Eating frogs and other productivity tips for independent contractors

Congratulations on becoming an independent contractor — you’re now your own boss and are no longer subject to the schedules of others! However, with this newfound freedom comes the responsibility of making sure you’re productive and getting the most out of your work day.

While being productive is not a struggle that is limited to independent workers, it can be a bit more challenging to stay productive when you’re self-employed and working alone.

But wait, what’s this about eating frogs?

In his book Eat the Frog, Brian Tracy recommends that you start your day by eating a frog if you want to have a productive day at work. The frog is the task that you don’t want to do, but that you know you need to do. It’s the thing that’s going to take up your time and energy, but if you get it out of the way first thing in the morning, you’ll be able to focus on the other tasks that are important to you.

But if you can’t stomach eating the frog, We’ve put together a list of productivity tips, specifically for independent contractors, to help you make the most of your work day.

Create a to-do list

This productivity tip is a classic for a reason — it works! Creating a to-do list at the beginning of each day or week is a great way to ensure that you’re making progress on your projects and taking care of all the small tasks that need to be done.

To make to-do lists even more effective, break down each task into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.

Use a project management tool

If you’re working on a big project or multiple projects at once, it can be helpful to use project management tools to stay organized and on track.

There are a variety of project management tools available, from simple to-do list apps to more comprehensive software suites. Find the tool that works best for you and your workflow and make sure to take advantage of features like task lists, due dates, and reminders.

Set regular work hours

One of the biggest challenges of having your own business is maintaining a work-life balance. It can be easy to get caught up in work, worry about staying productive, and then forget to take time for yourself, but it’s important to find a balance that works for you.

To avoid getting too caught up in the freedom of setting your own hours or even overworking, it’s important to have the self-discipline to stick to a regular work schedule. This will help you stay focused and make sure that you’re making the most of your day.

Set time limits for each task and take breaks

If you find yourself getting bogged down by a certain task or project, try setting a time limit for yourself. For example, if you’re working on a particularly challenging project, give yourself an hour to work on it and then take a break. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting too frustrated.

It might seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually help you be stay productive. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, taking a few minutes to yourself can help clear your head and give you the energy you need to keep going.

Just make sure not to take too many breaks — working too few hours means you’ll get a lot less done!

Find a productivity method that works for you

The productivity methods that work best vary from person to person — what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to find a productivity method that fits your personal preferences and style.

There are a number of different productivity methods out there, so take the time to research and find one that sounds like it would work well for you. Some popular productivity methods include the Pomodoro technique, the Franklin Covey planner system, and the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology.

Once you’ve found a productivity method that you’re interested in, give it a try. Be patient and flexible — it may take some time to get used to a new productivity method, but it will be worth it in the end.

Have a dedicated workspace

If you’re working from home, it’s important to have a dedicated workspace that is separate from the rest of your living space. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted by things like the TV or your bed. A dedicated office space will also make it easier to keep your work and personal life separate, which can be a productivity booster in itself.

If you don’t have an extra room to use as a home office, try setting up a desk in a quiet corner of your home.

Invest in the right tools

When it comes to productivity, having the right tools is essential. This is especially true for independent workers, who may not have access to the same resources as employees at an established company. Here are a few of the most important tools for your small business to invest in:

A good laptop — Make sure you have a laptop that is both powerful and reliable. You don’t want to be stuck working on a slow or outdated machine.

A noise-cancelling headset — If you work in a noisy environment, a noise-cancelling headset can be a godsend.

A standing desk — A standing desk can help you stay more alert and avoid back pain from sitting in a chair all day.

A comfortable chair — Spending hours at a desk can be tough on your back and neck if you’re not sitting in the right chair. Make sure you invest in a comfortable chair that will help you stay productive all day long.

Delegate or outsource menial tasks

Small business owners are responsible for everything from finding new clients to handling the finances. This can be a lot to handle on your own, so it’s important to delegate or outsource menial tasks whenever possible.

If you’re not sure where to start, try delegating or outsourcing tasks like administrative work, marketing, and bookkeeping. There are freelancers who offer these professional services that can help you work effectively on more important tasks.