Daily Motivation: Spooky Time Thief No. 2 – Constant Interruptions

Do you ever feel haunted by time? Or the lack thereof? Picture this.

Where does the time go? Is it spooky time thieves or is it a lack of something else? Over the next few days, we’re going to focus on who our time thieves are and how we can get rid of them once and for all.

It’s been said that this business is family-friendly and on your own terms. While that’s true, it’s important to minimize the interruptions in your work time, so that you can accomplish your goals.

If you read my post on how to Get Off to a Fast Start in Your Business, you know I’m a proponent of building in time for your family and having a plan for them as well.

If you find your family or friends are constantly interrupting your work, it’s time to set some boundaries and enlist some help, especially if you have small children.

Here are a few tips for working around a family that interrupts:

1. Set clear work times with older kids and other family members. Alert them ahead of time.
2. Define an appropriate interruption with older kids and family.
3. Set a time for your older kids and family members to check in with you when you’re working.

Consultants with smaller children:

1. Give the kids an activity to do before you start calls or admin tasks.
2. Bring in a sitter once a week to make sure you have focused time.
3. Break your work time into smaller segments – 10 to 15 minutes, instead of 30 to an hour.
4. Work when kids play or sleep.

These tips are simple in theory, but they do work better when everyone knows what to expect and there’s a routine in place. They also work best when you commit to your schedule and do what you say you’re going to do when you say it. If you tell the kids dinner is at 6, dinner needs to be at 6.

What about friends?

If working this business is the most important priority (outside your family), your friendships can still be part of your life. But you have to set boundaries on your time. Set aside a time in your schedule for calling friends back, responding to texts and social networking. Also, set aside time each week (or whenever you can fit it in) to spend time with your friends.

Think of your Ambit business much like a job that can’t be interrupted – waiting tables, nursing, teaching. Those professionals can’t be interrupted (except for emergencies) because they are directly responsible for taking care of people. You are too.