5 Tips to Work Anywhere

Going to the same place to work day in, day out is so 2000’s. Today with all the cool coffee shops and work-share spaces available, along with flexible work schedules, it’s a must to learn how to work from anywhere. And frankly, getting outside the cubicle or the home to get what you need to get done done is simply more enjoyable.

We all do some form of work—be it for professional or personal purposes—so, why not arm ourselves to be productive and inspired when we choose or have to work anywhere. Here are a few tips to make sure you make the most of your time outside the office.

1.     Pack right. A well-organized bag can make all the difference. It is, after all, your traveling office. Consider a small briefcase or a canvas tote. The trick is to have a checklist of those items you know are must haves (journal, writing instrument, laptop or iPad, phone), and then to think through your action list for the day and make sure that you take the critical reference pieces with you… without overdoing it. A too-heavy bag is no fun and starts to literally outweigh having all the “just in case” items with you.

2.     Be presentable. Yes, even in today’s age of leisure-wear, it’s important to dress your part, whatever that part might be. Consider that you might run into a future client, a possible boss, or the donor you’ve been trying to land. Those chance encounters can turn into moments of opportunity. Might as well be ready and present yourself as you want to be presented. Plus, being put together has the added psychological benefit of making you feel ready for work, helping you to be just a bit more productive.

3.     Make sure you’re charged. The worst is being ready to run out the door and realizing that neither your phone, nor your computer or tablet, is charged. Make a habit of charging overnight and also consider investing in a portable charging device that can save you if your phone battery runs low. Here’s a fantastic review of 20 of the best portable chargers from techradar.com.

4.     Pick your vibe. Environment makes a big impact on productivity. Do you need it quiet, or do you need background noise and hubbub? Some of us can’t get anything done in dead silence, and others need that quiet calm to focus. So, pick either your local library or a shared workspace that might provide the quiet you need, or alternatively, pick your favorite coffee shop that actually allows you to squat and provides an electrical outlet.  But be sure to order a thing or two while you’re there. Not being a “wifi freeloader” will endear you to the staff.

5.     Change your scenery. Sitting in one place all day without any pauses defeats the purpose of getting out of your home or office. So, don’t get stuck in one place. Be thoughtful about how you’re going to use the time in the day. Craft a schedule that includes a meal or coffee with a colleague or partner, turning the work activity into a more fun engagement. Take a walk in nature or explore a neighborhood you haven’t been to visit for a while to give your mind a break or to find some needed inspiration. Sit in the sunshine in a park while taking a conference call, making everyone jealous when they hear the birds chirping in the background.

Being flexible and being able to work anywhere is the mark of productivity in the 21st Century. With these tips, you can check things off your list no matter where you choose to get your work accomplished.