However, it’s worth noting that nobody is super-motivated all the time, things sometimes just don’t go as planned, and, like most positive things in life, staying motivated takes effort. In fact, as the quote by the famous American motivational speaker Zig Ziglar goes, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.”

So if you’re feeling unmotivated at the moment, here are 5 useful tips to help you stay motivated and get your freelance mojo back.

1. Uncover the root cause

There are more than a few factors that may contribute to why you might be feeling unmotivated, so it’s worth spending a little time on self-introspection and reflection to find out what is bringing you down. It might not just be one thing, either, but a number of things combined.

For example, it could be anxiety about getting new clients that’s impacting your mood, or you could be experiencing burnout or overwhelm from having too many tasks to do and too little time, or perhaps you’re not getting proper rest, enough exercise, or fuelling your body with the right nutrition.

It could of course be down to other factors, such as a wrong fit client or a money concern, i.e. you aren’t getting paid enough so need to review your prices (always a good motivator) or maybe you are experiencing a delay in payment of your invoices so you need to streamline the invoicing process and put checks and safeguards in place to help you get paid on time. The point is that once you uncover the cause (or causes), you can take the necessary action.

2. Take stock

Now is a good time to review just how far you’ve come since you started your business. Take into account all your client wins and successful projects, and have a read through case studies and client testimonials to see all the people you’ve helped and impacted with your work. What about sales? How much profit have you made? You might be pleasantly surprised when you take a bird’s-eye view of your financial position and review sales regularly. With Invoice Ninja, a leading free invoicing software, you can email reports on a regular schedule.

For example, at the end of the month, you may want to send yourself a sales report or an aged receivables report. While it’s easy to generate reports manually, you can configure the system to email them to you on a regular schedule.

It’s worth remembering that everything you have now is what you once hoped and wished for, so it pays to practice gratitude. You might be chasing things you don’t need and unnecessarily comparing yourself to others who are on a completely different journey from you.

Remind yourself why you started, your purpose, and your why.

3. Reach out to others

Reach out to other freelancers in your network who can help you regain your freelance mojo. Networking with other freelancers who understand what you are going through and provide support, guidance, and inspiration could be just the turbo tonic you need. 

Attending a networking event, an industry conference, or even a small meetup can help enhance relationships with colleagues and build new ones, and can even spark new profitable ideas for products, services, and businesses. It could even lead to collaborations with other freelancers that would give your business (and motivation!) a boost.

There’s nothing to stop you from creating your own events, either. If you need help with that, EventSchedule is the perfect online tool to manage your events with calendars, ticket sales, QR check-ins, AI-powered tools, translations, and team collaboration, all from one platform. Check it out here.

4. Nurture a positive mindset

You can help nurture a positive mindset by reframing perceived negatives as positives, and, where possible, taking action. 

For example, if you have a lot of time-consuming repetitive tasks to do, you can view it as a great opportunity to outsource or automate some of them. Likewise, instead of viewing invoicing as a chore, you can use invoicing software to streamline the process and see it as a major positive, as you get paid fast and on time. 

Another reframe is if there is a slowdown in your business, you can view it as a perfect opportunity to work on your business rather than in it, or to take a well-deserved break. And remember, ‘nature abhors a vacuum’, so your next opportunity is on its way!

5. Invest in yourself

Investing in yourself by enhancing your skills is always a wise move. Whether that’s by learning a new skill that can help enhance your business or having a fun side project or hobby that you can get involved in, you’ll find that doing something you enjoy is immensely satisfying and can give a real positive boost to your mindset, mojo, and motivation. 

Your fun hobby or side project doesn’t have to be related to your business, either. It’s just something you can do to provide some much-needed positive endorphins. When you approach your business from a more holistic mindset, i.e., taking all parts of your life into consideration and seeing how it makes up the whole, you’ll be better able to identify any areas that need improving and, as a result, restore your motivation. That fun hobby might even turn into your main business, or you could decide to pivot.

Whatever avenue you take, remember, as the motivational saying goes, “You didn’t get this far to only come this far!”.

The ability to perform deep work is a valuable skill for freelancers who need to dedicate their undivided attention to their most cognitively challenging tasks to achieve high-quality results. These tasks can range from coding to writing reports, composing music or designing a website, and so on.

In short, practicing deep work is basically the opposite of multitasking.

Here are 5 tips for deep work for freelancers.

1. Exercise

Exercise may seem an unusual first step for those seeking to achieve a state of deep focus, but having a clear head after exercising can do wonders for your productivity. It can also act as the starting ritual that prepares you mentally for your deep work session. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous either. A quick walk around the block or a stretching session can work just as well. 

Likewise, when you end your deep work session, you can use exercise as a transition ritual that takes you out of the deeply focused state. Regular breaks ensure you don’t burn out and can also enhance both productivity and creativity.

