What happens when you have a deadline in the next two hours and the next season for American Idol is about to begin in five minutes? Do you take a sneak peak for ten minutes or do you simply pay attention to the impending deadline? It is very easy to get distracted when you are working from home. There are plenty of things to distract you: television, books, children, spouse, neighbors, and the couch (the last being my biggest distractor).

If you are serious about a career in medical transcription, you have to avoid being tempted and distracted at all costs. Here are some tips to help out:

• Make a routine and try to stick to it.
• Make sure everyone at home is aware of your working hours. They will prevent your from being distracted.
• Logical breaks are important but don’t prolong your breaks. You will not only lose time but also spoil your flow of work.
• Don’t switch on the television unless you have finished work for the day. If you have your favorite show coming during your working hours, either record it to watch later, or adjust your work hours so that you are done with your work when your show starts. Don’t watch the TV during your logical breaks.
• Don’t attend to domestic chores during your working hours.
• Put your phone on answering mode during your working hours. Make sure your business phone is active though.

The online world is full of temptations. Don’t get online while working unless you need to research something. Make it a point not to check your personal mails and social networking sites when online. You can always do all the networking once you have finished work for the day.