Running a home business might be a dream come true. No more traffic on the highway, you can set your own hours, and having the ability to control your own wardrobe can tempt anyone to venture down this road. But one of the downsides of a home business is that distractions can derail your business day and make getting anything done more difficult.

Not to mention that some people in your life might think that because you’re home, you are available to chat and run errands on a whim. It’s essential to get a handle on distractions so you can reap the benefits from working at home without succumbing to the obvious pitfalls.

Talk to Your Family

If you’re just starting your home business, it’s essential to communicate your goals to your family. Ensure they understand that just because you’re home, that doesn’t mean you are always available. Set a work schedule and a workspace, if possible, and let your family know that it’s time for you to work when you’re in your work area.

Let them know under what circumstances they can interject into your workday and how. Are you reserving that right only for true emergencies? Do they need to knock on the door? Establishing the rules ahead of time will allow you to get everyone on the same page and address any problems before they occur.

Set Work Hours

Although having a home business means you can set your own schedule, you actually have to set one. It’s tempting to fit work in while you can, but the truth is that not doing so can be your downfall. You already know that time can get away from you, and before you know it, you’re at the end of the day without completing your work.

That’s a quick way to business failure.

To stop that from happening, set regular work hours and stick to them. You can change them every week or month if you want, but everyone needs to know when you’re working and when you’re not. 

Hire Outside Help

One huge distraction that probably takes away from your home business is the urge to work on chores during business hours. The laundry is piling up, the bathroom is a wreck, and Sally forgot her lunch at home — again. Of course, you could take care of most chores and happenings after you complete your work, but, for some, the temptation is too great.

If your household chores are beckoning, and you can’t simply ignore your impulse to clean and organize, it might be time to hire some help. Maybe you could hire a go-for to run errands or a housekeeper to do your laundry.

On the other hand, you could recruit your family members or make your chores less time-consuming when you get to them. For example, installing a water softener can go a long way in preventing mineral stains in the sink and allow for more time in between deep cleanings.

Plan for Distractions

No matter what you do, working from home will always come with a dose of distraction. Instead of fighting it, plan for it by expecting interruptions and scheduling in timed breaks. Sometimes just knowing that distractions happen will help you practice refocusing on your work once the distraction ends.

Stay Realistic in Your Expectations

Your home business and how you run it is an evolution, and you need to stay flexible. Figuring out what works will be a case of trial and error, so stay open to ideas until you find a method that works for you, your family, and your business.