2. Set aside allotted time

Set aside a particular time duration for your deep work and stick to it. A timer or app might be helpful here. The key is to start and stop deep work at the times you’ve set and not go over or under these set times. This will build discipline and quickly become a habit. 

Also, be mindful of the times of day when you are most productive or creative, as well as which days work best for you to perform deep work. For example, you may have other care, parenting, or household duties depending on the day of the week, so set aside deep work time at times when you know you won’t be distracted.

3. Automate, delegate or outsource routine tasks

For smaller tasks, or what Newman in his book describes as low cognitive or ‘shallow’ work tasks that don’t require a lot of effort or are repetitive, such as routine administrative tasks, consider automating, delegating, or outsourcing some of these.

For example, if you are still creating and sending manual invoices, this can be time-consuming, fiddly and open to errors. Invoice Ninja is a free, leading invoicing software specifically designed for small businesses and freelancers to help you get paid fast and hassle-free. It has a wide range of handy features and use cases, including free, customizable and professionally designed invoice templates. See all our features here and try Invoice Ninja out for free here.

4. Have a ‘work-ready’ workspace

Maintain a tidy and ‘work-ready’ workspace with all the tools you need to perform the task at hand. You don’t want to start a deep work session only to find that you haven’t got the right equipment, data, or other necessary materials to perform the work. Going off to retrieve something will inevitably distract you and break your concentration. 

Furthermore, ensure your workspace is quiet and distraction-free. Close workspace doors if you have to, anything that will help you get your head down and focused on the task ahead. Likewise, eliminate anything that makes your work environment uncomfortable, such as cramped spaces, temperature disparities, poor lighting or unsuitable seating. All this can distract you from your task.

5. Avoid all distractions

Distractions can come in many different forms. So, in addition to turning off devices such as your smartphone (or at least switching off notifications) during your deep work session, you should also be mindful of other potential distractions, such as outside interference from pets or other household members. Let people know you are in a deep work session, block your calendar and ask not to be disturbed. Some people find that noise-cancelling headphones help. 

Also, be mindful of your thoughts and try not to be distracted by thinking about other projects or tasks. When you first start deep work sessions, it may be helpful to have a notepad to record all the distractions you encounter so you know how to mitigate them in the future.

1. Working all the hours

If you find yourself constantly working around the clock and work is taking up the majority of your valuable downtime, such as seriously seeping into your weekend or vacation time, then this could very well be a sign of a scarcity mindset.

Of course, running your own business will sometimes require extra effort and hours, especially at the beginning, but this shouldn’t be a constant. You must allow yourself adequate time to rest and recover to avoid burnout. A well-rested freelancer who has taken time out at the weekend to relax and revitalize their energy is often much more productive, clear-headed and ready to go come Monday morning than one who has been burning the midnight oil all weekend.

It could be that you haven’t set adequate client boundaries, so clients contact you at any time of the day or night expecting you to drop everything and work on their projects at the expense of others, or you simply aren’t attracting the right clients for you so everything seems like an uphill battle, adding more to the feeling of scarcity.

Take time to review these areas so you don’t feel like you’re always in panic mode or feel an underlying buzz of anxiety throughout your day. Setting boundaries, attracting the right clients and saying “No” to unsuitable ones can transform your business (and mindset) for the better.

2. Working for free/at a discount

In some circumstances, working in exchange for a tangible benefit other than money can be a viable option.

For example, exchanging your services with another service professional so you both benefit (a copywriter could exchange services with a web designer – the copywriter gets website design in exchange for providing copy to the web designer). Another scenario might be when starting out, and you haven’t got a portfolio or any social proof, doing a small bit of work for free in exchange for a client testimonial.

However, most freelancers would agree that, in most cases, it’s probably not advisable to work for free. 

This is especially true if you are promised more work ‘down the line’ by a new prospect you don’t have a history with in exchange for free or low-paid work.

Offering discounts to loyal and long-term clients can be a great way to boost client relationships (and a feature that can easily be added to invoices with Invoice Ninja, a free leading invoicing software designed specifically for freelancers and small businesses).

However, offering discounts just because you think it will win you a new client is something to be careful about. It might indicate that the client is coming from a place of scarcity themselves and may expect more of the same going forward, especially if you haven’t adequately set boundaries as per point 1.

Knowing your worth and charging accordingly can keep the scarcity mindset (and scarcity clients) at bay.

One way to ensure you are getting paid for all the time spent is to track your billable hours so you know how long you’ve worked on a project and can invoice accurately.

With Invoice Ninja, you can record every second spent on each individual task and quickly transfer timed data to the relevant invoice with just 1-click.

We even have a handy Google Chrome extension so you can log and manage all your tasks within Invoice Ninja.

Try Invoice Ninja for free here.

3. Not asking for what you want

The fear of rejection is real.

