Week 18

“It’s not about convincing people that we are worth spending their money. It’s about convincing ourselves that our business is worth all of the effort, all the pain that it takes to make it work and thrive.” – Dana Malstaff

This week was a busy week for me. In addition to the Upwork client I’ve been writing for since October, and my new client under Callahan Communication LLC, I welcomed another Upwork client last week. Though it’s for minimal weekly hours, it’s a great feeling to be building my book of business and writing different content pieces.

Honestly, I think it was the confidence boost I needed to verify to myself that I’ve been heading down the right path.

That being said, most of my week was spent writing and developing social content – I logged about 22 hours!

That’s in addition to working 37.5-hours a week at my day job. And balancing life, like cooking, exercising, cleaning, laundry, running errands, taking care of the dog, and sleeping. People work 60+ hour weeks and make it work – so I’m making it work too! But going from so much free time to essentially none has caused a significant change in focus.

I’ve had to be more intentional with how I spend my time.

For example, typically I lie in bed for about half an hour after I wake up while waiting for my partner to shower and get out of the bathroom. Recently, I’ve been taking advantage of that time and exercising in the mornings instead of after work! Then, I can schedule time in the evenings to keep myself focused on what’s important. For example:

• 4:30-5: Get home, take care of Coco, put in load of laundry
• 5:30-6:30: Cook dinner, eat, clean up kitchen
• 6:30-7:30: House chores
• 7:30-9:30: Upwork
• 9:30-10:30: Write, work on business

It doesn’t seem like much, but even in its simple state it helps me focus and get work done.

Also in my planner I use sticky notes to write out the top three things I need to accomplish that day. Every morning I spend a few minutes reflecting on the previous day and whether I got those top items done, and if not, what prevented me from doing so.

I appreciate structure. And as you are building your freelance side hustle,  you have to be organized. More clients = more time you need to dedicate. But one thing I have to keep reminding myself is even though I need to get work done for these clients, I need to make time to work on my own business. I can’t stall progress!

This week I…

• Provided feedback for my logo so the designer can finalize it.
• Worked on finalizing my Customer Service booklet.
• Wrote and uploaded two blog posts.
• Finished Climb Your Own Ladder (referenced last week).
• Did some research on establishing a virtual business address (stay tuned next week for an update and how-to).

Unfortunately, I didn’t actually cross anything off of my ever-growing business to-do list. I think these next few weeks will be about finding balance between my life, my side-hustle, and my business – and I’m looking forward to the challenge!

Don’t get me wrong – I’m still working on adding one more client either through Upwork or my business. That will put me at a place I feel good about, and can ride until contracts are completed.

I’ll get there, and if you are feeling this way, I’m confident you will too. You’re taking big steps and doing something you’ve never done before – so be proud of that. While sometimes it feels like you’re swimming through the ocean with your eyes closed, the water will eventually become clear!

Embrace the fear. Let go of perfection. Allow yourself to fail. Welcome the obstacles. Give yourself over to your passion with every fiber of who you are. And wake up every day and recognize you chose to build something amazing.