When making the decision to live the creative entrepreneur lifestyle, we are all thrilled with the opportunity to set our own pace and hours – and not have to answer to anyone. Often times however, we end-up feeling isolated and need some extra push to stay motivated as we do our work. Below are some quick tips to keep you going as you go about your day:

1) Play inspiring music while you work – having the freedom to blast the radio as loud as we want is such a perk to being an entrepreneur. No cube-mates or bosses to complain to us to put the music down. So crank up whatever floats your boat - from Enya to Madonna – enjoy and you’ll stay inspired – and maybe even find yourself dancing a bit too!

2) Light incense & candles - The smell of incense and scented candles can do a world of wonder for not only our souls but also our overall attitude for facing the day. Just looking at the flame of a burning candle for a minute can relax you and get you into the right frame of mind. Keep plenty of different scents on hand so you can mix it up on different days.

3) Schedule an Artist Date with Yourself – Julie Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way talks about scheduling a weekly (or even daily) Artist Date with yourself. A time when you are by yourself doing something that feels completely authentic to you – and relaxes you – while inspiring your creativity. Whether it’s going for a run, antiquing, taking a walk on the beach, going to an art class – whatever it is that will feed your inner creativity and spirituality – do it! This is time reserved just for you. Your business will thank you for it.

4) Keep fresh flowers in eyes view of your working area – Buying fresh flowers to have in your work/home area is such a gift to yourself. Buy a beautiful vase to put them in and keep them in eye’s view while you work. The beauty will continue to inspire you

5) Read motivational magazines that keep you inspired – Having a resource library of magazines in our offices that inspire and keep us grounded is truly a motivator. Some of my favorites include; Body + Soul, More, Oprah Magazine, and Real Simple.

6) Take a break - When we all get those eighty million thoughts running through our head and can’t focus – we need to ask ourselves – “Is anyone going to die if I go outside and take a walk/break/drive, etc?” I can guarantee you that the answer will always be NO. YOU come before anything else – and trust me the break will do you wonders.

7) Know Your Peak Times – Access what times of day you are at your most productive, energetic and creative and schedule your day around these times. Do rudimentary tasks such as filing and following up on emails in your down/non-peak times.

8) Celebrate Your Successes – Celebration is tremendously important when we set weekly goals for what we want to accomplish. Celebrate by getting a manicure or massage – and acknowledge while giving yourself this gift all your hard work and how much you have to be proud of!!

9) Call In Support – Continually reach-out to your support network - other self-bossers, your coach, and overall people who inspire you. Schedule lunch, coffee, whatever - it's crucial to have other like-minded people around you who are walking the same path.

These tips are things that I incorporate into my daily life of working from home - and they are things I could never do while working in an office or a cubicle - especially the music & candles part :)!!!