We all know that one schedule doesn’t work for everyone. One of the reasons many choose self employment is to design a work life to fit their lifestyle.

Finding a schedule and routine that works for you is not a one-shot deal. It may take time to work out the right one. A schedule on paper ^[1] or in Google calendar ^[2] may look good, but it may not work with your actual work day.

A Routine Test

The best way to learn if a schedule will work for you is to try it out. Think of it like trying on clothes, or taking a trial version of a software program for a spin. Taking the schedule and routine you outlined and applying it to real life is the only way to know for sure if it’s a good fit.

Nobody said you had to get it right the first time. As a newly self employed home-based entrepreneur, you have to learn what works best for your new life.

• Do you work best and at your peak early in the morning?
• Do you like to sleep in and really get going around 10?
• Do you putter around in the morning and work more efficiently in the afternoon?
• Do you sleep all day and work at night?

Everyone is different. You have to discover your own best schedule and your peak performing times ^[3]. Trying out different routines will help you pinpoint your best schedules.

Oh, and Remember Things Change…

Chances are that once you find your ideal routine, life will throw you a curve. I’ve had lots of ideal routines over the years, and have had to learn to adapt. As a home-based entrepreneur, your work life and home life overlap. So as things in your household change your routine may need to change. When:

• You get married or move in with your significant other
• You have kids
• Your spouse or partner gets a new job or decides to also go the self employment route
• The kids are home for summer vacation, and then go back to school
• New projects or ventures come along

Each time you need to adopt a new routine and schedule, be sure to test it out. Knowing what’s worked in the past is a great starting point. But as things change, your flexibility comes into play. Working for yourself is one of the greatest ways to make a living — and a life.

Just remember that how you do that day-to-day, may take a few iterations to perfect.