have colleagues  or a small team is important to stay in touch 29:43

    • Have an open conversation about your expectations

    • Organize a weekly one-on-one meeting

    • Work to balance out being available to help them and respond quickly

    • Empower them to make the best decision

  • My working remotely tools 33:01

  • All-in-one business platform: Kajabi 34:28

  • Video conferencing: Zoom. It´s the most reliable 42:18

  • Digital documents: Google Drive 43:18

  • Stay focused 43:25

    • Productivity extension for Google Chrome helping you stay focused on work 43:42

    • Use the blocker in your phone 43:54

  • For giving feedback and to teach others use: Loom 44:25

  • Streamline communication: Slack 45:33

  • Tracking tasks as a team 46:14

    • Asana 46:48 

    • Trello 47:26

  • How to eliminate distractions 49:25

    • Get clear on what you’re focusing on 50:04

    • Know what your priorities are 50:47

    • Block time in your calendar 51:13

    • Turn off distractions 51:55

    • Keep evaluating what is distracting you 52:36

    • Use sprinting to get more done 53:18

  • For those trying to work from home with kids 59:34

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Resources: 

Quiz: What’s your work-from-home style? Get custom tips, just for you: www.lisamichaud.com/workfromhome

Year in Review: http://www.lisamichaud.com/yearinreview 

Weekly Planner: www.lisamichaud.com/week

Goalden Girls Community waitlist: http://www.lisamichaud.com/community   

Lisa’s Inspiration + Motivation Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/27xbW4TA3drtEsJ9cW3rDX?si=fnB_N-UESDiCyGr3VDXXyQ  

Lisa’s pre-recording Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZptRxalF0kvhHfO94GC8v?si=Z9Q0jmeTQWqV38Y94ZVdhg

WORK FROM HOME RESOURCES: 

Please note: Some items may or not be available - these are the ones Lisa uses and recommends. 

Office setup/Ergonomics:

Hardware:

If sound/appearances matter and you’re creating content: 

Software links:


Quotes to Share:

Download and share the quotes you loved on your social and inspire those around you:

 
Episode 18 Quotes.png
 
 
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“Having the right routine, boundaries, and habits is essential.” - Lisa Michaud

“I really believe that you are your own best expert." - Lisa Michaud

“When you’re working from home, your personal habits matter more than ever.” - Lisa Michaud

Stay Connected: 

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Thank you so much for listening.

xo,

Lisa


PS.  Please note: some of the links shared may be affiliate links. This doesn't cost you anything: it simply means that Lisa Michaud might get an affiliate fee. Special care is always taken to make sure only the highest quality recommendations are shared: our highest value as a Community is YOU getting results in your life. We will always encourage you to show up with integrity and encourage you to create a business, income, and life you love - and make money doing it. We share this as an example of how we do this in our business by following these principles to serve you, and inspire you to do the same in your life.