Accountability thread for freelance procrastinators - anyone?

[Runningoverthefields]

I've made a resolution to become more productive in my working hours - and then to switch off the computer sometimes and take a proper break.

Anyone want to join me?

We could check in on the thread each time we're going to start a work 'sprint' (eg in the next 30 minutes I'm going to do task xyz) and then check in when task is done. Or we could just check in every time we feel our attention wandering during the day to say 'drifted off for a second there, right now, I'm going back to do xyz') and let each other know whether we achieved it. Or we could swap any tips for staying productive... whatever everyone would find useful.

For me this is partly about getting more work done, but it's also about stopping work on time. Sometimes I procrastinate all day and then don't go to the gym because 'I really must finish this work off', or check email over the weekend because I feel guilty that I didn't work hard enough in my work hours.

Maybe I'm the only one who struggles with staying motivated through the day when being my own boss and with working from home. But I suspect not

Or maybe this thread already exists and I've missed it???

To kick off - I am now going to send 10 emails chasing clients for feedback/payment/paperwork and then I'll come back and say 'DONE'

Hi, I have an idea re something to keep us all going.

Back in my mumsnet special needs board days, we all used to rave about something called a "timetimer" (www.timetimer.com). We all ended up using them not for our kids but ourselves- it makes you aware of time passing in a completely different visual way - would recommend. There you go - a little gift from the special world of special needs!

Anyway - have been super-productive at marketing (funny how much easier it is when you just treat it like a project) and for the first time in ages have spent more time on the mortgage-paying-job than the fun-but-no-money-in-it job. Whoo hoo! Even earned proper money today. More Whoo Hoo!

Have procrastinated on booking a holiday which I feel quite proud about (instead of procrastinating about work).

Grumpy - the work I just got in came from marketing last November.... so I bet that networking event will be slowly bearing fruit.....

Hello everyone, I have not forgotten the thread, but am at a standstill work wise, so I have been learning! I have never used Excel before other than to fill in worksheets - I am now at stage 3 tutorial, very easy and I am pleased that at least I am using time to do something productive. I am going to go through all the tutorials as I had no idea just how far you could go with Excel, and next week I am doing a short course on Business Impact. Meanwhile I keep updating LinkedIn and talking t people but am having a confidence crisis at the moment (due to a couple of minor errors I made and were just pointed out in an email) It will pass and there is Gin to look forward to. Anyhow, you all sound like you are on the right road and I hope I can join in again very, very soon with actual work to report!

Interesting about excel. Was on a women's networking course for my profession last weekend all about this stuff. Leader said women tend to go off and try to get more technical qualifications when what they really need is to get good at things like excel.

I am glad I posted MissTriggs seems I am doing the right thing, I have only ever had to fill in basic spreadsheets and so on and really had no idea how far Excel could go, what did she mean by more technical do you think? I am in a learning mood so I may as well get really good at certain packages in this lean period (that could all change with an email or two) but I thought perhaps if things don't pick up I could expand a bit to include virtual admin/PA work or if I have to do agency work to supplement the leaner times I would have more to offer and be able to get higher rates. Of course I have the basics in lots of areas but in my last proper job we had to hire a temp and she could turn her hand to anything, and earned an hourly rate that reflected her skills. So, I will continue Excel then I wondered about brushing up my (spoken) French, I may as well get better at what I know or half know before jumping into something I have never done before at all, does that sound a good plan? Have a good weekend and I will catch up with you all next week.

On my course we were all solicitors and most of us had had a career break - some for a decade. So everyone had been tempted to do refresher course/Masters/legal updates/that sort of thing. Some are really expensive.

She said trust the qualification you already have and improve the things clients really need ie good up to date IT skills. She said if you want to show your knowledge is up to date, write a blog.

It was a good course.

Hello, awfully quiet in here today. Still nothing in the diary but I pleased at how my Excel training is going, and I have started a business impact course to keep me busy. I have had one enquiry from someone and hope to hear more from them and I just sent an email to an extremely well known in her field, business blogger to tell her about the errors and problems I see with her writing and website and how I could help (yikes!!) It was cheeky and out of my comfort zone, but she can ignore me completely or who knows she may contact me for some help. Actually I cant believe I sent the message, I feel like I just got in touch with Beyonce offering her dancing tips! Hope it's all going well for everyone else.

good for you grumpy! what's to lose?

i'm currently procrastinating, having cleaned the house, had a couple of coffees and pondering doing some work... erk, got a few bits today

i'm determined to be a bit more chilled about stuff, I've been having some really helpful CBT therapy for an unrelated matter, but we discussed perfectionism and it kind of bought stuff about work up with it, and I am determined to try to ease up on myself a little bit.

gave myself most of the weekend off (virtually unheard of!) and am trying to be better at only doing the really important stuff and doing it to a certain level then let it go a bit and not be so hard on myself if I can't achieve everything.

I think this will have benefits as I will free up more time to focus on what I really want to do with my career (hopefully) then I can focus on doing that brilliantly! (at least, that's the plan)

that said I'm keen not to be too slack or anything, just to give myself a little break if I'm not superwoman.

now...back to the grindstone!!

still procrastinating, god i need some cake to help me start today!!

