A Gentle Reminder For You Freelancers

Hello everyone!

I hope this week is treating you well.

Do not be deceived by the calm you see in those photographs, for I am having ‘one of those days’.  One of those days where I feel a little overwhelmed about the many tasks ahead of me.  What has just tipped the scales for me, is that I’m trying to drill a hole in a piece of furniture in Lola’s room (don’t ask!), and the drill bit has got stuck, and is refusing to budge.  A few expletives may well have escaped my lips before I stomped out of the room, and put the kettle on.  A cup of tea always makes me feel better!

Working as a freelancer, you are always so very aware of time, especially when you are working alone.  Clock watching can become a bit of an obsession, and suddenly the pressure builds up.  You always have to remember that the ‘to do’ list that you write at the beginning of the week, isn’t always possible to achieve.  Slash it by half, and you’re closer to the real output.  Sometimes you have to sit back from it all and remember that you are a one woman/man band, juggling not only your business and creativity, but also the school pick up and general household stuff.  I also have to remember that in January, one of my achievements is painting an entire bedroom and all the furniture, and I wallpapered a wall.  Not so bad once I look at it like that!

So people, this is a reminder to those of you who are juggling a multitude of tasks, perhaps like me, on your own – put it all down for a moment, go and look out of your window or take a short walk.  You are doing just fine, and it will all get done one way or another! And yes, write that ‘to do’ list, but turn it around too and write down all the things you HAVE managed to achieve on that day or in that month.  Suddenly it makes you realise just how well you have done, and as a tiny business, you need to give yourself encouragement from time to time.

Here is what I’ve achieved in January

Worked with Anthroplogie.  My favourite shop.  They regrammed me twice on Instagram which was a ‘yes!’ moment for me.

Completely reorganised my About Me page.  Made me realise just how much experience I have.

As mentioned above, I wallpapered a huge wall, on my own.  And it’s patterned paper!  And it’s still up!

Also painted the room in question, plus all the furniture.

Found an accountant (sounds silly but I procrastinated about this for ages.  Wish I’d done it sooner).

Did some marketing which resulted in two media agencies reaching out to me.

Reached out to a picture library agency.  We spoke on the phone and they have sent me a contract.

Started an online course in SEO.  (Well, I’ve read the first page, but I’m still counting it!)

I have two magazine features just out – Reclaim magazine (Issue 23) and Daphne’s Diary.

I’m not sharing this to show off.  I needed to do it, so that I could see that what I’m doing is ok, and that I am getting somewhere.  It’s important that folks who work alone recognise what they have achieved, rather than constantly focussing on what they’re not getting done.  We all need encouragement when the self doubt hits, and there’s nothing wrong with giving it to yourself.

Do let me know if you try this reverse list writing for yourself – I’d love to hear from you.  I read this brilliant post this week from This is Jules about being self employed, well worth a read if you’re thinking of taking the plunge.

Right, I’m off with pliers to sort this drill bit situation…wish me luck!

Tamsyn x

Tamsyn x