Commitment and Discipline

Let’s summarize our steps towards becoming a WAH professional:

1. you have determined that you want to work at home and are willing to make the necessary arrangements to do so

2. you have explored your reasons for choosing to explore a WAH career path

3. you have ascertained that you possess the necessary skills

Now let’s discuss your level of commitment and discipline to this WAH career. Similar to any area of life, including jobs both ‘out there’ and at home, the ability to demonstrate commitment and exercise discipline are vital to your success and overall happiness. Commitment, as it relates to working at home, is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as an agreement or pledge to do something, or the state of being obligated and emotionally impelled to a cause. Therefore, contemplate these questions related to your commitment to a WAH career:

1. Have you made an agreement or pledge to yourself and/or family members to make this WAH arrangement successful?

2. Do you feel obligated to see this through or have you allowed yourself an ‘escape clause’ just in case it doesn’t work out?

3. Do you have an emotional investment in this WAH endeavor?

Next, let’s define discipline, courtesy again of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary; discipline as it relates to working at home is self-control gained by enforcing obedience or order; orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; rules governing conduct or activity; and/or training which corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. Pause and calmly think on those definitions for a minute or two, then ponder these questions related to discipline as it relates to your WAH career:

1. Do you possess, or are you willing to gain, discipline/self-control by enforcing or imposing certain rules of order on yourself in the areas of time management, organization, and other relevant areas of your life?

2. Are you willing/able to establish rules to govern or manage your day to day conduct and activities within your home office or studio, to enable yourself to develop a pattern of behavior and professional demeanor?

3. Will you continue to train yourself and improve yourself in the areas of mental acuity and moral character?

If you are both able and willing to boldly proclaim your commitment and your willingness to exercise discipline in the realm of being a WAH professional … then go forth to plan your work and work your plan!

Posted:Monday, June 22, 2009