This can show up when it comes to increasing your rates, pitching for a new project or some other client request. But a fear of rejection shouldn’t stop you from doing any of these things. It’s natural to feel uneasy when venturing outside of your comfort zone, but this is where the growth happens. This is how we progress.

For example, you might be concerned that asking for a valid increase could result in the client no longer hiring you and the belief that there are not enough clients to go around, so it’s best not to ‘rock the boat’. However, inflation, the cost of living, changes in the market, and more all have an impact on what and how you charge, so if they increase while your prices remain the same, then you aren’t growing but stagnating.

Staying in a position we are unhappy with and doesn’t serve us due to the fear of rejection stops us from our true growth and potential and the better outcomes we could achieve. A quick re-frame is to remind yourself of all the wonderful possibilities that lie on the other side of fear, let it go, and keep on moving forward.

The same goes for other areas of your business, such as cold outreach or getting on sales calls; if you’re not doing enough (or any at all) because of your fear of rejection, just remember the wise saying: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Once you break through this barrier, learn to deal with the possibility of rejection, and keep striving forward, you’ll soon realize that there is an abundance of potential clients and options open to you.

~
An abundance mindset is an essential tool in your freelancer arsenal. Having a strong, positive mindset is key to freelancer resiliency, which will help you grow and plan accordingly.

Once you let go of scarcity, you will perceive the world very differently, which in turn will improve your confidence and help you say goodbye to freelancer comparisonitis.

All upsides that will help your freelancer business flourish and lead to a more joyful and abundant life.

Handle client feedback

Effectively handling client feedback is an underrated but highly useful skill, especially if the feedback is construed as negative.

Any kind of feedback or constructive criticism can have a detrimental impact, especially if you’re also suffering from Impostor Syndrome.

So, take the time to view feedback objectively and learn from it. View it as a great addition to your professional development – this will go a long way toward building the first line of defense against Impostor Syndrome.

Also, remember, nobody expects you to know everything, and, at the end of the day, as the saying goes, ‘You’re either learning or winning’.

Read our article here about dealing with client feedback.

Banish comparisonitis

Constantly comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to never feel like you are good enough.

There is a saying that comparison is the thief of joy. And it’s as true in the world of freelancing as it is anywhere else.

Other freelancers may be at a different stage in their journey than you are, have different offers, charge more (or less), and have different systems in place that are relevant to their business.

So don’t compare yourself to others. Do what you do and do it well—focus on delivering great results for your clients and enjoy the work you do. You’ll soon reap the rewards and keep Impostor Syndrome at bay.

Talk to a business buddy

Other freelancers and business owners in your network have likely experienced Impostor Syndrome at some point in their careers, too, so make a point to reach out and ask for their help.

Having someone listen to how you feel can be a huge help. It can help you realize that you are not alone and that these feelings will soon pass.

Learning from others’ experiences and hearing their tips is also useful.

Act confident and take action

You’ll be surprised how acting confident and competent can, in fact, increase your self-esteem and optimism and thereby actually create the right mindset to actualize the very qualities you are imitating.

However, if you genuinely cannot perform a task or have zero ability, then you shouldn’t try to fake it – especially if doing so might negatively impact your client.

But if you just have Impostor Syndrome and have a proven track record, you can likely do it.

Likewise, there’s no point in avoiding a task or not taking an opportunity because of Impostor Syndrome. The very act of moving forward and taking action can help dissipate the doubt in your mind. Learn and grow as you go.

Listen to your inner voice, but also learn how to accept that you have Impostor Syndrome and that it will soon pass. A big part of getting over it is how you react to it. With time, you’ll rarely see it rear its ugly head again. Use it as a tool for motivation—you care about getting great results for your clients—this is a sign that you do.

Avoid business task overwhelm

A factor that could be contributing to your Impostor Syndrome is having too many business admin tasks to do, so you are not adequately focused on client work or procrastinate, which can lead to doubt and a lack of confidence.

Take invoicing, for example. While everyone loves getting paid – sending out invoices and chasing clients can be tedious and time-consuming.

Invoice Ninja is a leading free invoicing software for small business invoicing, online payments, tracking expenses and billable tasks. It also includes attractive, professional invoice template designs you can customize with your logo and brand colors.

Your clients can pay you with just 1 click without having to leave their client-side portal.

Less admin overwhelm for you. Simple and fast for your clients.

Try it for free here.

Everyone had to start somewhere

Think back to a time when you started something you weren’t sure about, but it all turned out just fine.

I’m sure there have been plenty of incidents in your life you can think back on and recall. Doing and experiencing new things is all part of life’s journey, and the more we learn along the way, the more we can grow. It’s natural to feel a little nervous (reframe that as excitement) before starting anything new—just look at whatever you are commencing as a brilliant learning opportunity.

Keep track of your achievements

A good way to look back on past wins is to keep a record of them. This could be part of your portfolio or a file with all your client testimonials included.

