It’s a Lifestyle
Being a freelancer is a unique experience that has its own set of challenges, but there are also many benefits to being an independent worker. Being your own boss means you get to set your own hours and work on projects that interest you most, but it also comes with its own unique challenges — namely, the fact that you have no one else to rely on if things go wrong. However, if you approach being self-employed with the right mindset (and some good habits), then this type of lifestyle can be extremely satisfying and rewarding.
Be A Self-Motivator
The freelance mindset is not just about being motivated to do the work, it’s also about being a self-motivator.
You need to be able to motivate yourself when working hard isn’t fun anymore and you feel like giving up because guess what, at the end of the day work is still work even if you enjoy more than the 9–5 life.
You need motivation because sometimes it can be really easy not work hard at all, but if you want great results and high client satisfaction ratings (which will lead directly into more business), then these are some of the moments where you need extreme levels of motivation that come from within yourself instead of coming from an external source like another person or company pressuring you into doing things they way they want them done (or even worse yet: doing something wrong).
Don’t Expect The World To Work Like You Do
The world is not going to work like you do, and that’s okay.
You need to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to change your mind. You have to take criticism well because there will be plenty of it; if you can’t handle criticism then this job isn’t for you. But, that is not a bad thing because criticism can help you improve your abilities and learn. You also need a thick skin (not literally). The world is an unpredictable place — you can’t predict what people are going to say or how they’re going to act — so don’t expect the world around you or other people’s actions always fit neatly into boxes that make sense according the way your brain works. Be ready for anything!
Take Time To Reflect
It is important to take time to reflect, for two main reasons:
You need to understand your strengths and weaknesses so that you can optimize your performance.
It allows you to see things from the perspective of other people and business owners, which leads to better solutions. Some people call this process “thinking outside of the box” or “looking at things from different angles.”
To think about how best to approach reflection, let’s compare two different scenarios: scenario one is with no reflection; scenario two involves taking time out after each project or task has been completed, asking yourself a few questions, then coming back later with answers in mind when it comes time for review (this process can be repeated several times per day). Now imagine which scenario would lead toward more effective problem-solving and more positive results overall? I think that we all know the answer.
Don’t Just Work Hard, Work Smart Too
It’s not enough to work hard. You also have to work smart.
You can do all the work in the world, but if it’s not organized and you don’t schedule time for breaks, then you’ll burn out before your project is even half-finished. Trust me! I have done this a few times since I have been successfully freelancing for a year now. This is why it’s important to set goals and take regular breaks from your computer screen every few hours. It’s also important that you’re always using good equipment; keep a journal of what works best for you so that next time something goes wrong with your computer or phone or tablet, there will be no need for panic because everything has been documented ahead of time!
Always Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is a key part of being a successful freelancer. You need to be able to react quickly and adapt your schedule when the unexpected happens, but planning ahead is also an important part of the freelance mindset. Planning ahead means thinking about the future, and this can help you see what’s coming so you can prepare yourself for anything.
Take time to think about what lies ahead in your career or business goals, even if it’s just “What do I want to achieve next year?”, “What do I want to achieve in 5 years?”, and “What do I want to achieve in 10 years?” If you know where your freelancing career is heading and what steps are necessary to get there, then when someone asks if you have any plans for next week or next month (or next year), it will sound like music to their ears.
You are your own boss, which means you need to react like one.
You are your own boss, which means you need to react like one. As a freelancer, you don’t have anyone else to tell you what to do and when to do it.
You may think that being a freelancer is all about the money and getting paid well for doing work that you love (or at least love doing). You might think this because it’s how people sell being a freelancer online or through podcasts — but it’s not true! Just like any other job out there, being a freelancer isn’t always sunshine and rainbows; sometimes it can be downright difficult. The difference between those who succeed in their careers and those who fail has nothing to do with how hard they work or even how talented they are; instead, the key lies within their mindset: their ability to motivate themselves through difficult times; as well as their ability motivate others around them when things get tough as well…
This is only the Beginning
In the end, if you’re going to have a successful freelance career, it’s essential that you know what type of mindset will work for you and how to get into that mindset. The most important thing you can do is put yourself in a situation where you are constantly learning and growing as a freelancer. If this sounds like something that fits your life, then go out there and get started!
