Nine years ago, with a four-year-old and a six-month-old, I made the decision to consult from home and it was a great decision looking back, but I struggled with some challenges.

Here were some of the challenges that I faced and how I overcame them.

❌ Lack of structure and balance

It became quite easy for me to work continuously for hours at the desk. My job requires a lot of problem solving and creativity and can take up a lot of time. I found however, that while I was working longer than I did in an office, I was less effective and not optimising my efficiency because I wasn’t properly structuring my time.

✅ The solution was time blocking.

I would set aside time for my priorities e.g. tasks that needed to happen to support my clients, as well as drive my business forward. Then I made sure I scheduled in time to be present for my family. And finally, I made time for me (my health and wellbeing). This worked well for me because I delivered on my priorities and no longer felt guilty that I had neglected my loved ones.

❌ Procrastination

No longer having to rush out the door to catch the train to work does something to you after years of being in that routine! It felt like I had free time and I could take it a little easier. After all, the kids did not start school/day-care till 8.45am! That was oodles of time when you consider that I was used to being out the door at 7am. This led to a certain amount of procrastination, where I would put off tasks until later, realise that I really didn’t have as much time as I thought, and then stress out!

✅ Start your day right

I plan my day the night before. I have found it’s the best time to prioritise my tasks and ensure that I am operating in my Planning Section of my Covey Time Management Matrix. This means I know exactly what I am doing from the moment I start my day. I also believe in a morning routine that incorporates self-care at the start of my day, because I have found that fills me with power and positions me to have the best possible day.

This book will give you some ideas of what you can do to energise yourself in the morning. My routine is to start my day with prayer as I connect with God, and then I enjoy a strong cup of tea while I review my action list for the day before I get ready.