But you don’t have to stop there and limit it to work achievements but all your wins across all areas of your life.

You’ll soon be able to see all the incredible things you have achieved, from graduating from school to passing your driving test to getting your first job – all major wins. Keep track of the simple things, too. These can also be great motivators and moments in time to smile about.

You’ve done this before. You’ve got this!

This is because running your own business is typically quite different from working for a big, established company in a regular salaried position.

Here are 4 mindset shifts to consider.

Know what you can do (and what you can’t)

One of the great things about running your own freelance business is that you get to decide how you run it, the hours you work, how much you’ll charge, and who you do business with. But the flip side to this is that you are also responsible for everything that happens in your business. This perspective can seem overwhelming, but there are things you can do and processes you can implement to help.

An “I can do it” attitude is great. But you need to know where to turn when you can’t do it, too. Therefore, it makes sense to outsource things that are time-consuming or tedious or that you are not an expert at.

While you may be an expert at your craft, you’ll also need to know the ins and outs of actually running a business, what admin needs to be done (when and by whom), what taxes need to be paid, regulations complied with, deadlines met, and more importantly, how and when you are going to be paid.

Unless you worked in finance or accounts, you may be unfamiliar with invoicing, the terms used, and the items that need to be on an invoice for you to get paid on time.

Why spend hours compiling invoices, tracking hours or inventory and emailing clients when you could simply sign up for free invoice software and get it all done at the click of a button?

Invoice Ninja is a leading free invoicing software for small business invoicing, online payments, tracking expenses and billable tasks. It also includes attractive, professional invoice template designs you can customize with your logo and brand colors.

Try it for free here.

Don’t be backwards in coming forwards

If you want to win clients and keep your sales pipeline full to avoid the freelancer feast and famine cycle, you are going to need to know how to best market your services. No one else is going to do it for you (unless, of course, you outsource this to someone else). However, this might not be viable or desirable at the beginning of your freelance journey.

You don’t have to be a super show-off extrovert to market and sell your services, but it’s helpful if you know what your offer is, who you are marketing to and the client problem you are solving.

Sales and marketing are often something those new to freelancing struggle with, so you need to have an idea of how you’ll market your services and win clients before you begin.

A helpful mindset for this is to remind yourself that your clients need you – you are the prize – by helping them or providing them with something they want or need. Not sharing your skills with the world would be a disservice to those clients who need to benefit from them.

Take care of your time (and money)

Freelancers need to take time out and have planned holidays to avoid freelancer burnout.

Nobody can work 24/7, 7 days a week. Not without detriment to their work, health or well-being (or all three!).

As a freelancer, you’ll likely need to plan for time away from your business in advance. You can read more about how to take time off as a freelancer in our article here.

Another time element to consider is what your contactable hours will be and client boundaries, i.e. when are the acceptable times for clients to contact you.

While you are no longer subject to the 9 to 5, you could find yourself working long hours or feeling you have to account for every hour spent working on a client project. This can be further exacerbated if you are charging by the hour. This can be a challenging mindset to shift away from.

Depending on your business and how you price your services, you may want to consider package or project prices in return for a set of deliverables instead of hourly rates.

This way, you are not stuck to set hours and can manage your time accordingly (especially if you are going away on vacation or need some time off).

Either way, good time management is essential when freelancing, and you need to adjust your mindset, see your time as valuable, and take good care of it.

Know when to draw the line (and have business buddies)

As well as having business goals, it’s also important you know when to draw the line if things aren’t going as expected.

Otherwise, you could end up doubling down and making your situation worse. To know if you are on the right track with your freelance business, you could set yourself a timescale to get X number of clients/projects by a specific date, or you could set yourself a monetary goal to reach.

It could be that your business just needs a few tweaks, or you could need to pivot or change your entire business plan. You might find that freelancing isn’t for you, so you return to a salaried position working for someone else again. And that’s perfectly okay, too.

You are allowed to fail and try again! This is where the benefits of networking and having business buddies really come into their own. Business buddies can be people in the same industry or niche as you or a completely different one, but having a network around you of like-minded folk who have experienced the same or similar business issues can be of great support – and boost your freelancer mindset.

Your freelance business will evolve and change as you grow – embrace the journey!

1. Co-work and network with other freelancers

Freelancing can feel isolating at times, which can have a detrimental effect on mental health.

If you are a remote worker and don’t get to experience much face-to-face networking and feel a bit isolated, consider getting together with some business buddies and doing some regular group working sessions online; alternatively, book yourself a day a week in a co-working space.

Likewise, if you are likely to be disturbed or prone to being distracted at home, working in a co-working space and socializing with other fellow workers can be a rewarding experience. Plus, you get to do your work and network. It’s a win-win all round!

Getting together with other freelancers and like-minded folk can help you put things into perspective, problem solve, and provide a nice balance to your working life.

