Can you share a tip for staying motivated and engaged while working remotely? What helps you stay driven and enthusiastic about your work? We posed these questions to 19 business leaders, and they shared their most effective strategies to stay inspired and productive.
- Establish Iron-Clad Routines
- Create Emotional Milestones
- Implement Time Blocking
- Balance Work and Personal Goals
- Set Intentional Focus Sprints
- Create an Inspiring Workspace
- Take Intentional Breaks
- Focus on Frequent Team Interactions
- Maintain a Morning Routine
- Craft Personalized Rituals
- Create a Long-Term Plan
- Set Clear Deadlines
- Walk in the Morning
- Implement Time Blocking with Task Variety
- Track Work Achievements
- Use the Pomodoro Method
- Establish Clear Goals and Objectives
- Maintain a Results-Driven Mindset
- Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
How to Stay Motivated While Working Remotely
Establish Iron-Clad Routines
The key to remote work motivation isn’t complex—it’s about iron-clad routines. After 20 years of working remotely, I’ve found that treating work like a professional athlete treats training eliminates the daily decision fatigue. I make coffee and start working at the same time every morning, no questions asked.
What really drives my productivity is ending each day by picking the next morning’s first challenge. As a developer, I’ll deliberately leave an interesting bug or complex problem ready to tackle. When I see my laptop in the morning, the urge to solve that puzzle creates instant momentum.
Most importantly, I respect my natural energy cycles. If motivation dips, I simply stop—whether for 20 minutes or 3 hours. A walk, some music, whatever feels right. Fighting through low motivation is pointless; stepping away always brings it back naturally. Combined with scheduled exercise breaks after deep work sessions, this flexible approach turns remote work into a sustainable rhythm.
Vincent Schmalbach
Web Developer, AI Engineer & SEO Expert, Vincent Schmalbach
Create Emotional Milestones
One thing I do to stay inspired while working remotely is creating emotional milestones, instead of just task-based goals. What I mean is I associate it with the feeling I want after daily or weekly work—proud, relieved, or even inspired. It’s not about checkboxes, it’s about cultivating experiences.
For example, if I know a project is feeling boring, I would reframe it as an opportunity to feel accomplished by increasing my creativity or learning something new along the way.
Another unique motivator is what I call the micro-gratitude pause. Before I start work I write one thing about the remote setup that I’m grateful for. Whether it’s the flexibility of wearing quiet, comfortable socks or the chance to play my favorite playlist? This little ritual shifts my mindset from responsibility to admiration and it’s far from monotonous.
Finally, I have a “why is it important?” list. A simple reminder how does my work affect the bigger picture, be it my team, clients, or even my personal goals. When the mid-week slump hits I keep re-watching this list to re-energize my purpose.
Raviraj Hegde
Svp of Growth & Sales, Donorbox
Implement Time Blocking
I work remotely as a photography trainer, and I’ve found time blocking to be incredibly important. I set small, achievable goals for the day in my planner to stay on track. I also schedule planning and brainstorming days into my calendar and make them especially enjoyable by working from different locations. One of my favourite spots is a nearby spa that has a dedicated workspace—I can take breaks to swim and relax, which helps me stay refreshed and inspired.
Nina Mace
Photographer, Trainer & Mentor, Nina Mace Photography
Balance Work and Personal Goals
Working from home can lead to a sense of disconnection, therefore staying challenged and driven takes a far more intentional effort for establishing structure and creating connection. There is one thing that has helped me remain motivated and inspired for others over the years, and that is having a routine that includes not only work-related goals, but also commitments to myself. This balance allows me to remain productive as well as keeping burnouts at bay especially when working from home blurs the lines between personal and professional.
My day begins with a clear plan. Every day, I write down the three tasks that will help me advance my bigger goals. My focus on a handful of priorities means that I’m never daunted by an unmanageable to-do list, and I make sure that at the end of each day I feel accomplished. I also schedule breaks intentionally, stepping away from my desk to take a walk, meditate or do something that recharges me. Such pauses are essential to recharging energy and creativity.
Maintaining socialization and connection with coworkers is important, too. Maintaining regular video check-ins, joint projects, and even informal debriefs around the proverbial water cooler do wonders to foster a sense of community and accountability. Being part of a team is what keeps me motivated, even more so when working remotely, and reminds me of the bigger purpose behind my work.
