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7 Answers
I have worked remotely for 7 years across three different companies, and the best advice I can give is to create accountability systems outside your company structure. Find an accountability buddy (another remote worker), join co-working spaces (virtual or physical), or use public commitment to drive yourself. I post my weekly goals in a Discord server with other developers – the social pressure to report progress keeps me on track. Also, track your productivity patterns – I'm useless after lunch but fantastic early morning, so I schedule deep work before noon and meetings/email after.
Remote work discipline is about environment not just willpower. Create a dedicated workspace that is ONLY for work - when your there, your working. When not, your off. I struggled for years until I converted a closet into micro-office (sounds weird but works). Now my brain automatically switches to work mode when I'm in that space. Also, dress like your going to office even if noone sees you. Sounds silly but psychological impact is real.
What worked for me was implementing a proper morning routine. Wake up same time, shower, coffee, quick walk outside, then start work. Our brains need those transition signals. Also end of day routine important too - I shut down computer and say outloud "work is done for today" - sounds silly but helps my brain switch off work mode.
Timers saved my remote work life! Look up Pomodoro Technique - 25 min focused work, 5 min break. I use Forest app which grows virtual trees while your working (and dies if you check your phone). Also got a seperate work only laptop with no social media apps installed. Complete game changer for me.
I recommend body doubling! Its when you work alongside someone else (in person or virtual) without necessarily collaborating. The presence of another person working keeps you accountable. I use Focusmate.com which pairs you with random people for 25-50 min sessions. You quickly state your goals at start, work silently, then check in at end. Complete game changer for me!
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