Not exactly procrastinating but need help with energy levels ie more sleep.

Note to self: 10.30pm lights off, radio off.

Afternoon, excellent idea to start this thread. I find myself procrastination in my 'office hours' then rushing to finish work in my precious evening time! :(

My plan for tomorrow is to spend 9.15-11.45 cleaning up my office, also need to sort an email issue out.

Other commitments after that but important I get the office cleared up. It looks as though someone vomited paper, frightening!

Hi Slinky good idea to clear your office out, tidy office, tidy mind?
Well, 'Beyonce' got back to me! A really nice message thanking me and saying she will bear me in mind, maybe I won't hear from her again but I was not ignored (very busy woman) and who knows? Anyway, it is good practice I reckon to go out looking for opportunities and the next 'cold' email will be easier to send.
Have a good day all

I've got so much to do that my head is going to explode. Think I might have to cancel my tennis lesson today .

Ok:
Finish online checking #1 for client #1 by 12.30
Continue work for client #2 - 12.30 - 1.30
Tennis (maybe)
6pm - 11 - continue work for client #2

Grumpy that is very daring and pro-active! I prefer to hide in the shadows a bit... not great when you need to tout for business, but maybe I'll get more brave...?? hmmmm

OK, well I had some paid work that I had to do this morning, and got paid for, excellent, but planning on spending an hour on the office anyway...

CBA to sort the email issue out as I'm getting screen fatigue... I need a screen break, right?!

Primal - I have days like that too. I find it tough to say 'no' sometimes! My email issue is actually organising the email so I don't get dragged into work when I'm supposed to be doing spellings / making dinner or something... Finding this pretty tough.

right, am starting work in 20 minutes after a quick blitz and coffee

these are today's goals

1. finish client A's project (30 min)
2. quote for client B's project (15 min)
3. email client C re. cost of next project (10 min)
4. finish client D's project (30 min)
5. some of client E's project (1hr) & phone associate to talk through
6. some of client F's project (45 min)

After all that is done or between tasks do a few household admin things!

Wish me luck, I worry I am being a bit ambitious and things may take me longer but I am going to give it a go.

Did you do it Griselda?

Grumpy, Well done for the cold email to Beyonce. The thing that helps me most when seeking work is telling people I am seeking work. And yesterday I phoned an old friend for advice on a matter and she stopped me from making an embarrassing mistake. So reaching out generally is always good...

Meeting today. Waterproof mascara and proper shoes - oo - er!

Morning all, hope everybody has a good day and is on top of what they need to do.
I still have no work in the diary, but I was really sick yesterday and not feeling too grand today. I plan to carry on with Excel and continue to target people like 'Beyoncé' ! Trouble is I am not much good at composing these kind of emails so need to practice. I think there is a balance to be made between being professional and trying to engage and be friendly, "Hey, I really admire you, I can help you become even better" that kind of thing.

grumpy - sounds like you are doing great. whenever I have done that kind of thing a bit of fawning always seemed to help (as annoying as it sounds!). Just a bit of ego flattery, I would love to work with a company like yours, I think we're both on the same track, I was really impressed with.....if there's ever a vacancy please get in touch etc. (In a professional manner of course!). Like you say a balance of friendly and professional, with a bit of ego flattery thrown in (not going OTT of course!). Also in the past I have done a bit of a trial run for people - e.g. a half price introductory project or an hour for free which has seemed to draw people in too, then they see your work and also gives them a little bit of obligation. that said it's important not to come across as a cheap touch or desperate.

misstriggs - thanks, I managed to do it all, probably not to the standard i wanted but am pleased with progress! So am on top of things, for now... my reducing my perfectionist standards seems to be helping a bit and I'm just making the really important stuff perfect, the rest - good enough will do!

miss triggs - agree that telling people you are seeking work is a good one, sometimes I just email every old client and friend saying I have some time if anyone needs a hand to get in touch, and it has worked pretty well.

I'm a self-employed procrastinator too. It's nice to know others have the same struggles. I have a toddler and a child at school. I can relate to what someone said about how when you have child-free time and work to do, you are also thinking about how you want to get the housework done or even just have a sleep.

I have picked up a few hours a week regular causal work to supplement my self-employed income. It's so much easier to stay focused when I'm on someone else's time clock!

Morning all. I'm giving myself until 11.15 to have coffee and surf MN, then I'm unplugging the router and getting on with proofreading an enormous book.

How's everyone getting on? I hope running is ok, she started the thread, maybe too busy or simply procrastinating!!
I have booked a networking event next week and am plucking up the courage to cold email someone else - Madonna shall we call her, this time? I have actually done some work with this firm and just found some major problems with their website (I was being nosy) so I want to alert them to the fact that for a reasonable fee I can sort this out and it will enhance their business. Need to sort out my wording.

Email to Madonna sent (sweaty hands)

Oooh - I need this thread! Terribly procrastinaty off late - can I join please?

As my first task I am going to go and update a spreadsheet that I have been putting off all week! Must be finished by 4pm to go and collect DD. I'll be back to update...

Did it! I love the way that promising random people online that you will do something actually compels you to do it...

Good luck with Madonna Grumpy