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I’m visiting my brother, who’s currently in college…and it’s FINALS WEEK! I kind of miss it. I actually miss the runs to starbucks, the intense studying and the hiding out in the library or study centers for hours (or days) at a time. So I took note and did the same. I went to two different libraries and was able to get more work done in those two or three hours than I have when I tried to do work at home. There are a lot of things you can do to get in the proper mind set so you can be more productive.
1) Go out!
I think it’s important if you’re unemployed to get out of the house once in awhile. Even if you’re just applying to jobs. Take your laptop, resume, cover letters or whatever you’re working on at the moment and find somewhere where you can sit for a couple hours and just dive in. The lure of a comfy bed, food, and reruns of Friends is a greater distraction to me than the laid back environment of a library, café or bookstore.
2) Suit up!
Sometimes when I can’t get out of the house for some reason, I purposely get ready to go out– put on a nice outfit and even some makeup. While working in pajamas seems tempting, it personally makes me feel lazy and uninspired to do anything but sleep.
3) Drink!
I was surprised to learn that my brother doesn’t drink coffee during finals week, so I happily bought him some Starbucks. I don’t want to be the cause of anyone’s addiction, but having something to drink while I’m working always helps me focus. No, not an alcoholic drink (just makes me sleepy actually). But rather something like tea, coffee, or even a smoothie.
Reading the headings, it seems as if I’m urging you to go out to a bar. Well, you can do that too…after a full day of being productive.
Is there any particular routine you like to go through before you can properly sit down and become productive, or can you just sit down anywhere and get work done?
Also, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 
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Comments
03.19.10
Great tips!
When I'm freelancing projects and had to work on them in the evening or over the weekend, I choose to get out of the house and to my favourite coffee house because that's the only way I was going to get some work done.
03.19.10
I agree fully with you Michelle- I need that change of scenery in order really concentrate. I often go out to a coffee place or bookstore to blog and do work.
03.20.10
Christopher and Patrick, thanks for commenting! It's really simple advice but it really works. It seems like there would be more distractions in public but for some reason the environment really helps give you momentum and inspiration.
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