Other freelancers can be a great source of support and inspiration for your business who you can bounce ideas off and learn from. Just because you are a solopreneur doesn’t mean you always have to go it alone.

2. Plan something nice to look forward to

Planning a vacation or a short break away to relax and recharge can be a great mood booster and give you something enjoyable to look forward to.

But don’t just stop there – you can also plan other treats. They don’t have to be on a grand scale. Maybe a day off to pursue your favorite hobby or simply a pamper day at home.

You’ll be surprised how planning treats and ‘you time’ throughout the year can boost your mood and productivity.

Take time out to remember why you went freelance in the first place. It most likely wasn’t so you could work more hours and have less freedom to spend quality time with loved ones.

3. Get paid on time

Who doesn’t like getting paid?

Even better if you can get paid within moments of sending out your invoice.

Getting paid late can play havoc with your freelance cash flow, which just adds more stress on you and uncertainty on your business finances, so it’s important that you send out accurate, timely invoices and, in return, get paid on time.

And, in case you were wondering, getting paid quickly and efficiently is not a myth. It does happen!

You can make this a reality by using top-notch invoice software like Invoice Ninja.

It’s got some super client-friendly features such as multiple payment gateways, free professional invoice templates, client-side portals, time tracking for tasks and projects, super fast email invoicing, automatic payment reminders and much more so you can send invoices at the click of 1-button and get paid fast and on time.

Try it for free here.

Focus on doing what you love. We’ll help with the invoicing.

4. Take frequent breaks and get out in nature

Taking regular breaks throughout the day can really boost your mental state as well as supercharge your creativity, not to mention the physical benefits of something like a good lunchtime walk.

If, for whatever reason, you can’t get outside for a breath of fresh air or a super sunshine vitamin D hit, then schedule time to get up from your workspace and do something different. Read a page of a book, prepare a healthy snack, or even have a power nap.

But, if you can get out in nature and go for a walk, then do. You might even want to consider rucking – the practice of walking with a weighted rucksack on your back, grounding (also known as earthing) – placing your bare feet on natural ground and connecting with the earth, or even working out outdoors – doing some CrossFit training, cycling, running, etc.

All these activities can really super boost your mood, health and well-being.

5. Practice Inner work

To bring balance and inner harmony to your life, consider taking up yoga, adding a meditation practice to your daily routine or even journaling.

All these things can contribute to a more balanced freelance lifestyle when incorporated into your daily routine.

If none of these suggestions vibe with you then find out what does make you feel more centered and grounded and improves your mental state. It could be a daily walk with your dog, dabbling in arts and crafts, getting creative in the kitchen, listening to relaxing music or following a daily health and fitness routine.

You could even incorporate an inspirational and empowering daily mantra into your day.

Whatever you decide to do, ensure you add healthy habits to your day and prioritize your well-being.

It will be more than worth it for you and your freelance business.

We’ve put together 6 motivational and inspirational quotes for you, along with why we think they are ideal for freelancers and small business owners.

1. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain

We thought we’d start with a quote from one of America’s greatest writers and humorists, Mark Twain.

It can be easy to procrastinate or worry about things that haven’t even happened or focus on what our competitors are doing rather than keeping in our own lane and doing what needs to be done.

But simply taking action is one of the most powerful things we can do. And to make the big, seemingly overwhelming tasks more manageable, break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you want to go freelance, break down the steps you need to take to break free from the 9 to 5. It will make everything much more straightforward. If you need to, hire a freelance coach or mentor who has done it already.

You’ve got this!

2. “Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.” – Ken Poirot

If you are stuck in a 9 to 5 job but dreaming of running your own business or becoming a freelancer, now is the time to start putting your dreams into action.  

Start planning how you’ll make your dream future better by taking action today. And it doesn’t have to be anything too drastic, either. You could start by putting money aside to act as a buffer fund for when you do go freelance, or you could do freelance gigs on the side now while you have a salaried role and transition to being a full-time freelancer later. 

If you are already running your own business, how can you improve it, what do you want to achieve, and what’s your vision for what’s next? 

Remember – good is the enemy of great!

3. “If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” – Tony Gaskins

The message here is a simple yet candid observation. 

If you have a dream – go for it. 

Why build someone else’s dream business and life and not your own? Wouldn’t you rather be working toward your own retirement and legacy – instead of building up someone else’s nest egg? Why pass over the opportunity to someone else?

When you look at it this way, if you dream of building your own business, this quote will spur you into action. 

And if you are already self-employed, it should remind you of why you did so in the first place. 

Dream big and keep on going!

4. “Trust yourself that you can do it and get it.” – Baz Luhrmann

The right mindset plays a huge role in success – any success. 

Without self-belief, you’ll struggle when it comes to running your own business. Whatever you think will turn out to be true – so if you think you can’t – you’ll be proven right. 

You have to have trust in your abilities and have a will to succeed. 

