Last week, we started answering the question by one of our Facebook Group Members:

"How do you stay focused as a freelancer?"

We had to break the answer into two parts. Just to recap part 1:

1. Have a dedicated area for work - keep resting/relaxing areas and work areas separate. Our bodies associate locations with purposes. Each room should have a purpose.
2. Remove notifications - close Facebook, close email, silent your phone. When in peak 'work mode', a single distraction can cause us hours of productive work.
3. Keep your ears occupied - listen to white noise or binaural beats. Aside from notifications, random noises can distract us. Keep those away with scientifically proven methods.

Okay, now on two part 2...

4.) Set fixed time for tasks

Multiple scientific studies claim that setting aside a fixed block of time to accomplish a specific task works best. Have you ever noticed that when you're given a certain amount of time to accomplish something, you usually accomplish it in that exact amount of time? Whether it's a long or short amount of time?

I remember my time in college. When I was given a whole week to accomplish an assignment, it would take me one week. But if the same assignment had to be completed in a day, I would get the assignment done in a day. It's the same thing with work. If you have 4 hours to complete a task, you'll take that 4 hours to do so. But if you're given 2 hours to complete the same task, chances are you'd still be able to complete it in that amount of time.

There's this popular technique that follows this principle called the Pomodoro technique, and it contains 5 steps:

1. Decide on the task to be done.
2. Set the pomodoro timer (traditionally to 25 minutes)
3. Work on the task until the timer rings. If a distraction pops into your head, write it down, but immediately get back on task.
4. Take a short break (3-5 minutes)
5. After repeating steps 1-4 four times, take a longer break (15-30 minutes)

Some of the most productive (and therefore, highest earning) people use this technique extensively. I have to admit that it takes some getting used to. But if you can master this technique, your productivity (and earnings) can skyrocket.

What I try to do during breaks is do some physical activity. That can include washing dishes, cleaning up my apartment, or taking walks. I find it refreshing to do minor physical activity during my breaks so that when I get back to my next pomodoro, I feel refreshed.

5.) Work at the times that you're most productive

People are unique. We look different, have different likes and dislikes, and even different times of the day when we work best. Most people work best during the daytime, but some people have specific hours of the day when they work best.

A big reason why working in offices doesn't work and why freelancing is ideal is because as freelancers, we can adjust our schedules to when we work best. For example, I work best between 6pm-10pm. I know people who work best from 5am-9am and others who work best in the early afternoons. You should find out what time works best for you. If you start trying to work at different hours of the day, you'll start to notice what time of the day you're most productive.

Once you figure out what hours of the day you're most productive, you can schedule your activities around those hours. Most productive in the afternoons? Do your groceries in the morning. Work best in the evening? Schedule your dates for lunch instead. As freelancers, we have the flexibility to work our schedule around the time we work best.

6.) Have an environment that encourages productivity and creativity

Have you seen those movies where writers need to be by the lake or mountains to write their books? The same thing applies to us. When we're in a calming and peaceful environment, our brains are able to work better and faster. This is why art, decor, and furniture 'set the mood' in any room. Ever noticed that coffeeshops have a certain 'mood and feel' to them because of their interior design?

For most people, a messy workplace = a messy mind. So organizing your workspace might help you think clearly. If there are certain paintings or decorations that make you feel relaxed and focused, you can invest in those to 'set the mood' in your room.

When I don't feel creative at home and are stuck with my writing, I often go to coffeeshops in order to get inspired. And it usually works, too! Aside from cafes, there are also several co-working spaces for freelancers that try to emulate the 'mood and feel' and provide other services. Co-working spaces are similar to office spaces where you can rent a desk (usually P5,000/mo) and get work done. A lot of people have difficulty getting work done at home, so they rent one of these desks in a co-working space.

Conclusion

As freelancers, our hourly rate and earnings heavily depend on how productive our hours are. If we can work at optimal productivity and get our clients to say: "Wow, it only took you 5 hours of work to get that done!", then we're on the right track and can increase our rate and earn a lot more.