Are You Sabotaging Your Own Productivity?
Whenever someone tells us that the secret to a productive day for freelancers is getting ready in the morning, there’s always a school of thought that disagrees. What’s interesting is that no one ever comes up and says that working in your pyjamas is productive.
As a freelance writer who has done both, I can tell you that getting ready for work is much more productive than working in PJs.
There’s no denying that working in your PJs is fun. The element of glee involved is just too good to pass up. However, an occasional day spent working in your pyjamas is a far cry from doing it every day.
The secret to having a productive work day is getting dressed.
Look at yourself right now. Forget stepping into an office. Are you dressed to step out and meet a client for an informal meeting?
While working from home gives us the freedom to be our selves, dress comfortably and work anywhere we want, it does not give us the liberty to become sloppy, unhygienic and unproductive by working in our pjs.
If you’re not getting dressed for work (which includes taking a morning shower by the way) then you are bringing your bed to work instead of your brain.
You are sabotaging your own productivity.
Routines are there for a reason. The simple act of waking up, taking a shower and pulling on clothes that had some thought go into their selection, prepares you for a work a day without the pressure of running late or looking good.
When you sit down to work, you’re already in work mode and your day is already halfway through to being productive.
Bottom Line: its fun to work in your PJs but it’s more productive to get dressed.
Are you sabotaging your own productivity?
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Samar is a freelance writer, blogger and social media enthusiast.
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February 1, 2010
at 12:37 am
I can't imagine the idea of not dressing up and not preparing for a good day. Being in my pajamas feel like I'm sloppy, but being out of it propped to be productive.
February 1, 2010
at 3:32 am
Samar:
Thanks for this timely reminder: it is a great post.
With due respect, I would tend to disagree: there are no such hard and fast rules. The important thing is to find out what works for you: it is an individual choice. And every individual is unique.
However, I like rituals, personally. I cannot work in my pajamas or even casuals. I need the daily routine which you have mentioned: discipline is key.
Otherwise, you tend to get too comfortable, your eyes get drowsy, and then you go back to sleep.
Going for a morning walk, taking a shower, breakfast, wearing decent clothes, etc. helps to improve my productivity, that's for sure, but I am not sure about recommending that to all people.
After all, one size does not fit all. We have all kinds and types of people who inhabit our world.
February 1, 2010
at 5:06 pm
Interesting thought. When working from home, I don't work in pajamas but I don't dress up either. Most of the time, I wear my oldest jeans and a sweatshirt.
Often I'm productive, sometimes I'm not. I think I'm going to give your suggestion a try.
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February 3, 2010
at 4:51 pm
@ Walter – Something about being dressed for work just puts me in the right mind frame that's needed to work.
@ Archan – I agree. One hat does not fit all. But a well established routine does benefit most. If you're trying to improve your productivity, look into how you start your day.
@ Luc – Do let us know if you notice an increase in productivity
Comfortable jeans and shirt are a great alternative too!
February 7, 2010
at 5:02 am
What happened to the shocking eye hurting torturing orange colour?
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March 24, 2010
at 12:51 pm
oh blogging big time I see
hani´s last blog ..Kaavish-Album Review
February 3, 2011
at 6:09 am
Such a simple step makes all the difference! There's something about taking a shower and fresh clothes that just puts you in the right frame of mind, and boosts your mood too! Great post.
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