One of the most powerful practices I employ to keep me energized is tethering what I do daily to the mission of my work and the difference the work makes. For instance, in my position, I frequently consider how my work helps people along their road to recovery. Knowing that I am a part of something so much bigger keeps me engaged with the work, even on the toughest days.
The advice I offer others who are working remotely is to be intentional with your time, your space, and your routine. Establish a specific work area that limits distractions, define clear separation between work time and personal time, and connect with your purpose and work family in other ways. Therein lies the balance between working remotely and keeping your motivation high: structure, purpose, and balance, so focus on those three things in your remote routine.
Timothy Brooks
CEO, Synergy Houses
Set Intentional Focus Sprints
When I transitioned to working remotely, staying motivated felt like a daily challenge. The usual office energy was gone, and the silence at home often made tasks feel monotonous. The turning point came when I created a routine that mirrored the structure of an office day but with a personal twist. One habit stood out: setting intentional “focus sprints.”
I started breaking my day into 90-minute blocks of uninterrupted work followed by 15- to 20-minute breaks. During those breaks, I’d do something that genuinely recharged me-whether it was stepping outside, making a quick snack, or even playing with my dog. Knowing I had those little rewards kept me motivated to power through the focused periods.
Another tip that’s made a huge difference is shifting my mindset about my workspace. I dedicated a small corner of my home to work and decorated it to feel inspiring—think plants, a vision board, and a good lamp. It helped create a mental boundary between “work” and “home,” even when they were technically the same space.
Ultimately, staying driven comes down to balance. Productivity thrives when you pair structure with flexibility. Finding that mix keeps me engaged and excited about tackling the day, no matter where I work from.
Shir Amram
COO, Montana Capital
Create an Inspiring Workspace
Create a dedicated workspace that inspires productivity. I found that having a specific area in my home set up like an office, complete with a comfortable chair and good lighting, makes a huge difference.
It mentally prepares me for work and helps separate professional tasks from personal life. A few months ago, I added a whiteboard for jotting down ideas and tracking progress, which keeps me engaged and visually connected to my goals.
Another key is setting clear, achievable daily goals. I start each day by listing three main tasks I want to accomplish. This not only gives me direction but also a sense of achievement as I tick them off. It’s like giving yourself a mini high-five every time you complete a task.
This approach keeps me driven and enthusiastic, knowing that each small win contributes to the bigger picture.
Jose Gomez
Founder & CTO, Evinex
Take Intentional Breaks
One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is the lack of natural breaks and social interactions that you’d typically have in an office. At home, you might find yourself working straight through the day without the casual conversations and interactions that break up office life (I know I do). Even Zoom that have some type of social aspect tend to leave you with less energy after.
I stay motivated by taking intentional breaks and getting outside. Sitting at a computer all day is draining, even when you’re passionate about your work. I make it a point to step outside for at least 30 minutes every day—it clears my mind and re-energizes me for the rest of the day.
I also plan workdays at coffee shops or co-working spaces with other folks I’ve met that work remotely around me. It helps to build an office atmosphere without having to actually go into one.
Steven Buchko
Co-Founder & CEO, Steve
Focus on Frequent Team Interactions
One thing that’s really helped me stay motivated while working remotely is focusing on frequent, short interactions with my team. Instead of scheduling long, drawn-out meetings, we try to have lots of quick touch points throughout the day. It’s like being able to “stop by someone’s desk” virtually.
These quick check-ins help keep everyone in the loop, foster collaboration, and prevent that feeling of isolation that can sometimes creep in when you’re working from home. It’s easy to get stuck in your own little bubble, but those little interactions help maintain a sense of connection and keep the energy up.
Plus, it’s just nice to have those spontaneous moments of interaction, even if it’s just to bounce ideas off each other or share a quick laugh. It makes work feel more social and engaging, which is a huge motivator for me.
JJ Maxwell
CEO, Double Finance
Maintain a Morning Routine
Having a dedicated morning routine helps me stay motivated while working remotely. Rather than jumping straight into emails, I spend the first hour of each day planning my top priorities and checking in with different team members.
This approach came from realizing how isolation can creep in when working from home. Now, I start each day with quick video chats with our SEO, content, and dev teams to discuss their current projects. These casual conversations help maintain relationships and often spark new ideas. It creates a sense of workplace connection even though we’re all in different locations.
A morning routine brings structure to remote work and helps maintain enthusiasm. Setting aside time to connect with colleagues reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than our individual tasks.
