Staying motivated as a virtual assistant in London

You’ve made the transition to a virtual PA job, and are now working from home. While you may be able to put loads of laundry on between emails, or enjoy lunch at your dining table instead of at your desk, you may also find yourself lacking in motivation. With no team to encourage you and plenty of distraction, keeping on track can be harder than first thought. Bring your VA-game to your lounge room with these tips.

Create a routine and workflow

In your previous PA job, you may have had an established routine, bookmarked by a commute. While battling the crowds on the train or bus may no longer be an issue, it’s still important to create a routine and workflow that encourages productivity. Some London-based virtual assistants opt to start their day as they would one in the office, sitting down to work having showered, dressed and prepared for the day. Others opt to start the day slow, working through emails before dealing with everything else. Whatever your routine, try to stick to it – it will help you bring a ‘work’ mindset to your tasks.

Set goals and track progress

A virtual PA job usually doesn’t come with a boss, but it does come with clients, to whom you are just as accountable. Make sure you can deliver on what you’ve promised by setting goals and then tracking your progress, either digitally or with physical to-do lists. These goals don’t need to be huge – in fact, the smaller the better. That feeling when you knock something off your list is all the fuel you need to keep going! It’s also worth recording what you’ve accomplished on a weekly or monthly basis, even just so you can update your CV. Setting goals can also help to draw boundaries between work and play time – once you’ve completed your tasks for the day, you should be clocking off!

Take advantage of tech

While technology usually enables virtual assistants to do their job, it can also prove to be very distracting. Luckily, there are plenty of apps and websites that can help you stay on track and motivated. Block access to your social networks, split your working days into intervals with a timer (like the Pomodoro technique) or batch your emails – whatever you need to do to get the job done!

Create a space that works for you

As a virtual assistant, your office and home is often in the same space, so it’s important to distinguish between the two. Avoid working in bed – this is where you sleep, not where you work. Instead, invest in creating a nook or room where you feel productive yet comfortable. This area should have plenty of natural light, room for paperwork and in the words of Marie Kondo, spark joy! If you aren’t motivated by your surroundings, you won’t be motivated by your work.

Reward yourself

After a long day, or week, everyone needs a reward – even when working in a virtual PA job! Therefore, make sure you schedule in a treat every week – it could be as simple as taking the time out to cook your favourite meal, booking in for some pamper time or throwing your favourite sweet treat into your shopping basket for an afternoon pick me up. Having a reward at the end of the tunnel will motivate you to keep going and make your work all the more fulfilling.
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Are you looking for a virtual job in the UK? Tiger Virtual can help find you a role that enables you to work from home. Get in touch today.

Author Rebecca Siciliano Tiger Recruitment Team