How to Stay Motivated: 5 Tips for Creatives + Freelancers
I left my 9-to-5 lifestyle 4 years ago to pursue freelancing full-time. I figured, why not make photography and writing, my two passions, a full-time gig? Life’s too short not to enjoy what you love right?
Not only is life short but it really moves fast, which is important to remember when you shift into being a freelancer. The corporate world structure is super straightforward and basically outlines your workday for you. Therefore, you never had to think about your schedule when you walk in every morning. It’s always laid out for you. Team meetings were always at 9:00 am on Tuesdays, team lunches at 1:00 pm on Fridays, and deadlines were handed to you by upper management (or whoever is more important than you).
But now you’re a freelancer and suddenly have no idea how to make everything in a day fit. Where do I start? What time should I end? Do I have to create a whole schedule by myself? Help!
Realizing that I can choose how I want to spend my time throughout the day, who I want to interact with (clients/people/cats), and prioritizing it all in a way that suits me best, is amazing BUT also gives me anxiety. Through all the trials and errors, I’m grateful that, four years later, I have made it work (well, at least I think I have, hah).
Of course, I learned some things along the way and have narrowed down some tips that may help you if you’re currently struggling. Remember, it’s all about making time for the things that energize you, make you happy, and of course ensuring that whatever or however you choose to layout each day, that it works for you. Most importantly, don’t burn yourself out!
1. Change Up Your Environment
First, make sure you’re working in your ideal environment. That’s the joy of freelancing - you call the shots! So make sure that you’re working in a setting that inspires and motivates you. Some people prefer coffee shops or co-working spaces, while others prefer using a spare room that they turn into their own private office. If you don’t have room to spare, convert an empty corner into your ideal workspace if you live in a tiny apartment in LA like me. See an example of my space here.
Even if you do have your dream office in your home, sometimes you just need to get out! That’s why I recommend finding a great little coffee shop to help inspire you. For me, all I truly need is a good cup of coffee and good vibes, then I’m ready to just tuck in and get some writing, studying or editing done. That’s the joy of being able to work from anywhere.
Another prominent trend that’s popping up more and more are coworking spaces. It’s literally just a quiet area to go get work done, and maybe even bounce ideas off other creatives. KSOLE actually has one he goes to 2-3 times a week and he loves it. You don’t need to go every day, but it’s nice to refresh from your normal routine or when you find yourself getting a creative block. A co-working space can certainly get you in a productive groove since other people are working around you, therefore, you won’t get distracted as easily as you would at home.
*Most co-working spaces offer a day rate or hourly rate but you can also rent permanent desks by the month. Examples are WeWork, The Wing (for women), Common Grounds. More info on co-working spaces can be found in this LA Times article.
2. To-Do Lists
Make a list and cross it off, is there anything more satisfying? Nope. To-do lists help me stay productive and motivates me to keep going! Especially if you put your most daunting task at the very top. When you cross that first item off, boom, you feel like you can pretty much change the world after that. It is important to write your to-do list strategically. What I mean is, write down the things you don’t want to do first, then prioritize just a few other things for the day. Even if you love your work, there are always a few tasks that seem either more exciting or more daunting than others. It’s better to have your fun/exciting tasks later in the day because as your motivation dwindles, you’ll be even less likely to want to do the not-so-appealing tasks.
Your mile-long to-do list should also NOT be your daily to-do list. I like to keep a running list of all the things I want to do, but then select just a few for each day to tackle. If I get it done, great! If I can do more/have more time than anticipated, then I pop back over to the list to knock out some more things.
3. Connect with Other Creatives
Co-working and networking are great ways to keep you motivated. Especially when it means that you can hold your friends accountable and vice versa. I find this really helps me get my act together. I have to admit I am a little crazy about my efficiency so if I don’t think I’m going to get any work done on a ‘co-working’ date with a friend, I’m not going to commit, #boundaries.
Another great way to boost creativity is to plan a wine night with fellow creatives (in your community) or grab dinner together to discuss ideas. Sometimes these connections can help you find common grounds or new industry hacks, and these events build on that #communityovercompetition mindset. You might find yourself with the solution to a problem that you didn’t know you had, just from having a conversation.
4. Move Your Body
Get moving! A quick 20-minute walk can help clear your head, wake you up (if you’re feeling tired), and just get the blood flowing. Take some time to look around, look at the trees, the birds, the people and think of something other than your to-do list for those 20 minutes. Practice some light meditation exercises by focusing on what you see around you and taking deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Plus walking (for at least an hour 3x a week) can help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, according to recent studies.
If you have a little longer, choose your favorite form of exercise and smash it out. Moving feels like meditation for many people and honestly, the benefits of exercise go so far beyond ‘losing weight’. Plus, you’ll have a wicked exercise high when you come back; you’ll be ready to take on everything that #freelancinglife has to throw at you!
5. Try Something New
Now, your to-do list might be screaming the opposite, but take time to try a new creative outlet or avenue. Teaching your mind something new is a satisfying way to gain a new perspective on your business. Maybe you’re a natural light photographer, take some time to learn about flash or even off-camera flash! Maybe try something like graphic design or any other skills that could support your business further. Simply cooking a meal for your family may also do the trick. You do not need to put pressure on yourself to become an expert overnight, but just try something new. It’ll do your mind and creative muscles a load of good.
Staying motivated as a freelancer is a talent within itself, and I applaud you for coming this far, but the work has only just started. Also, time management and motivation is only part of our business, there is still all the client work to accomplish!
Leave a comment below to let me know how you stay motivated in your freelance work or side hustle!
This post was written by Johanna, a freelance content writer who specializes in Influencer Marketing