To work remotely, you need a plan, the right tools, and the right mindset. In my day job, I can be in as many as 3 or more cities in a single day, so having a plan and the right tools is a must for maintaining productivity.
01 | THE PLAN
Before I officially start the day, I take a shower, eat breakfast, and have a cup of coffee. For me, this little routine readies my mind for the day. Your method may differ but create something that lets your body know that you are switching over to work mode.
I then review my to-do list….this is a must. I used to keep a mental to-do list, but I found that my mental clarity improved when I started writing things down. I write yearly to-dos (usually as goals), quarterly to-dos….all the way down to daily to-dos (but usually not more than three significant items – thanks, Michael Hyatt). This system helps me to focus my efforts, and it gives me metrics to determine whether I’m making progress towards the things that matter to me.
Once I have my daily to-dos identified, I import those items into Focus-to-Do. Focus-to-Do is an app that allows you to record your projects, tasks, and deadlines. It works on the Pomodoro technique and challenges you to stay focused on a to-do for 25-minute increments (with a 5-minute break, which I often use to catch up on e-mail or social media). The app also offers an assortment of background sounds if you purchase the premium service.
02 | TOOLS
Goodnotes + Evernote
Since I’ve gotten into the practice of writing things down, Goodnotes 5 and Evernote have ranked high on my list of apps. GoodNotes is essential for me because it allows me to store all sorts of handwritten notes nearby without carrying around anything more than my iPad and Apple pencil. I keep work notes, sketches, recipes, and household notes tucked in an array of brightly colored notebooks that are all conveniently located inside a searchable app. Since I purchased the iPad Pro last year and installed Goodnotes, I’ve drastically reduced my reliance on paper.
Evernote is also a useful app. It has several features that interface with other apps and services that you may already use. You can also customize Evernote by adding images, tables, and even hyperlinks to useful information.
Tinyscan + Scannable
Tinyscan and Scannable enable you to capture images and store them on your mobile devices. I prefer Tinyscan because the app allows you to convert the scanned item into a pdf, and its auto-crop feature helps to remove extraneous things that you may have captured in the background.
Scannable is my go-to for receipt management. I’m sure that it can be used for other documents, but I love that the app auto-crops and auto-captures receipts. If you’re an Evernote user, you’ll like that the products work seamlessly together.
Device Accessories
When I’m out of the office, I can stay productive with my iPad and Apple pencil. If I’m out and about for extended periods, I will also pack my Lamicall tablet holder* and my Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device (K480) keyboard* (shown in the image above). Both items allow me to set-up the iPad like a desktop workstation. I can adjust my screen to a more comfortable eye level and type on a larger keyboard.
I charge my devices daily, but I also pack any charging accessories that I may need….just in case!
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
03 | MINDSET
In nearly all aspects of life, maintaining the right mindset is key to reaching your goals. When you’re outside of the office environment and its structure, you can sometimes find yourself unmotivated and deeply distracted. Just remember to pace yourself appropriately and forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned. The work-from-home lifestyle has perks but can be very hectic until you develop a rhythm that works for you. You will get there – just be patient and persistent!
