Working online from your home can definitely have it advantages. It can also have its set-backs. Granted, being able to make money online is a convenience that more and more people are finding. However, in order to make your online endeavor successful, you need to learn how to minimize your distractions.

Categorize your time. If you have to reply to important emails, or be available through instant messenger, do so before you have to really stay focused on a particular project. Getting your communication done and out of your system before you start your work can help you stay focused on your project longer once you actually start.

Once you have replied to the important emails, have been available for others to contact you, it’s time to unplug. This means getting out of IM, or setting your status to busy. Click out of your email account unless its work related, and absolutely necessary. Sure, unplugging may sound as difficult as making your investment in stocks decisions, but it is a necessity. Only leave open what is absolutely necessary to get your work done.

A major distraction can be all of the notifications you receive while you are sitting in front of your computer. If you receive a flashing screen whenever you receive an email you may think about restructuring your settings. The flashing signals give notifications a sense of urgency and can easily get your sidetracked.

Take a break! The brain works better when you’ve taken a break after a long stretch of work. Go for a short walk, get a drink of water. Limit this to a few minutes. This is enough to help your refresh without getting off-track.

Do your work in batches. This means that when you have to reply to emails, do so in batches. You may consider replying to your emails during the morning and another time throughout the day. You may do the same with returning phone calls. Getting things done in batches makes sure they get done without you having to worry about them through your day.

Freelancing may sound like the perfect plug and play profit system, but in fact, it takes a lot of time, discipline and persistence to have a successful online career. Most people who are involved with online careers work from home. Yes, this can have its benefits, but it can also have many distractions! Work during the times you know you’ll have the least amount of distractions, and set the rules for your environment. Good luck!