How to create a productive routine when working remotely - part 3

Set Deadlines for yourself

Parkinson’s Law states that a task expands to meet the time available. A limited timeframe provides focus and motivation to get a task done. As entrepreneur Timothy Ferriss writes ‘reduce time to increase focus’. The motivation for getting stuff done is stronger at work where you’re surrounded by colleagues and managers who are also working on their tasks and interacting with you. When working remotely (often on your own), it can be a lot harder to maintain the same level of concentration as there are more distractions and temptations at home and less external accountability. To stay focussed you need to set your own deadlines each day and use your Calendar to keep control of this. Research shows that you are 81% more likely to achieve something that is in the calendar (ie: it has a deadline) rather than on a to-do list.