Freelancing gives people an opportunity to be their own boss, set their own hours, and work from home. It can be a great way to make a living but can also be overwhelming. There are projects to juggle, clients to please, and deadlines to meet.
In most cases, distractions are the number one enemy of productivity. It’s essential to focus on your work and tune out everything else. Otherwise, you’ll never get anything done. If you are a freelancer struggling to finish a large project, here are some tips to help you get the job done quickly.
Set a schedule and stick to it
The first thing you need to do is set a schedule and stick to it. Decide what hours you will work and ensure you follow that schedule. If you can’t seem to focus during the day, try working at night. Some people are more productive when they don’t have to deal with distractions during the day.
In addition, you can also try using digital schedule blockers to block out time for specific tasks. This way, you can’t get distracted by other things on your computer or phone. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by anything during working hours. If you can’t focus, try working in a quiet place or listening to music.
Work in sprints
Working in sprints means working for a set time and then taking a break. This can help you stay focused and prevent burnout. It’s crucial to find a balance that works for you. If you work too long, you’ll get tired, and your productivity will suffer. But if you take too many breaks, you’ll never get anything done.
Some people like to work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Others want to work for an hour and then take a 20-minute break. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it.
Take breaks
You may be cramming, but that does not mean you can not take a break. In fact, it is essential to take breaks so you can stay focused on what you’re doing. When you’re on a break, make sure you’re doing something that relaxes you. Don’t work on another project or check your email.
If you want to make the most out of your 1-hour break, you can have your food prepared right before you start working. You can also consider buying a Chinese food take-out in a box from your favorite restaurant. This way, you can have a delicious and healthy meal without having to cook or clean up, plus you get to walk around and stretch your legs.
Set a deadline
When you’re working on a project, set a deadline. This will help you stay focused and motivated. It’s also an excellent way to make sure you don’t procrastinate. If you know you have to finish the project by a specific date, you’ll be more likely to get it done.
However, use the deadline you set to motivate you, not to stress you out. If you’re getting too stressed about the deadline, taking a break or pushing it back a little bit is okay. The most important thing is that you get the project done and are happy with the results.
Get help from others
If you’re struggling to finish a project on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help from others. There are a lot of people who are willing to help freelancers. You can ask for help from family and friends or hire someone to help you.
There are also a lot of online resources that can help you. For example, some websites allow you to post projects and get bids from freelancers such as Fiverr and Upwork. This can be a great way to find someone willing to help you with your project.
Eliminate distractions
Lastly, it’s time to eliminate distractions. This means turning off your phone, muting notifications, and closing any tabs or apps that you’re not using. It’s also a good idea to work in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.
Some people like to work in coffee shops because they find it helpful to have some background noise. Others prefer to work in a quiet room at home. It’s up to you to find what works best for you.
Final thoughts
As a freelancer, it’s important to be able to finish your projects quickly. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to get ahead. If you’re struggling to finish a large project, use these tips to help you get the job done quickly.
