33. Manage and Minimize Distractions

Some distractions are self-initiated; they're caused by lack of focus (Tip 4), low motivation (Tip 7), or bad work habits (Tip 19). As with some forest fires, prevention is the key—and only you can prevent these types of distractions from wrecking your day, destroying your productivity, and undermining your telecommuting success. The same results can occur if you don't manage or minimize distractions caused by others (family, friends, visitors, pets, etc.).

Your family, in particular, has a unique ability to distract you from your work due to your presence and proximity. Negotiating agreements in advance (Tip 31) is a wise step, but managing distractions seems to be a challenge requiring on-going attention. ...

Get 101 Tips for Telecommuters—Successfully Manage Your Work, Team, Technology and Family now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.