One big problem with working-from-home is temptation. We fill our home with nice things for our time off, and when these things are nearby it takes a will-of-iron to ignore the lure. Here are a few techniques I use:

Media. As my only permitted media while working- Radio works for me. It prevents me from messing with music playlists or other audio services often designed to keep you engaged (i.e. distracted). It’s either on or off, and I always stick to one ‘calm’ station too.

Lunch hour. Keep a period scared for taking lunch. Sure get something to eat but also do those bits-and-pieces that might tempt you away from work. This includes keeping household chores and exercise to that time slot.

Good Environment. Ensure your office resembles a work area. Try to keep anything ‘interesting’ or ‘fun’ away from your work area.

Make Commitments. Share your to-do list with your boss or another person you don’t want to let down. Do regular progress meetings with colleagues and set expectations on accomplishment. If you can’t do this consider using a habit-forming app, there are some good ones out there.

Good To-Do Lists. Try to make items on your list achievable. Consider the urgent-important classification and prioritize items. Try to think of anything that is not achievable in a day as a ‘mini-project’ and as such the whole thing is not a to-do list item, only the first stage is. Keep you to-do list visible, I still write in cheap (mostly freebies) notebooks, as it’s helpful to refer back sometimes.

Reduce Notifications. Turn them off – as much as you can. Silence your phone entirely and turn it face-down. Close email if you need to focus. Even consider turning off WiFi, if you can.

Don’t get Fired. Ultimately if you get distracted, your work will suffer. Eventually you boss will notice and that could spell disaster.