Many contractors and freelancers say that one of the best parts of working for themselves is not having to deal with a line manager breathing down their necks. However, the gaze of a manager can have one major advantage: it is a great way to focus your mind on the task at hand.

One of the most important things that a contractors and freelancers can have is plenty of motivation to work. Of course, however much we love our jobs, we all have days where we need a bit of help to get going. When you are solely in charge of this aspect of your work life, there are a few simple things you can do to make your day more productive.

It can be very helpful to have a clear schedule, with set slots for certain tasks. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t be flexible, but having an idea of what your day will look like before you start will help you break tasks down into manageable sections and avoid getting bogged down.

A to-do list can be a surprisingly satisfying way of organising the day. Some people find nothing more enjoyable than being able to cross a task off their list, especially when it has been a particularly challenging one.

Scheduling breaks is a very important part of effective working. Very few people are able to work at their best for long, uninterrupted periods, so taking a well-timed break can significantly boost your productivity.

Consider how you work best, and decide whether you need a break (whether it’s a cup of tea or a ten-minute walk) after a particularly challenging task as a reward, or before it so you can approach the conundrum with a refreshed mind.

One of the biggest advantages of contract work is the ability to work hours that suit you. This means you can base your work day around the hours when you are most productive, rather than conventional office hours. Early birds can catch their worm (and then finish early), whereas night owls can choose to avoid early mornings, when they are less likely to be very productive.

When it comes to motivation and getting the best out of your day, it can also help to consider your working space. If you are travelling to a client’s location, you may not have much choice, but those with home offices or their own premises can arrange things to help them concentrate better.

Keeping clutter and non-work related items to a minimum can help cut out distractions, but making sure everything you need is close at hand is important. Consider getting a large water bottle to stay hydrated without constant trips to the kitchen, or stock a drawer with spare stationery to avoid unnecessary interruptions. You can even improve your habits by keeping unhealthy snacks out of your workspace.

Of course, none of these measures are fail-safe, but they can be a helpful starting point for freelancers who are trying to maintain their motivation while working for themselves.

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