Tag / successful

by caitlyncallahan14

8-10 hours/day

I went to the eye doctor last week (for the first time in years) to talk about getting contacts because my vision is so bad. As we were going over my history and concerns, she asked me what I do for a living and how many hours a day I spend on the computer.

I told her 8-10 hours, average.

She laughed at first.

And then when she realized I was serious, she expressed concern about how bad that was for my eyes.

I told her that between my full time job and my business, it’s the truth. And yet, these last few weeks I’ve found that even that much time isn’t enough.

You may have noticed it’s been about a month since I posted a blog post. I also haven’t been regularly updating my social media, or posting industry articles. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been slacking. My full time job has been so busy lately and it’s been exhausting. I’ve been working longer hours, and had no time during the day for a break (so many meetings!). On top of that, I’ve been very busy with my existing clients, and working on onboarding two more.

Therefore, I’m spending 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week staring at my computer.

But, I’m still falling behind writing and publishing for my own business. Which without that new content, I’m not continuing to grow and establish. And while I know the importance of prioritizing my own business, I’m not. And sadly, it’s an active choice I’m making.

Because after 8 hours of meetings and 2-3 hours of writing for clients, I’m tired. And I want to watch an episode of my favorite show, or read some of my book, and then go to sleep. I know I should be writing a blog post, or scheduling out social media posts. And I can’t say I don’t have the time (because that would be a lie), but spending that time working means I’m sacrificing time doing other things I enjoy, or time with family or friends.

I’ve been doing this freelancing gig for about three years now and I’ve written before about finding the balance. Now more than ever it’s challenging to find that balance as I’m busier than ever with work and clients.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s the best feeling to have. I love what I’m doing with my clients and the work I’m publishing. I’m so proud of my success so far and how far I’ve come.

But to keep going, I need to continue to prioritize my business. I just honestly don’t know how.

So here’s a question to my fellow freelancers – how did you do it? How did you build a successful business, while also having and enjoying your life? Not missing those moments in life is so important to me, but I feel like too often I read about successful people having sacrificed everything to get to where they are, including family, friends, sleep and their own health.

I don’t want to be like that. I want to change the narrative. I want to prove to every kid out there dreaming of this life, having their own business and being successful writers, that you can have it all.

I’ll be sure to let you all know if I figure it out.

Until then, I’ll keep spending my 8-10 hours.

by caitlyncallahan14

defining success

A few weeks ago I was reading a book and the author wrote:

What does being successful mean to you?

The quote, in a book being on following your inner “clues” to success and fulfillment, stuck with me, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

During these few years of being a freelancer and business owner, I’ve had several goals (big and small) that I’ve worked to accomplish. Consistently publishing on my website and social channels, bidding for a certain number of contracts, a book of a certain number of clients, certain earnings in my bank account… the list goes on.

But one thing I never really thought about is what “successful” really means to me. My goal with my business isn’t to make millions or build a nation-wide consulting agency, but I do want to be self-sustainable, work less, and make a comfortable (or more than comfortable) living.

But how do I know when I get there?

So I sat down to write this post and force myself to really think about and define what my success looks like to myself.

And then weeks went by, and I didn’t write anything because I didn’t know the answer.

Now, finally, I’ve figured it out.

First of all, I will say I believe I’ve been successful already. I have several consistent, wonderful clients. I have built an emergency fund and savings that I’m comfortable with. I’ve formed an LLC and am a business owner. I’m respected and have done great things at my full-time jobs. Those all are amazing things that I can’t believe I even get to say.

So when I’m old and retired, what will I have accomplished that will allow me to look back and think “wow, I was successful”?

I think long term, my success doesn’t look like $ in the bank or X clients in my portfolio. In fact, I don’t think it can be quantified by a number. Instead, I think it’s a feeling and a vision of my future. Ultimately, it comes down to lifestyle design.

I want to be able to choose my lifestyle. To wake up every day and decide what I want to do and when. If I want to spend hours writing, I will. If I want to go to the park or read a book on my patio all day, I will. Maybe I’ll sleep in, or maybe I’ll get up early to enjoy a quiet, local coffee shop. No meetings. No boss or corporation to answer to. Just myself and the most important things to me, like loved ones and friends.

I want to be able to choose whether I spend my time in my house in Cincinnati, or on a beach, or in Europe, or at my parents’ house. I want to choose whether I take on a new client and write myself, or send the work out to a freelancer while I earn passive income. I want to love what I do every day, both from a “career” standpoint as well as day-to-day activities.

I want to wake up happy and excited for the day, and go to bed happy and excited for what the next day will bring.

That is my success. That is what being successful means to me.

Surrounded by friends and family, with the freedom to choose what takes up my days and mental space. Being happy and fulfilled by things I choose.

I’ve written it on a sticky note and hung it on the window sill above my desk so I can look at it every day and remember what I’m working toward. What the goal is. And continue pushing for it.

And I’m so excited to see what the future brings.

If you haven’t, I encourage you to sit down and think about what success means to you. Write it down. Start making a plan. Your definition success won’t look the same as mine or someone you know, but I think it’s important to know and embrace what you’re working toward – so you know when you get there, and can feel empowered, proud, happy and successful.