I’ve found that turning actions into habits is a great way to create lasting change. We identify an obstacle, create a structure or routine to overcome this obstacle, and then refine our process until we no longer need to think about the solution – it becomes automatic.
For many of my clients initiating action is a challenge.
We know “the advantage of working from home is working from home”. AND . . . “the disadvantage of working from home is working from home”!
One solution is to create a “get motivated, get focused, get working” playlist. A few of the songs on my playlist are . . .
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my mind movie (a number of meaningful pictures and afformations set to music)
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“Free” by Faith Hill (reminding me that I’m choosing the freedom to follow my path as a solopreneur)
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“Boys “Round Here” by Blake Shelton (who can’t laugh listening to those lyrics)
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“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen (for the teenage girl in me).
Recently, I just added a “decompress, leave work behind, relax” playlist. I’m using this playlist to transition from my “work time” to my “thinking time” (or even to my “me time”).
I realize I need to be in a different state of mind when I switch from the structured doing parts of my day, to the unstructured thinking (or relaxing) parts of my day.
One part of this new playlist is Natasha Bedingfield’s song, “Unwritten”. The line is the perfect line to remind me that I create the schedule but I need to be open to the outcome – as the ending is still to be determined.
Taking a moment to stop, listen, and then think allows me to be more open to the process.
“Unwritten”
I am unwritten, can’t read my mind, I’m undefined
I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand, ending unplanned
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
Oh, oh, oh
I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We’ve been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can’t live that way
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten
Oh, yeah, yeah
What strategies have you used in the past to get into “work mode”? Or to get out of “work mode”? I would love to hear about your successes (or your challenges!) Please post below!
I love using music to transition into work mode or get out of work mode. I have a 40 minute commute to work and when I’m not listening to Napoleon Hill or Dr. Wayne Dyer, the music I listen to is on XM. AltNation & First Wave are my two favorite radio stations. The Police, The Cure, Beck, Tom Petty, Echo & The Bunnymen, Muse, Imagine Dragons are just a few of my favorites.
To unwind, I switch to low key, relaxing music that can be found on iTunes under “Meditation & Relaxation.”
Thanks for stopping by Peggy!
One of the FEW things I realized I missed when I worked outside the home, was the ability to decompress during the drive home. Creating this “end of the work day” playlist is the key to my transition. Thanks for sharing your playlist!
Lisa
Life is unwritten and we do get the tremendous opportunity to author it as we go. This is especially true for folks who work from home, with all of the freedom- and challenge that working from home must bring. I like your use of music and in particular, special playlists to get in the spirit. Great post!
Donovan –
Exactly – the freedom and challenge . . . the flip sides to the same “working from home” coin! Thanks for your comment!
Lisa
I love that idea of creating a playlist to get yourself in work mode. I know it can work for falling asleep. I used to listen to a CD to fall asleep to and it got to the point that I would fall asleep two songs in.
I have gotten to the point where I don’t try to do my work at home anymore. I leave a couple hours early and work on my business at my office before anyone else gets there.
Melissa –
So glad you’ve found a routine that works for you – both for falling asleep and working on your business! I recently wrote a post http://systemsavvyconsulting.com/how-to-focus-on-your-goals-even-if-your-neighbors-the-weather-and-your-spouse-is-distracting-you/ about not working at home if you find your day isn’t productive. My favorite “hidden” work spot – my local Panera! I find I can really be productive there!
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
I telecommute every day…
My routine to keep my sanity is this:
– I have an office that I go into to get into work mode.
– I take my lunch break in another part of my house, or outside on my deck.
– As soon as the workday ends I go outside and do something. Walk my property, take out the trash, go to the store… whatever. Anything to remind myself that I am now “home” for the day.
I love your routine! In fact, today I added leaving the house to mine. I went out and walked after listening to my “I’m done for the day” playlist! Thanks for the awesome idea!
Lisa
I write in every spare moment of my day and only leave for the sake of my stressed eyes. Therefore, relaxing is a necessity, and much appreciated until I’m ready to work again. ;-) Returning the visit from UBC.
Hi Francene –
Thanks for stopping by again! I appreciate the return visit! What is your favorite way to relax?
Lisa
[…] your “I’m getting motivated to work” song. Dance around the room, file papers, clean your desk, fold laundry, surf the internet, […]