8 Practical Tips for Handling Daily Chaos While Working From Home
As we finish our discussion of coping with chaos by surrendering our need to control and trusting God instead, here are suggestions Reen put together to benefit you in life’s “new normal”.
1. Expect the Unexpected. Plan on daily interruptions so you aren’t surprised. You will be more at peace expecting something to alter your plans.
2. Plan your day and week. Utilize “time blocking” to work on the 3 Key Areas of your life, The 3 M’s:
- Me Time—(Focused Time with God, Spouse, family, and self- time)
- Money Time—(Focused Time on Business)face to face selling/earning business
- Management Time—(Focused Time on Support/Follow-up activities) proposals, paperwork, marketing analysis
3. Record a daily voicemail message letting people know when you will respond to phone calls. You can control your “work time” better with focused, uninterrupted time.
Example- “Hi, this is Rob. Today is June 22nd . Due to my schedule, today I will be returning calls from 10 a.m.- 11a.m. and 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. Please leave a detailed message and I will call you back. Thank you.”
4. Plan for extra driving time to appointments.
5. ACB—Always Carry a Book- waiting in traffic, at stores, drive-through fast food locations and the bank give ample opportunity to enhance productivity (or relaxation) by reading or listening to a book.
6. Be kind to people who call as you are leaving the office. Explain you are running to an appointment and want to give them proper attention. Quickly schedule an appt. to meet or call later at a more appropriate time.
7. Be aware of Divine Appointments…God’s supernatural interruptions trump your schedule. Be prepared for God to intervene. An event or circumstance may arise that is very clearly an opportunity God has provided for you to listen to Him and follow His direction. He may want to use you to help someone else or bring someone or something into your life to redirect your path by His design.
8. Pray daily for God’s supernatural peace, and for ears/eyes to be aware of people in need, and for wisdom to deal with whatever arises.