Most people experience self-doubt, that’s normal – but don’t let it stay for long or rule your life. 

Know you can do it and attain it – this advice is universal, not simply for those just starting out but for those running businesses. 

You’ve done it before; you can do it again. Trust yourself.

5. “Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” –  Dwayne Johnson

We love this quote because it reminds us all that it doesn’t matter how naturally gifted someone is – if they are inconsistent and don’t dedicate themselves to repeatedly doing whatever it is that they strive to do, i.e. run a thriving and profitable freelance business, produce top quality work day in and day out, etc., then it is unlikely they will ever achieve sustainable long-term success.

As they say, “Consistency is the key! If you can’t be consistent, then you can’t be anything.”

6. “If not you, then who? If not now, when?” –  Hillel the Elder

We’ve left the best till last. 

If this quote doesn’t energize and inspire you, we don’t know what will. It’s a great reminder to keep you motivated and focused on your business journey. You have a calling, and now you need to listen to it and take action. Why wait any longer? Why can’t it be you? Why can’t you do something great and live the life of your dreams?

Accept your path and be a winner.

~

Of course, one of the great things about running your own business is doing what you love and getting paid for it – the faster, the better. That’s where Invoice Ninja comes in.   

Invoice Ninja is a leading free invoicing software specifically developed for freelancers and small businesses like you. It’s got a user-friendly interface for creating and sending professional-looking and custom-branded invoices. It integrates with a range of payment gateways, enabling you to invoice clients and receive payments with a single click!

Try it for free here.

But what happens if that creative juice dries up or they hit a block?

Here are 6 simple ways to supercharge your inner avant-garde and banish creative blocks.

Go for a walk in nature

If you find yourself stuck looking at a blank screen or canvas, one of the most effective ways to get your freelance creative mojo back is to go for a walk in the fresh air, preferably in nature.

Walking really is a superpower, and not only is it good for your health, but it can spark your creativity, allow you to find solutions to problems, give you that break away from the screen (or task) and provide you with an often much needed and stimulating change in environment.

If you can practice grounding, too, this is of great benefit as well. Grounding is simply connecting with the earth by removing any footwear and standing barefoot in some grass, sand, or even soil. If you live in an urban area or don’t have a garden, try a walk to your local park. Connecting to the earth in this way can have a nice calming effect, which can boost your mental reserves.

Exercise

Exercise is an excellent way to refresh and renew your energy.

Who doesn’t feel great after their favorite sport or activity?

All sorts of healthy hormones are released during exercise that positively impact your physical and mental well-being and can help your thought process. Exercise can be a form of play, which is another way to clear your mind and encourage creativity.

You only need to look at children playing and running around enjoying themselves to see how it helps them interact with the world. It’s not just about the physical aspects.

Likewise, when you do a different form of exercise or learn a new fun thing such as handstands or juggling, this all uses and therefore contributes toward more creativity.

Do something different

Sometimes, to reboot creativity, you need to ‘break state’. This means you stop your current task and do something else instead.

You can do something completely different such as getting your admin done. For example, invoicing your clients simply and swiftly with the help of Invoice Ninja (if you haven’t already got it, you can try it for free here). Or it can be a more creative pursuit.

For example, you might go from painting to baking, writing to knitting, playing a musical instrument, or learning a card trick. The list is endless!

Creative pursuits can help you process your thoughts, get into ‘the flow’, calm your mind and increase happiness.

Alternatively, listen to some mood-boosting music. Curate a playlist you know will get those creativity juices flowing full speed ahead!

Sleep on it

Often, when you are presented with a problem and need to think creatively to come up with an innovative solution, it’s a good idea to sleep on it and let your subconscious do the heavy lifting.

You might even consider keeping a dream diary by your bed to tap into the imaginative power of your dreams. This can be a great way to boost your creativity and help you interpret your dreams, which is super for storytelling, seeing patterns and connecting the dots in your life.

Meditation is also a mind-strengthening technique that can clear your mind and elevate your creativity. You don’t need to be a yogi or Tibetan monk to practice it either. A simple 30-minute guided meditation can do wonders – even for beginners.

Slow down

Sometimes, you have to slow down to catch up. You may be spinning too many plates in the air and simply need to refocus your efforts and recognize when you are doing too much.

Always being in a mad rush to complete a task or running until completely out of creative steam (and it feels like the ‘muse’ has gone on a walkabout) will further drain energy and compound the creativity conundrum.

Stop when you are a little before the end of a task when you know what the next step will be – write it down and return to it when you are feeling fresher.

When you return to the task, you’ll know where to pick up, and the break should provide you with the right downtime for your creative juices to be topped up and ready to re-flow.

Make use of the third brain

Discussing ideas and problems with another person (or group of people) is a fantastic way to make use of ‘the third brain’. In other words, you both come to a solution by putting your heads together.

