Comments on: 8 Simple Tips for Freelancers to Keep Focused

By: Ayman Aboulnasr

Ayman Aboulnasr — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:43:41 +0000

Thanks alot Tom,
This is a really nice article.
By the way, this image on top is from my home town; Cairo, Egypt!

By: Abdulhakim Haliru

Abdulhakim Haliru — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:07:26 +0000

Tom, this is really a great piece. matter of fact, i am bookmarking this one.
I think i am just gonna adopt Ashley Baxter’s 1-hour style of reading mails and feeds and Amber Weinberg’s approach seems really great.
Lately, i have been telling myself i need to sleep by 10pm so i can wake up by 5am no matter what i am doing but problem is i am not sure i have working hours or play time, i know i just combine everything and sometimes wish i cud beat myself up for not doing much apart from facebooking and reading or updating tweets…(lol).

Well, you guys are great and i really hope to work on same project(s) with some great europe based guys to truly demonstrate that it does not matter your location in the world but it is the job delivery and quality that matters.

Kudos guys to you all.

By: Jay Kaushal

Jay Kaushal — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:04:21 +0000

Great Tips Tom. I have been working from my home as a flash programmer for the last 4 years. I used to make a TO DO list every night but could not reach half way by my lunch time.I used to keeping open the Instant Messengers and i think they are biggest distractions that eat up your time. Unexpected guest bog you using IM. It is good to keep mobile in vibrator mode too.

I have used a simple method of working for an hour then walk or watch quick TV comedy shows in between. That has realy helped me to get my focus back when i sit before computer again and I have found best programming/designing solutions whiling taking a nap.

And to quote Tears for Fears “When it’s all mixed up, Better break it down” has worked wonders for me

By: Alisha Rai

Alisha Rai — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:14:17 +0000

good list! I think planning is the best advice i can give to all the freelancers out there. Plan and chalk out all your important chores and then jumpstart it!

By: designfollow

designfollow — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:24:01 +0000

thanks for this info

By: Amber Weinberg

Amber Weinberg — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:48:08 +0000

Great tips. I actually do my best coding during late hours, but I mostly keep normal business hours to stay focused. I often do regular business/client items during business hours and the actual work, ie coding, after business hours. Helps me to stay focused and I don’t have to worry about client interruptions.

By: Tom Kenny

Tom Kenny — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:37:34 +0000

@Paddy, I agree. For some reason I’m a lot more productive in the evenings. One of the reasons I started Inspect Element was because I can get plenty of work done in the evening.

@Ashley I always struggled with working at home which is one of the reasons I’m back in a 9-5 job. Part of the reason I wrote this is that I need to be more focused when doing my own work at home and playing games now and again works for me but I can see how it can be too distracting!

@Alex, good tip. Didn’t really think about that but perfect for anyone with a laptop.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:28:18 +0000

Very good list. In today’s world of portable computers, cell phones, free wi-fi, et. all. I think “Change your location.” would also be a good tip. I personally work from the local library or a bar that is quiet during the day about once a week, or twice if a big deadline is approaching.

By: Ashley Baxter

Ashley Baxter — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:08:40 +0000

I’ve been working from home for 4 years and still struggle with my routine. Taking breaks is tough for me as I find it breaks my concentration too much. As you know, I’m a big gamer, yet I can’t play Xbox on my lunch break as I feel deflated when I go back to work.

I tend to start at 9, catch up on e-mail and feeds for an hour, then knuckle down ’till about 4, with a brief lunch break in there.

By: Kennedy

Kennedy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:50:01 +0000

I like the idea about having “set” hours. I get half way though the day and start watching a movie, because I know I will have to work all day long. Great tips.