As a telecommuter, one can sometimes feel discouraged. Staying motivated is the determining factor when trying to be successful as an at home worker. Everyone is not built to work at home, just like everyone is not built for the traditional job setting. There are some great ways to stay motivated as I too have struggled with this issue.

Having the freedom to roll out of bed and start working sounds great, right? Having the freedom to pick what time you want to work every day sounds even better. I know all too well lol. These great benefits of working at home are the same reasons many people are unsuccessful. Too much freedom and not enough discipline. Working from home can be stressful, and having the freedom to determine when you work makes you want to pull back. “I can do it later, I’ll take the day off, I’ll make up for it tomorrow, I’ll make up for it next week”. An individual that works from home may find that those are common phrases. In the end, we are hurting ourselves.

What motivates telecommuters? Many people are motivated simply because they have the opportunity to work from home. Others are motivated because they have no choice (only source of income etc…), but what about everyone else?

What can one do to stay motivated while telecommuting? For starters, you want to have a plan. Stick to a set time. If you are working all over the place, you are more likely to lose focus. If you are going to work mornings, work mornings. Don’t get me wrong, the flexibility of working from home is great. Its okay to reschedule yourself from time to time, but what we don’t want to do is make that a habit.

Develop a network of friends that are telecommuters. I think this is the greatest thing you can do. This way, you are in contact with people that are going through the same thing as you. Don’t misunderstand, what I’m saying. I don’t want you to be a chronic complainer lol. That’s not cool, but your network of friends can sometimes provide you with tips. If they don’t have any, that’s fine too. It’s refreshing to vent with someone who truly understands. I assure you that you guys will have a lot of laughs. Developing a network of friends is good for so many reasons. Trust me, I know. You are sure to make some lifelong friends. If you are worried about how to make friends, don’t because it will happen naturally. For example, I met my network of telecommuting friends in training classes.

Another great technique I suggest is the buddy system. Find someone that is going through the same thing as you. Motivate each other. Determine a time that you can both work. Work the same shift, Open up Skype, chat with each when you can. Relieve your frustrations and they arise. This will help give you that extra push. It’s like meeting up with your friend for a drink. You know he/she is wanting on you, and you don’t want to keep them waiting. In addition, you can’t wait to see them.

Those are my tips on motivation to the telecommuter. Your ability to stay motivated will determine your success as a telecommuter. Have a plan, make friends, and get on the buddy system. There are many ways to stay motivated; you just have to figure out what works for you.