How to navigate your day as a freelancer

Freelancing has never been an easy profession. Though it promises independence, flexibility, and exciting opportunities, it is also associated with a certain level of risk and a variety of challenges. Once you accept the risk and feel ready to take on new challenges, then freelancing will feel a lot easier and enjoyable. We want to remember this quote from Steve Jobs because it applies very well to freelancing.

”People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying ‘no’ to 1,000 things.” – Steve Jobs.

It is vital to maintain your focus and continuously make sure you are heading in the right direction. With that in mind, let us understand how you can navigate your day as a freelancer effectively and efficiently.

• Planning: A Bullet Journal helps. The way you approach your day sets the entire tone for what comes along. Bullet journal or an application like trello will help you manage your probable activities throughout the day. Organizing your day will help you estimate the tasks and make your work hours productive and fun.

• A time schedule: It doesn’t have to be the typical 9-5 schedule, but setting aside time intervals along with the tasks you intend to do is crucial because it makes the whole thing more disciplined and accountable. You know where you are investing your time and how many tasks you are completing.

• Prioritize: You can use Stephen R Covey’s priority model or feel free to choose the system that feels comfortable. However, make sure you prioritize tasks for the day or the week. This comes in handy when you just receive an immediate or urgent task that requires your full attention. Then, your priority model will grant you a better overview of what tasks lie ahead and extend the timeline of the projects if necessary.

• Sanctum Sanctorum: You need a private, personalized space. Never underestimate the importance of a good workstation. This will get you in the zone and help you work much better. It is also worthy to make the workstation a distraction-free zone. As much as communication with your clients is important, constant interruptions and personal obligations will keep you away from focused work which ultimately affects your performance and pay. You can also work in café, shared workspaces, or libraries.

• Days off: Yes, you require days off too and during those days, make it a point that you will get away from work and spend the day on any other things you would like. It is important to rest and relax.

• System: Keep a complete system in place. A structured system will give you more freedom than not having one. You will feel more responsible and accountable. The system includes everything from the way you work to how you work. However, be very aware of your work style and continuously ask yourself ‘Is there a better, easier and efficient way to do this?’. As you explore more and more, you will surely understand that you can a lot more things in a lot less time and this will put you on top.

If we missed anything, do contact us and let us know.

Happy Freelancing!