As a freelancer, managing your time and tasks efficiently is absolutely crucial to staying on top of things and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here we walk through 7 proven tips to help improve productivity.
As a freelancer, managing your time and tasks efficiently is absolutely crucial to staying on top of things and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
And while you have the freedom of being your own boss and setting your own schedule, you also have the challenge of staying productive amidst potential distractions and an often unpredictable workload.
But not to worry! In this blog, we'll explore 7 proven productivity tips that can help you maximise your productivity, meet deadlines with ease, and look after yourself while working.
Here are 7 proven productivity tips for freelancers:
- Set clear goals and realistic deadlines
- Create a dedicated workspace
- Use productivity tools
- Work in sprints and take regular breaks
- Eliminate any distractions
- Continuously look to improve your skills
- Ensure you get quality sleep
1.Set Clear Goals and Realistic Deadlines
First things first when it comes to productivity, and that is setting clear and realistic goals and deadlines for yourself.
Setting clear goals is incredibly important for freelancers in order for them to effectively manage their workload and achieve their desired outcomes. And having a clear idea of what you want to achieve and when you need to achieve them can help you stay focused and on track, even when faced with distractions and issues along the way.
It’s really important that you prioritise your tasks as you want to make sure you’re using your time and energy effectively, to therefore of course maximise your productivity. This in turn can help you reach deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and build a reputation as a reliable and professional freelancer.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
This one might sound obvious but where you set up and work is incredibly impactful when it comes to productivity. Make sure that you create a dedicated workspace to work from, whether it be at home, in an office, or in a co-working space.
A dedicated workspace is so important because it creates an environment conducive to focus, unlike if you were to work from a sofa or bed (which can invite interruptions and distractions).
Also, having a distinct boundary between your work area and personal space will naturally help to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This boundary will signal to your brain that when you are in the workspace, it’s time to work, and when you leave, you can relax.
Having that clear separation between work and personal life can reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Why Are Co-Working Spaces Great for Freelancers?
Over the last 5 years, co-working facilities have become increasingly popular as start-ups and freelancers explore ways to boost productivity whilst also reaping the benefits of the cost reductions offered by coworking spaces.
Here are just a handful of reasons why freelancers should consider working from co-working spaces:
- Coworking spaces foster collaboration - By this we mean, co-working spaces give freelancers the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals, facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and information.
- Resources - Talking of resources, co-working spaces often offer access to a range of services that facilitate achieving business objectives, such as WiFi, meeting rooms and workstations, that you might not get at home or in a local cafe.
- Productivity - Unlike working from home, where washing up, family members, or other distractions can interfere, co-working spaces are designed purely for work, creating a productive and efficient atmosphere for all members.
Interestingly, a recent study has found that a whopping 68% of people claim that they are ‘better focused’ when coworking, with another study claiming that 89% of members were happier using a coworking space. Learn more reasons why you should use a co-working space here.
Tramshed Tech offers various memberships with access to our coworking spaces across Wales, where you can work around and interact with various people and businesses.
If you’re interested in improving your focus with a coworking space, please get in touch with a friendly member of the team today, and check out our team and individual benefits of becoming a member.
3. Use Productivity Tools
Productivity tools are applications, software, or platforms designed to help individuals manage their tasks, time, and resources more efficiently.
Freelancers, who often juggle multiple projects and clients simultaneously can leverage these tools, helping them to manage their workload more effectively, meet deadlines consistently, and maintain a high level of professionalism, ultimately leading to a more successful freelance career.
Examples of Productivity Tools
Some common examples include task management tools like Trello, communication tools like Slack or Zoom, file management tools such as Google Drive, focus tools like StayFocusd or accounting tools like Wave.
What’s more, using productivity tools can enhance the professional image of freelancers, as clients are very likely to appreciate timely communication, accurate billing, and well-organised project management.
4. Work in Sprints and Take Regular Breaks
Working in sprints and taking regular breaks is a highly effective productivity strategy for freelancers.
This is because, working in sprints, using methods like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break), helps freelancers maintain intense focus. This 25 mins on, 5 mins off structure reduces the likelihood of procrastination and distractions during work periods.
Taking these short but regular breaks can massively reduce the likelihood of burnout and physical exhaustion, as freelancers often risk overworking, especially when dealing with multiple projects and multiple deadlines.
Breaks give you the opportunity to step away, relax, and reset, which is essential for maintaining long-term productivity and mental health. Learn more about how to reduce stress and avoid burnout here.
5. Eliminate Any Distractions
Keeping distractions and interruptions to a minimum is crucial for not just freelancers but anyone trying to work, in order for them to be productive and achieve their desired goals.
Distractions and interruptions can come in all shapes and sizes, such as your mobile phone (namely TikTok, we’ve all been there), the TV, your housemates, household chores, playing with your pet, gossiping with colleagues, the list goes on. And while these may seem like small interruptions at the time, they can break the flow of work and negatively impact the quality and timeliness of your output.
Where you can, identify the main sources of distractions in your workspace and take steps to eliminate them.
A good example could be putting your mobile phone in another room while working, or something so simple as putting on headphones so you’re less likely to get distracted in conversation with a family member or housemate.
6. Continuously Look to Improve Your Skills
Another fantastic tip for freelancers to improve their productivity is to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field and to continually improve their skills in order to provide the best possible service.
In addition, investing in training, education and workshops can help freelancers to expand their services, boost their potential earnings, and improve their overall confidence.
While it might be uncomfortable, start by taking an honest assessment of your current skills and knowledge, and identify areas where you need improvement. From here, you can then explore different training and education options that are available, including online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Tramshed Tech are continuously hosting workshops and events for startups and freelancers, to improve their skills, network, and business acumen. Check out our current workshops & events here.
7. Ensure You Get Quality Sleep
One of the most important productivity tips of all is to ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep every night.
Sleep plays an important role when it comes to your physical and mental recovery, and of course overall well-being.
This is mainly because adequate sleep is associated with lower cortisol levels, and if we don't get enough sleep, cortisol levels can remain high, resulting in chronic stress, which can lead to burnout.
Individuals who are well-rested are also much better equipped to cope with stress and challenges as sleep helps to maintain emotional resilience, reducing the likelihood of burnout during challenging times.
Discover more about improving your routine and sleep schedule here.
And there we have it!
We are Tramshed Tech: a startup ecosystem home to 50+ companies and 600+ registered members from the digital, creative and tech communities. We’re currently based in Grangetown, Cardiff Central & Newport, Barry and Swansea.
Want to know more? Give us a call at 029 2010 3090 or send us an email through our contact form.
Written by Kate on behalf of Tramshed Tech.
