When you’re busy working, there are always going to be things popping into your mind that you need to do.

Stay Focused on the Task at Hand

When you’re busy working, there are always going to be things popping into your mind that you need to do, like following up with a client, sending an invoice, checking to see if a payment has been made, and so on; but it’s very important that you don’t interrupt your work to perform these small tasks. The key to completing projects for most people is momentum and uninterrupted work time, so make a note of these things on your to-do list as they pop into your mind.

Keep a Current To-Do List

Our minds are always wandering, thinking of things we should be doing, and that’s okay providing you don’t act on these thoughts while you’re working on a translation project. The way to get these ideas out of your mind is to use a prioritized to-do list. Having a list titled ‘Tasks to Be Completed Today’ ensures that your tasks are completed in the proper order. Most people are much more efficient when they have a list to follow – besides, who doesn’t love crossing items off a to-do list!

Structure Your Day

If you’re not careful, you can look up from your computer and discover that it’s already lunchtime and you still haven’t started your translation project. This can be avoided by giving your day some structure. Of course, we all work differently, but a method that works for many translators is to divide your day into chunks, setting goals for each chunk. This will avoid the 5 pm shock-and-horror when you realize you haven’t achieved much at all.

Keep a List of Small Jobs in Clear View

We all get tired of translating and sometimes we simply need to take a break, and that’s where keeping a list of small jobs where you can see it can be very helpful. Because you’re running a home business there will always be work-related tasks that need completing, such as writing to clients, accounting, making important phone calls, and so on. These are small tasks that can be completed when you feel like taking a break from translating; but they’re tasks that must be done, so you’re still achieving your goals for the day.

Take an Exercise Break

If you’re feeling a little down, or you need to think, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take an exercise break. Don’t just sit there staring at your computer screen, feeling miserable – walk away from it and, if possible, get out into the fresh air. Walking away from a problem or a down mood can work wonders, and adding a little exercise can brighten up your day. Why not take a nice long walk with your digital voice recorder, and you can talk into it while you exercise? Then, when you get back to your office feeling refreshed and ready to work, you can transcribe your thoughts.