Aaron Whittaker
VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Craft Personalized Rituals
Crafting a routine can drastically boost motivation, especially while working remotely. This doesn’t just mean sticking to a schedule—it’s about making small rituals that signal the start and end of your workday. This might include having a morning playlist that cues your brain it’s time to get going, or a particular coffee mug that only comes out during work hours. Anchor these rituals to non-work activities: a quick morning walk or a five-minute meditation session before diving into tasks. These physical or sensory cues help differentiate work time from leisure hours, which is essential for focus.
The key lies in consistency and personalization. When you form these simple rituals, your brain starts associating certain actions with focused work. It’s like flipping a switch that tells you, “It’s time to be productive.” This trick might sound simple but can make even mundane tasks feel significant. Over time, these habits can form part of a structured day that combats the potential monotony and isolation of remote work. They also provide a mental pause, allowing for a mindful transition from work mode to relaxation, enhancing both productivity and mental wellness.
Will Yang
Head of Growth & Marketing, Instrumentl
Create a Long-Term Plan
Creating a Long Term plan.
Working remote causes you to be separate from coworkers who typically can help motivate you to push yourself. This makes it difficult to see where you should be going on a day to day basis. My motivation and engagement during remote work skyrocketed when I decided to create a 5 year plan. Having something to work towards each and every day has doubled my output.
It is common for organizations to set company goals but the real motivation comes from deciding on your own goals and pushing yourself in the direction you want to go. Be sure to make your goals lofty but attainable and always push for a little more than is comfortable.
Blake Farris
Habit Coach, Mito Coaching
Set Clear Deadlines
Having worked remotely for 17 years, I’ve learned that discipline is crucial for success. If you keep telling yourself, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” you’ll quickly fall behind, and working remotely can become overwhelming.
For those struggling with discipline, setting clear deadlines can be a powerful motivator. Personally, deadlines create a sense of urgency that activates my productivity. I can stare at a blank screen for days, waiting for inspiration to strike. But once a deadline approaches, I’m able to focus and complete the task, whether it’s writing an article or working on website design. Deadlines help me stay on track and get things done.
Setting goals is another key factor in staying driven and enthusiastic. Right now, I’ve set some ambitious SEO goals for my travel website. To reach them, I know I must work hard and stay focused, which helps me avoid distractions like social media.
Deadlines and goals have been crucial in managing my remote work, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to work any other way!
Femke Stigter
Website Owner, Wander in Paradise
Walk in the Morning
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance becomes even more important when working remotely. One way of doing this is to walk in the morning. This has the obvious advantages of doing light exercise daily, enjoying the fresh air, and clearing your mind. But there is more to it: you will trick your brain by going outside before you start your working day. This will help you have a more natural boundary between waking up in your house and starting your working day from the same house. In addition, implement a habit of closing your working day with a ritual setting the boundary between your work and your life in the same place.
Fabienne Prevoo
Career Coach for Corporate Senior Leaders, Coaching by Fabienne
Implement Time Blocking with Task Variety
One unique tip for staying motivated while working remotely is to implement “time blocking with task variety.” This approach involves breaking your workday into blocks of time, but instead of dedicating each day to a specific task, alternate between different types of work throughout the day.
In addition, incorporating micro-rewards after completing a block of work—such as taking a short break, enjoying a snack, or doing a quick physical activity—can boost motivation. This tactic taps into the brain’s reward system, providing a small incentive after completing tasks, which makes long remote work days feel more rewarding and manageable. By alternating tasks and rewarding progress, you can stay engaged and enthusiastic.
Mahesh Kumar
Spokesperson, Transcription Certification Institute
Track Work Achievements
I’ve worked remotely for most of my career, including for a tech company and an SEO agency. Working remotely by yourself can be extremely demoralising. It can be extremely tempting to scroll your phone or turn on the TV. One thing I do to stay motivated and engaged is to keep track of my work achievements. It isn’t anything fancy—just a spreadsheet. But on those days when I just feel like a person working behind a laptop screen, I can remind myself that I’m having a tangible impact on my company and the industry that it supports.
Miranda Hartley
Marketing Executive, Evolution AI
Use the Pomodoro Method
To remain motivated and involved while working from home, one might well use the Pomodoro method and take really nice breaks. The Pomodoro method involves working in focused chunks of time, usually 25 minutes long. These periods will feel more like a sprint than a marathon, and you should reward yourself with a short break afterwards, doing something that will help your mind transition back to work mode. If the mindlessness of a simple task doesn’t help you, then a more engaging break may do the trick.