Sometimes, simply being around positive and inspiring people and fleshing things out that are bothering you with them can result in some amazingly creative solutions.

So, if you have a group of freelance business buddies, or even if it’s just you and your partner or bestie, make time for ‘third brain’ sessions and foster healthy social interaction – so it’s not just you on your own trying to figure things out all the time.

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Creativity is a key part of freelancing and entrepreneurship. After all – we are only limited in what we can achieve in business by our imagination!

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7 Freelancing Myths Standing in Your Way of Success

Mindset is key as a freelancer. What you believe to be true will inevitably shape your freelancing destiny. It’s therefore wise to avoid some of the common freelancing myths that can get in the way of you reaching your full potential. 

If you’re clear about what you can achieve and have faith in your abilities, you’ll likely succeed. The reverse is also true. When trapped in a reality based on untruths, it’s challenging to increase freelancing rates and attract your perfect clients. 

The origin of freelancing myths

When setting up their fledgling business, many new freelancers face a barrage of concerns from family, friends, and former colleagues. These concerns focus on the potential downsides of freelancing and, while well-meaning, can quickly lead to negativity and fear. 

Fear has a pernicious way of holding you back and directing you to decisions that might not be the most profitable. Thankfully, many of the prevalent views people have about freelancing are myths, born from a lack of knowledge.   

Once you can quickly identify these falsehoods, you’ll be in a better position to move forward through the fear and uncertainties. 

So what are these common myths about freelancing? 

7 freelancing myths to ignore

Here are seven freelancing myths standing that can potentially sabotage your dream freelancing career. 

1. Freelancing is unreliable

It’s understandable for professionals in salaried jobs to look at freelancing as an unreliable source of regular income. In traditional employment, an employee receives set payment regardless of how many hours they work. 

As a freelancer, if you don’t work, you don’t earn. Yet freelancing can be multifaceted in its income streams. Retainer contracts are an excellent option for freelancers seeking financial stability and provide a regular income every month, over and above one-off projects.

2. Freelancing requires constant hustling

Hustling, in the freelancing and entrepreneurial sense, is being highly proactive in attracting new business. Hustling often involves prospecting and networking, using forward sales techniques to grab attention and drive sales. 

Growing a successful freelancing business can benefit from hustling, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Many freelancers take a more understated approach and focus on inbound marketing techniques, including blogging, email newsletters, and search engine optimization. 

In time, these strategies can lead to prospects finding you without the need to go out and find them. 

3. Freelancing is isolating 

A common myth associated with the freelance lifestyle is that of isolation and loneliness. While many freelancers do experience loneliness from time to time, there are plenty of ways freelance professionals can collaborate and meet with people. 

Many freelancers work from home, but many also get to meet with clients in their local region and join coworking spaces. Other freelancers spend several hours a week working in agencies. Freelancing is only as isolating as you choose to make it. 

4. The freelancing market is oversaturated 

With many millions of freelancers in the United States alone, it seems logical that most freelancing markets are oversaturated. As a newbie freelancer, you might think you have no chance to stand out from such a vast crowd. 

This oversaturation myth is based on freelancers taking a generalist route instead of developing a niche focus. When you focus on a particular skillset or client industry (or both), you’re able to narrow the amount of competition you face and forge an exciting freelance career doing what you genuinely love to do. 

5. There’s no freelancing potential for your skills

When you think of freelancing, you might imagine the typical career paths, including web design, writing, and marketing. These are popular because there is a great demand for such skills. If your skillsets lie elsewhere, it’s tempting to assume there’s not a lot of potential for your desired focus. 

When you feel this way, it’s important to remember that ‘to freelance’ essentially means providing a service in return for payment. People need help with a multitude of things for which they are willing to pay an expert. 

Niche freelance skills in demand include fashion styling, makeup, virtual assisting, confidence coaching, dog walking, illustration, and just about any micro-skill you can imagine. 

6. It’s hard to charge high fees as a freelancer

According to a study cited in 2018, 3.3 million freelancers were earning $100,000 or more per year. It’s not easy to make six figures, but with millions managing to do just that, it’s certainly not impossible. 

Many new and experienced freelancers make a frequent error in undercharging for their services and relying on third-party freelancing platforms. The result is a race to the bottom of the earning barrel as each freelancer tries to undercut the rest. 

A better route forward is to work on your brand, your niche focus, your skills, your marketing knowledge, and your pricing strategies. By doing so, you can begin to charge higher rates and, ultimately, reach income levels you might not currently imagine are possible. 

7. Freelancing requires qualifications 

A worry some people have before setting up a freelancing business is whether they need specific qualifications or certificates. For freelancing in general, you don’t require any form of accreditation or training to begin offering your services. You simply need to know how to help your clients. 

That said, for some freelancing fields, it’s wise to adhere to industry standards. For example, some forms of coaching and consulting will need adherence to specific rules and regulations. 

