Here’s something I wish I’d learned earlier: Productivity doesn’t mean perfection.
When I first started my freelancing career, I was obsessed with sticking to it no matter what. Wake up at 7:00 a.m. Deep work by 9:00. Breaks timed like clockwork. And if I missed a beat? I would feel like I’d already failed the day.
But life happens, and things out of our human control interrupt our days. Some days your kid blows up your perfectly planned schedule, some days your pet needs an abrupt visit to the vet and some days you just don’t feel like waking up. And all this is okay.
1. Accept that Every Day Won’t Look the Same
Even the best-laid plans will get shaken up now and then. It’s on such days that you realize flexibility is as crucial as consistency.
If you can’t start work at 9 a.m., shifting your schedule by an hour won’t hurt. If your focus block is interrupted, breathe and pick up where you left off.
And more importantly, if your energy is low, swap out heavy tasks for lighter duties and return when you feel up to it.
A trick I have picked up over the years working from home is to plan my top priorities for the day but also give myself permission to swap or reorder them depending on how the day unfolds.
I like what Morgan Housel says in his book, The Psychology of Money:
“Planning is important, but the most important part of every plan is to plan on the plan not going according to plan. What’s the saying? You plan, God laughs.”
— Morgan Housel
2. Listen to Your Energy
Some days, you change the world; other days, you change the bedsheet. Both days are equally important.
Instead of fighting my energy, I’ve learnt to work around it.
When my energy is the highest, I perform the most demanding tasks, like writing or editing.
On low-energy days, I focus on organizing, admin tasks, and creative breaks like brainstorming. Whenever I burn out, I give myself time off to rest and recharge.
Normally, I keep a list of “low-energy tasks” for off days (e.g., cleaning up emails, backing up files, quick edits). This way, I’m still moving forward even when not at full power.
Also Read: How to Stay Productive as a Freelancer
3. Buffer Zones
I leave gaps in my schedule for buffer zones. These are the small windows between tasks or meetings where I can breathe and relax. I call this my human time. Even during work, I still need to stretch, have coffee, and make regular calls to family and friends.
I add 15 to 30 minutes between major tasks, then use this time to reset or catch up if something runs over.
Not every hour needs to be filled. The breathing space helps me handle surprises without stress.
Buffer time isn’t wasted time. It’s recovery time. And everyone needs recovery time; otherwise, even the best-structured day will eventually wear you down.
4. Goals, Not Plans
I wish life cared about my Google Calendar, my color-coded tasks, and how carefully mapped out my schedules were. It doesn’t.
My plans are always disrupted—I wake up late, meetings run long, and the power sometimes goes out.
Your plans will change, but your goals don’t have to. It’s okay if your day’s work was imperfect. What matters is that you showed up and gave your best.
By focusing on your goals, you stop worrying about missed time blocks and begin focusing on the impact you make. You can always get back on your feet because you know what truly matters.
Also Read: 20 Best Productivity Apps You Need in 2025
5. The Wind Down Ritual
Just like mornings set the tone for the day, how you end your day matters just as much.
I have a wind-down ritual to signal my brain that work is done, and it’s time to relax.
Every day before ending my work day,
- I review my accomplishments for the day. What did I get done, and what’s left?
- I prep a to-do list for the next day. Anything undone gets forwarded as priority tasks for the following day.
- I tidy and set up my home workspace ready for the next day.
- I go for a walk to clear my mind.
The Secret is in Flexibility
Having structure is important, but so is grace. The beauty of working from home is that you can bend your schedule when life throws you a curveball.
So be kind to yourself. Adjust when needed, and remember: You are not behind; you are exactly where you need to be.
Some days, your routine will go off the rails, and that’s fine. Don’t throw in the towel. Instead, take a deep breath, adapt, and keep going. Flexibility is the difference between a bad hour and a wasted day.
