For any freelancers going through tough times right
There was a chilled vibe on the Southsea seafront when I went for my walk today. The water was calm, the sun was out and I was thinking about my freelance path.
Specifically, I was considering why so many freelancers can't quite get to the prize. They're struggling to attract the right clients, overworking for too little money and living in fear that the next job simply might not come. This creates anxiety, stops them sleeping, puts them on edge and prevents them from being fully present with loved ones. They just can't switch off.
I can talk from experience here because I've been through all these things myself, having worked as a consultant since 2014.
So how do we get from the freelancer's plight of instability and anxiety to living a wonderful, financially stable, empowered and liberated life?
The only answer I know is the one that I've been working on for years in my own journey. And I want to share some of what I've learnt here in the hope that you'll keep going in your own freelance journey, even if it feels tough right now, because the payoff is so worth the effort.
1. Be determined and proactive
Once you've committed to this lifestyle choice, this business and all it's going to bring into your world, set your sights on the prize and don't take your eyes off it. That means even in the harder days when there's nobody answering your emails, stay committed, creative and opportunistic. Because it will all be worth it. Just having that attitude of relentless proactivity and positivity goes such a long way.
2. Join a mastermind
The hardest way to do anything is to do it all alone, and that goes for freelancing too. A mastermind group - where individuals on similar paths come together and support each other - brings inspiration, energy and support, right when you need it most. When I was at my lowest points, seriously worried about money, work and clients, I made sure I had a community (run by my coaches and business mentors) around me - even though it was a huge financial stretch. Because they got it. They were there for me. They'd been through it and they had great advice that led me to make decisions that brought in thousands of pounds from new clients.
It's not worth the struggle to deny yourself that support, and deal with all your challenges in your own mind.
3. Your family love you but they might not understand your career choices right now
Your partner, your parents or your friends may be impacted by your self-employment but they're not in control of your business, so it's up to you to keep the faith, not them. What I found through looking to them for validation is that all I got back was a mirror of my own worst fears. I expected them to believe in me more than I did. And that simply isn't fair. You're not being selfish. You're not being reckless by prioritising your business, especially when it's not going well. Eventually, they will understand all that you've done but it might not be today. They might need the evidence first. And that's ok.
4. Enjoy what you have already
Yes, it may not be a perfect setup. You might not have everything figured out. You might be having sleepless nights. You might even have debt, or nightmare clients. But the only thing you'll get by focusing on those things is more of the same.The turning point comes when you start to appreciate the freedom, the joy, the autonomy that you already have in your world. So give yourself a smile. Pat yourself on the back and celebrate the days where you don't have enough work, as well as when you have too much!
Because what you've created (even if it's only a dream or a single client win), is already great. And it will get even better, if you nurture it and commit to your choices and get support from others who've been there.
P.s. I have a few spots opening up on my Freelance Freedom coaching and business strategy programme in June, if you think this level of group support and individual coaching could be right for you.