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Solo And Feeling Isolated? 4 Keys To Overcome Isolation And Thrive
As a solo professional, you've dreamed of that home office forever. It's just the way you like it - no commute, no annoying office mates, and all of the uninterrupted time you need to work on those projects.
By: Amy Franko
As a solo professional, you've dreamed of that home office forever. It's just the way you like it - no commute, no annoying office mates, and all of the uninterrupted time you need to work on those projects.
By: Amy Franko
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All of the uninterrupted time in the world and the kitchen nearby . . . but the one thing you weren't counting on - overcoming isolation and boredom. It happens to all of us from time to time and it's important to find ways to overcome it and thrive.
Four key actions that have worked for me include:
1. Joining an industry association. I have benefited professionally and personally from joining 2-3 different associations. I belong to an association specific to my industry, and I belong to another that serves women business professionals. These groups have opened professional doors for me, I've gained a lot of knowledge from others in my field. I've also grown personally, made valuable connections, and I'm reminded that I'm not alone. For this to work, make it a point to get involved in the group, even if it's at a small level. Join a committee or volunteer for an event - your success with industry associations is directly proportional to your willingness to get involved.
2. Getting an accountability partner. I have an accountability partner I check in with at least once a week. It serves two purposes - it keeps me on track with my goals and tasks, plus it helps me to stay connected to the outside world. Your accountability partner sees the world from another perspective; this can help you solve problems more quickly and keep the positive attitude you need to succeed.
3. Continuing professional and personal development. It's important to continue investing in your skills throughout your solo career, and it's easy to set that investment aside when you have bills to pay and projects to complete. Select at least 1-2 conferences, workshops, or teleseminars to attend annually that keep your skills sharp, help you meet new people, and interact with the world.
4. When all else fails, finding new scenery! This can be the local coffee shop or the library. The library is a great alternative to the home office, especially if your branch has wireless internet access and some quiet rooms.
Keep these simple actions in mind and you can kick boredom and isolation to the curb . . . and enjoy that home office environment once again!
Amy Franko is the owner and principal learning designer of Amy Franko Consulting. Amy is a certified Book Yourself Solid ™ business coach. The group she's most passionate about serving is women who are solo service professionals. She uses a simple system of protocols specifically designed to bring more ideal clients into their business, even if marketing and selling isn't something they like to do. You can learn more about her by visiting her website www.amyfranko.com or following her on Twitter www.twitter.com/amyfranko.
Four key actions that have worked for me include:
1. Joining an industry association. I have benefited professionally and personally from joining 2-3 different associations. I belong to an association specific to my industry, and I belong to another that serves women business professionals. These groups have opened professional doors for me, I've gained a lot of knowledge from others in my field. I've also grown personally, made valuable connections, and I'm reminded that I'm not alone. For this to work, make it a point to get involved in the group, even if it's at a small level. Join a committee or volunteer for an event - your success with industry associations is directly proportional to your willingness to get involved.
2. Getting an accountability partner. I have an accountability partner I check in with at least once a week. It serves two purposes - it keeps me on track with my goals and tasks, plus it helps me to stay connected to the outside world. Your accountability partner sees the world from another perspective; this can help you solve problems more quickly and keep the positive attitude you need to succeed.
3. Continuing professional and personal development. It's important to continue investing in your skills throughout your solo career, and it's easy to set that investment aside when you have bills to pay and projects to complete. Select at least 1-2 conferences, workshops, or teleseminars to attend annually that keep your skills sharp, help you meet new people, and interact with the world.
4. When all else fails, finding new scenery! This can be the local coffee shop or the library. The library is a great alternative to the home office, especially if your branch has wireless internet access and some quiet rooms.
Keep these simple actions in mind and you can kick boredom and isolation to the curb . . . and enjoy that home office environment once again!
Amy Franko is the owner and principal learning designer of Amy Franko Consulting. Amy is a certified Book Yourself Solid ™ business coach. The group she's most passionate about serving is women who are solo service professionals. She uses a simple system of protocols specifically designed to bring more ideal clients into their business, even if marketing and selling isn't something they like to do. You can learn more about her by visiting her website www.amyfranko.com or following her on Twitter www.twitter.com/amyfranko.
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