Good advice

From the 1949 Singer Sewing Machine Manual (which also apparently fancied itself as a handbook for life in general):

"Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do. Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. Then there are urgent housekeeping chores. Do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.

When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on. If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should."

This is actually pretty good advice when it comes to working from home, too - don't you think? Just replace 'sewing' with 'writing.' Or the verb of your choice.