Staying Focused While Freelancing

If you are working toward becoming  a freelancer of any kind - whether a writer, a photographer, web designer, or any of another zillion freelance-ey types of things, you've got to stay focused.  Whether you've got a full time job and you are freelancing part time, or if you have nothing but time on your hands - focus is the key to success.

So:  Here's how to make it work: 

First, remember freelancing is a job - you've got to show up to work on time, you have to complete assignments you are given, and you have to keep track of what you have done, so you can (cha-ching!) get paid for the hours you have put in.

Second, you have to make sure that other people in your family, or friends who might be puzzled by the fact that you used to be completely available whenever you were home, understand that you are now working from home, and your work time and space are sacred.  No interruptions, unless it's an emergency.  That means your kids, your husband, or whomever happen to be around need to know that you're working.

Now that we have covered those two key essentials, let's take a quick look at some specifics.

• Plan to "show up at work" on a schedule.  Write it down if you have to.  
• When it's time to work, be professional.  Brush your hair, brush your teeth, and for goodness sake, get dressed and (gasp!) put on a little lipstick if you're the make-up wearing sort.  You'll be a lot more successful if you feel like a professional writer. 
• Set up time each week to run your errands and visit with your friends and family.  The more successful you become, the more difficult it might be to fit things in.  Don't let freelancing consume you completely - or it will feel like just another job. 
• Take breaks frequently throughout the day, and don't forget to exercise.  Exercising keeps your mind sharp and prevents you from getting what I fondly refer to as "desk-butt."
• Keep good records of everything.  Just because you are a freelancer, doesn't mean you don't need to keep records and pay taxes.  

These are just a few tips to start with, and I'm sure we'll have more to look at later.  Meanwhile, have fun, start out slowly, and keep on building your own dream job!