Freelancing in and of itself is not regulated, and you can start without any qualifications at all. 

Freelancing free from fear and myths

When you can identify the common myths for what they are, you’re in a better position to reassure not only your worried friends and family but most importantly, yourself. 

Freelancing is difficult, which is why you don’t need the heavy burden of the abovementioned fallacies on your shoulders as well. 

With a positive mindset, a proactive attitude, a dedication to excellence, and perseverance, you’re sure to succeed in your freelancing career.

“Just be yourself” is standard advice for those who are nervous about an upcoming date, speech, or event. It’s usually a sensible suggestion, especially when meeting people for the first time. Yet when it comes to business, and especially freelancing, is being yourself a powerful asset?

For many freelancers, the goal is to emulate those who have found success previously. There are tens of thousands of articles online detailing how to succeed as a freelancer or entrepreneur. In a sense, they create replicated marketing and selling methods because everyone is trying to do things the same way.

The result is that no one stands out.

However, what so few of these articles touch on is the most crucial aspect of successful freelancing – the power of being you.

The power of you

Freelancing as a career path is growing in popularity. In 2019, there were 62.2 million freelancers in the United States alone. This figure is estimated to rise to 76.4 million by 2024. With so many freelancers – and even more worldwide – it isn’t easy to stand out from the crowd.

Regardless of what niche or freelancing focus you choose to pursue, there will be a growing number of competitors, many of whom will offer the same services for cheaper rates.

This reality is a bleak picture if you follow the standard rules.

Thankfully, there’s an alternative, and that’s to tap into the incredible power of your personality.

Authenticity always wins

While there are a million or more freelancers in your sector alone, there’s only one you. And this is key for attracting the right clients and the best projects that match your skills.

Freelancing, unlike most other types of career choices, is inherently about the power of human connections. Clients frequently choose a freelancer based on word-of-mouth referrals or a subconscious feeling of trust and likeability.

In this sense, being your authentic self and letting this shine in everything you do is key to differentiation and standing tall in a crowded field. There might be freelancers more capable than you. Yet people often choose a solo service provider more on whether they feel a connection.

How to tap into your powerful of being yourself

So how do you be your true self? How do you show this to your target audience?

1. Focus on your strengths

Perhaps the best way to truly stand out is to harness the power of your inherent strengths. Everyone has a talent for which they are known by family, friends, and former colleagues/teachers. When you specialize in what you do fantastically well, you automatically tap into your authentic essence. This will show in your project work and your marketing.

2. Connect with your passion

Likewise, doing what you love is a sure-fire way of being true to yourself. Waking up every morning and being enthusiastic about starting work is pure joy. It’s what countless millions of people dream about but ultimately never achieve. When you are passionate about what you do, your natural voice rises above the stifled jargon prevalent in the business world.

We are all naturally drawn to passionate and enthusiastic people.

3. Place less importance on what others think

Inhibition is a killer when it comes to freelancing and any form of entrepreneurship. As a solo-professional, your career success depends a lot on your ability to be yourself and broadcast it to the right people. When you worry about what others think about you, it’s all too easy to follow the crowd and blend in with the same-same marketing and sales tactics.

Work on reducing the worry you might have of what others think about you, especially those not in your target market.

4. Market yourself with personality

A natural result of reducing your inhibitions is a strengthening of your marketing personality. When you tap into what you are good at, what you love doing, and free yourself from the bondage of peoples’ opinions, your personality automatically shines.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert, calm or energetic; your unique identity will attract your favorite clients. This can be incredibly effective in your content marketing strategies.

5. Find your authentic voice

Your voice, in marketing and sales terms, is how you communicate with prospects and clients. The problem for many freelancers is that they have a unique voice but are too afraid to show it. Instead, they write like they think a business owner should write or talk like they are the CEO of a major company.

Finding your voice is simply tapping into how you communicate naturally when enthusiastically talking about the joys of your work and its results. Think, for example, of how you might talk to a client over a coffee. Use that voice in your marketing and networking.

6. Connect with like-minded professionals

Networking is an essential component of freelancer marketing. Many freelancers find a sizeable amount of new business through their networking circles. The key is to connect with like-minded professionals who stand out from the crowd themselves and are unique in their brand and style.

You’ll learn from their techniques and create a dynamic circle of contacts from which to share referrals and collaboration opportunities. The more you are your fun self, the more people will notice and want to connect.

Freelancing success – Be yourself

With many millions of freelancers in your country alone, and with numbers growing year by year, you must stand out. The best way to do this is to tap into the incredible power of simply being you.

Together with ensuring you are great at what you do, being yourself can help you rapidly develop a reputation and identity that transcends your competitive landscape.

Connecting deeply with who you are and sharing that energy with the world might be scary at first. But it’s the essential ingredient that will attract the best types of clients for you and the most satisfying projects.

Be yourself and flaunt it.