This week we have been talking about becoming a Work at Home Mom, what my journey has been like and some things you can do.

Yesterday I talked about how one of the ways I schedule in work time is by getting up a little earlier. I am not talking about 4:30 or 5 in the morning, although I have done that, I am talking about just 15-30 minutes before my kids get up.

You can accomplish so much, but you have to maximize that morning time.

1. Complete your biggest task first.

If you have to wrap up a client presentation, edit a few more chapters of a book, get inventory ready to ship, whatever the BIGGEST thing on your to do list is- do it first. After you've had your coffee of course.

Why? Two reasons, the biggest thing you have to do is often the most daunting and you're more and more likely to procrastinate, if you're anything like me, and then you will be pushed on your deadline.

The second reason is because when you start with the biggest and hardest thing and then go from there your day is getting easier as the hours wear on and your kids wake up. Not harder.

2. Don't check your email.

I know this sounds counter-productive. But unless you are waiting on a very specific and important email just don't check it until you've made it through your to do list.

It's so easy to get distracted if you jump on Gmail really quickly or your hop on Google News to scan the headlines. You can so easily get sucked into the rabbit hole that is the internet that you don't get things done that you set out to accomplish.

3. Break up the task.

This morning as I am typing this I hear my kids stirring. It isn't time for them to get up yet, but I know they will be up soon. So I won't accomplish everything on my to do list before my focus shifts to them.

So I will break up some things that I can start now and finish later like drafting a blog post, compiling content for a newsletter and outlining tomorrow's YouTube video.

4. Start with a clean work space.

When I end the work day I try to clean up my desk. That way when I sit down in the morning there isn't a pile or receipts, bills I already paid, scraps of paper, dust and toys littering my desk.

When a work space is cleaned, or at least clutter free, it is easier to focus in the limited time you have.

Working from home is a blessing but it's still a job and one you have to work at even more diligently to protect your family time and maximize your work time.

So use those morning as effectively as possible.

What about you? What tips to do you have for maximizing your morning?