I have shared, on several occasions, how freelancing has changed my life. I think this is one of the best professions on earth! If I were given a chance to start all over again, I’d still choose to be a freelancer. With all the opportunities and benefits freelancing offers, it is, by far, the most effective way for me to earn a living.
But freelancing is not for everyone, and I get that. Many people I know struggle to motivate themselves whilst working from home, so they stick to the 9-5, while others struggle to stay motivated but want to continue freelancing.
The beauty of Freelancing, is that it gives you the chance to work from anywhere you want and have flexible working hours too. But more often than not, we forget so soon that being a freelancer means that you are the boss of your own business and you have to run, regardless of where you work from.
When you start taking freelancing lightly, you have no motivation to work, you don’t meet deadlines and you are losing the desire to carry on. Here is how you can stay focused on your business and stay motivated everyday as you continue your journey as a freelancer.
Have a goal
Having a goal always works. Goal setting is one of the most important things to do when you’re running a business. With a goal in mind, you are able to know where you are headed, and stay focused.
Set yearly goals then break them up into smaller goals for the month, week and day. Make sure that everything you do is aimed at taking one definite action towards achieving what you desire.
Have an accountability partner
When you’re your own boss, you don’t have anyone checking up on you, which means you could end up slacking sometimes. The best way to get yourself motivated to work from home is to have someone who, just like you, is running a similar business.
Share your goals with your accountability partner and check on each other to find out how you are fairing in your business. When you know someone is going to ask of your progress you are bound to be on your toes and work harder to ensure you smash all your targets.
Affirmations
Reciting affirmations daily keeps you motivated and leaves you with a positive mindset. Sometimes, it gets lonely and overwhelming working from home. Recite positive affirmations daily helps to keep your state of mind and business.
I recommend that you recite at least 3 to 5 positive affirmations every morning before you start work. When I do this I feel refreshed and ready to face any challenge that may come my way.
Change your environment
Working from home is not like working in a cubicle. A regular 9 to 5 job keeps you in physical contact with people. While working from home could mean days go by without you speaking to anyone (except family and maybe the postman).
The beauty about being a freelancer is that you can work anywhere you want to. You can take your work to your favourite café, park or even on holiday with you, like I plan to do in a few days. Changing your work environment does help keep the work interesting.
Do you work from home? How do you motivate yourself to work?