Comments for The Smart Passive Income Blog

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Ms. Freeman

Ms. Freeman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:11:56 +0000

I have placed myself on a schedule to work only during daylight hours. When the sun goes down the laptop gets shut off. No ifs ands or buts.

“Working” to long I found that I was doing more wheel spinning than actual work.

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Tyler WebCPA

Tyler WebCPA — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:10:33 +0000

Nothing like the wife to bring a little order out of chaos, eh? I am just as much on a schedule when I work from home as from the office, but I am not nearly as far along as Pat. Maybe when I buy a new computer?

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:47:39 +0000

My basic schedule is this: Start work between 4:30 and 5:30am and work until 5:45am. Leave for my job shortly before 6am. Work on my stuff for all or part of my lunch hour, and then again for at least 4 hours (often from 3pm-7pm). If there are family plans or things I need to do to help out my son or husband, those take priority and I just get less sleep. Weekends are flexible but I usually take one entire day off.

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Keith

Keith — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:39:07 +0000

I struggle with this as well, working from home has been great to me in many ways, but I am a workaholic and can’t seem to say when the workday is, or should be, done. Luckily, I live alone and I can be selfish about it, so when I fell I am getting burned out, I take some time off…

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Drezz

Drezz — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:30:19 +0000

I’m glad you’ve started on the path to dividing your personal life from business. A large majority of people who work from home suffer from the inability to disconnect from their work. It can lead to a huge strain on your marriage and other aspects of your personal life. I’ve been a strong advocate of keeping work “at work” and your personal life on your personal time.

It doesn’t work for everyone, but in your case, you have to make it work, since your office is integrated into your home – which is your sacred space. The minute that work life begins to creep into your personal space, you’re going to be in a world of trouble.

My boss couldn’t discern between home time and business time, and worked while he was at home and went as far as building a luxury office for staff connected to his home. He claimed it was for efficiency and comfort. It was a disaster. His wife left him for one of the staff, he was forced to sell the lavish home/office, and he’s only now starting to get back on track.

That’s a worst-case scenario, but its a fine example of why you need that separation. Bringing that work mentality into the home can lead to disaster. I know first-hand – my wife is a teacher and is constantly working after school hours. It puts a tremendous strain on our relationship. I’d hate to see that happen to you and your wife.

Once you close the door, that’s it for the day.

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Franck

Franck — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:10:47 +0000

You’re a wise man Pat. Maybe, you should put a top on your earning/month, and once reached relax and enjoy your time. Write Tim Ferris’ life principles in your white board or post them on a wall. Have them always visible

Comment on Your Next Free Marketing Lesson is in an Infomercial by Monique Johnson

Monique Johnson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:56:39 +0000

I never thought of infomercials in this regard. I like how you broke it down in this post! I will definitely implement some of these strategies for my blog. Thanks!

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Jewelry Secrets

Jewelry Secrets — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:49:04 +0000

Seems like you hit a nerve with this post. It does seem like work and personal mix way too much. People ask me how much I work and it feels like I’m working 24/7. But, that’s because I don’t set aside any schedule to work and anytime to play. It’s all just one big mix of plork. Like now for example, I’m reading and leaving a comment on your blog, while my post is waiting for me to finish… It’s so easy to get distracted. Especially since what we do is online and so is everything else. Get us away from the computer, then you would get some production. But then again, you wouldn’t make any money either. I hope your schedule works well for you. We’ll be watching…

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Sarah H.

Sarah H. — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:38:15 +0000

Great post! This is an important issue in our house too since we have a similar situation (my husband works at home and we have a new baby). I love your idea about separating your 2 computers, work and non-work. Creating your own schedule is definitely hard work!

Comment on The Most Important Conversation I’ve Had About My Business Ever by Adam

Adam — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:33:52 +0000

It is always better to remember that pareto principle.Facebook,emails,twitter ….find the 20 percent that brings 80 percent of results and have them in your mind all day.That is what matters and that is what is required especially for people working online from home.