Q: How can I turn my home office into an inspiring workspace?

A: When you work primarily from home, it is easy for the lines between, “work” and home to become blurred. There will be constant interruptions in your home such as family, friends and possibly even neighbors. Keeping your concentration on “work” can be difficult as well, especially when there are tasks at home that need to be taken care of as well.

Here are some useful tactics that will help you create the workspace you need and want as well as assist you in maintaining your focus on your “work.”

* Have a dedicated workspace

* Try not to use your workspace for anything but work

* When you enter your workspace, your mind should be on “work” and let your family know that when you are “working” is when they are to refrain from disturbing you.

* Your work area is a space you want to be both warm and inspiring. Create an environment that will suit your own taste, an area that you actually enjoy spending time in. Otherwise, your time in this space will be more like a punishment.

* Try adding some pictures, motivational quotes or other items to your workspace and think about the reasons you are working from home. Fill your workspace with objects that represent your reasons. This can include pictures of your children, or maybe even things you dream about being able to do, especially if you have financial goals and want to buy your dream car or take a luxury vacation. Include things that are reflections of such dreams.

* When feelings of frustration begin to come into the picture, make an attempt to focus on those objects in your workspace that represent your reasons for working from home.

* Those are some easy things you can do to help make your workspace more warm and inviting.

Other people may prefer a workspace that is completely free from any clutter. If clutter bothers you, make a trip to your local office supply store and stock up on things such as file folders, and other organizational tools. At the end of the workday, clear your desk of all papers and other items that you view as clutter. Have your workspace clutter free for the next day. This way, your mind will be on “work” and not on the clutter that was created prior to that present day.

Besides the actual “work environment,” creating a routine may help inspire you to work as well. Maybe you need to spend the first few minutes of each work day in reviewing notes of tasks for the day, or something as simple as lighting your favorite candle or some other physical activity that will set your mind to being in the “work mode.”

Being goal oriented and having some sort of visual tracking system within your workspace can also assist you in maintaining your focus and motivation. Even those that prefer no clutter in their workspace can at least hang up a simple typed sheet that lists their goals. Viewing those goals on a day to day basis will be a useful and gentle reminder to you of what you are working towards.

At the end of your workday, close the door on that workspace, clear your mind, and focus completely on “family time.”

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