Don’t just resort to zoning out with your phone when you take a break. Devote your off-time to something that requires at least a little bit of thought or effort. Walk the dog. Do a set of push-ups. Play a video game so short and strategic that you can’t really zone out for the three to five minutes it takes to complete. Then you’re ready to tackle whatever next big thing was on your list when the timer went off.
The focused work and break problem combine and create a rhythm that is keeping you productive and engaged. When a person is working remotely, that person is on a self-imposed schedule. You get to choose when to work and when to take breaks. The concentrated work and active breaks together give you a kind of metabolism that is keeping you productive and is enjoyable.
Blake Smith
Founder & SEO Consultant, Blake Smith Consulting
Establish Clear Goals and Objectives
Establishing clear goals and objectives is fundamental to maintaining motivation and productivity while working remotely. When you have well-defined targets, it becomes easier to channel your efforts and stay focused, even amidst the distractions of a home environment. Having clear goals creates a sense of purpose, giving you a reason to tackle each workday with intention and drive.
One effective way to structure your goals is by using the SMART framework—ensuring they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, instead of setting a vague goal like “improve productivity,” a SMART goal might be, “Complete three client proposals by Friday, focusing on incorporating feedback from past projects.” This level of clarity not only directs your daily actions but also allows you to measure progress, fostering a sense of achievement as you tick off milestones.
Breaking larger goals into smaller, actionable steps can also prevent overwhelm, especially for complex projects. For example, if your goal is to launch a new product, dividing it into stages such as market research, prototype development, and marketing strategy ensures that each step feels manageable and attainable. Each completed step fuels a sense of progress and accomplishment, which is vital for sustaining motivation over the long term.
To maintain momentum, it’s equally important to periodically review and adjust your goals. Remote work often introduces new variables, such as shifting deadlines or evolving priorities, so flexibility is key. Regularly evaluating your goals ensures they remain aligned with both your professional responsibilities and personal aspirations.
Finally, consider incorporating accountability mechanisms into your goal-setting process. Sharing your objectives with a colleague, mentor, or team can create a sense of responsibility and encouragement. Tools like project management software or progress trackers can also provide visual reminders of how far you’ve come, helping to boost motivation further.
By combining the SMART framework, incremental steps, regular reviews, and accountability, you can create a clear roadmap that not only keeps you motivated but also enhances your overall effectiveness while working remotely.
Stefano Lodola
Founder & Course Author, Think Languages
Maintain a Results-Driven Mindset
When working remotely, it’s essential to maintain a results-driven mindset. Constantly reflecting on the outcomes of your work can help keep you motivated and ensure that you remain engaged with your tasks. Also, you need to consider the potential repercussions of not being motivated or driven; missed deadlines and subpar performance can have significant effects on your career trajectory and professional reputation.
It is important to recognize the privilege of working from home—an opportunity that many would wish to have. This privilege comes with the responsibility to deliver consistent results, balance flexibility with accountability, and continuously contribute value to your team and organization. By staying focused on outcomes and acknowledging the unique opportunity of remote work, you can maintain the enthusiasm and commitment necessary to thrive in a home office setting.
David Rubie-Todd
Co-Founder & Marketing Head, Sticker It
Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
I’m writing to contribute my insights to your upcoming piece. I have worked as a remote counsellor for several years and genuinely enjoy the experience. Remote work allows employees to work outside the traditional office setting, offering the freedom to work at their own pace and on flexible schedules—even while travelling.
For remote workers, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and creating an ideal work environment are essential. You might be surprised to learn that remote work can align with your passions. For example, if you love to travel, you can seamlessly integrate it into your work routine.
It’s a well-known fact that creativity thrives when your mind is refreshed. A sound mind leads to a sound body, and your creativity flourishes when your surroundings are inspiring. A vibrant, attractive environment can spark new ideas and motivate you to embrace the moment. By prioritizing self-care and thriving in a flexible workspace, you can boost your efficiency, productivity, and overall sense of inclusion. Accomplishing small milestones during remote work feels rewarding and pushes an employee to continue forward, making them enthusiastic during work.
Chloe Daniel
Career Counselor, CounsellingX
