Tips for Managing Time as a Freelancer

2024 Goal #2: Work/Life Balance Goal *** This week (and early next) I'm sharing six goals each freelancer needs to check. If you missed the income goal yesterday, check it out for a different approach. **** The best part about freelancing is you are totally in control of your work schedule. The worst part is that you are totally in control of your schedule. You must actively take control of flexibility. No one is going to tell you to go home or turn off the lights. But I feel very strongly that one of the biggest keys to building a profitable freelance business that you love starts with making time for the people and things in our life that matter. And that starts with deciding what you need for yourself and then making it happen. I used to set goals based on the number of hours I would work, such as I will only work 30 hours a week. But that didn’t work because it was too nebulous in the moment. For me, I need small actions that I can take that add up to what I actually want to accomplish. I recommend coming up with six specific work life balance goals: Stop/Start work goal – Set some parameters around your work day. Do you need to get started earlier to have time for yourself later in the day. Or is turning off your computer at the end of the day your issue? Don’t Work goal – What are the days you won’t work. Think beyond just the weekend. Maybe you want Monday morning or Friday afternoon off. Maybe Wednesday is what appeals to you. Vacation goal – How much time off do you want to take goal? Even if you don’t know the dates, commit to the time. And if going somewhere this year isn’t in your budget, consider taking a week off as a staycation to recharge. Do something fun goal – What makes you happy and energized? Is it going to lunch once a week? Volunteering on Wednesday am? Taking a painting class? Working out? Commit to it and make it part of your 2024 goals. Exercise goal – Make a plan for moving. And put it in your business goals. Then you have to do it. A get off your plate goal – What tasks in your life drain your energy and suck your time? Which of those you simply not do. If they have to be done, then brainstorm other ways to get them done – hiring, technology, or trading? My work/life balance goals for 2024 are: -         Limit working after 7 pm (Stop/Start Goal) -         Take one weekend day totally off (Don’t Work Goal) -         Take at least 4 solid weeks totally off work (Vacation goal) -         Go for at least 1 hike each week (Do something fun Goal) -         Take a walk to the pool every day (Exercise goal) -         Use volunteers for dog transports as much as possible (Get off my plate goal) Yes, mine are probably a bit different than most people. And probably look a bit odd. But that’s the point. They work for me. My GoForth and Freelance Newsletter for all types of digital freelancers: Sign up for the freelance advice, stay for the Weenie (dog) stories  https://lnkd.in/gqaUPJ3i

Remote work isn’t for everyone. And, I know, that’s a tough pill to swallow. But to be a remote worker, and especially a freelancer, you have to have one crucial component: unwavering self-motivation. Yet keeping that motivation going is harder than it looks. To be a remote worker or full-time freelancer, you’ve got to: ✅ Be your own boss ✅ Make your own hours ✅ Drive your own marketing and advertising campaigns Sounds amazing, right? It is…as long as you don’t falter. No, I’m not saying you can never take time off. Just that you have to be diligent in keeping yourself on track, in chasing your goals, and, especially with your time management. Here are some ways I stayed on track with business goals after going full-time freelancing. 1️⃣ I kept my same daily routine. I’ve heard from a lot of people that they would love the flexibility to work whenever they wanted if they worked remotely. But, as it turns out, that’s not as great as it sounds, or not for me. Keeping a more traditional workday allows me to be present when my family (kids and husband) are home, and that is professional freedom. 2️⃣ I set boundaries with my clients and my team members. Many freelancers work outside of everyday business hours. They may be located in a different time zone, or simply prefer to work at night, on weekends, holidays, etc. I had to establish that I would not be available during these times. This has helped me avoid burnout and helped me keep a sense of work-life balance. 3️⃣ I set aside time each day and week to work on my business goals. It’s all too easy to let client work take up all of my hours each day — after all, it pays the bills! But I can’t learn and grow if I don’t make time for: 🟢 Marketing my business 🟢 Goal planning 🟢 Connecting with others in my network 🟢 Reading and research 4️⃣ I made more time than ever before for leisure time. Not having enough work-life balance is one of the biggest reasons I’d chased this freelance dream. Now, I take more time off, and I am diligent about being “off” when I’m not working. ✖️I don’t obsessively check work emails or Slack ✖️I don’t respond to work communications until I return to work ✖️I no longer feel guilty in prioritizing my mental health and need for rest The results of this last one have been far-reaching. I come back to work actually refreshed, restored, and more creatively tuned in than ever. How do you stay on track with motivation as a freelancer or remote worker? #freelancetips #businessgrowthtips #businessowner #remoteworktips _________________________ I work with industry leaders to help drive content strategy, solve production issues, and make impactful on-page changes for helpful content. Get more info at the link in my profile.

After working for 3806+ hours, I’ve cultivated a few habits that keep me productive, and no, it’s not some fancy “productivity tips” like other gurus give!   So, here are my 5 habits that keep me productive, and you can introduce them to your life too:   1. I take a few minutes every night to create a rough schedule for the following day. My to-do list is not always perfect; it is just a general outline of the most important tasks to keep myself focused and on track.   2. I dedicate 10–15 minutes to meditation each morning. This helps me clear my mind and reduce stress, allowing me to approach my tasks with a fresh perspective.   3. I always begin with my toughest task. I prefer to tackle my daunting projects first thing in the morning, when my energy is at its peak. The sense of accomplishment will propel you through the rest of your day.   4. I block out distractions during my deep work hours. I put my phone on silent mode, close unnecessary tabs, and let my family and friends know when I need uninterrupted focus time.   5. I do not multitask. Instead, I give my full undivided attention to one task at a time. Trust me, multitasking is just an overrated term.   See, I told you they aren’t any fancy tips, but they are capable of making or breaking my day. You can give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you.   P.S. What worked for me may not work for you, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the strategies that help you feel your best. #productivity #agencyowner #freelancing