Freelancing to Freedom

Personal goal #17: Separate work and play and appreciate every moment.

Most freelancers would agree that the line between work and play is easily blurred. When working from home or in a coffee shop, it’s very easy to get distracted by chores, food, and the constant declarations of the baristas: “large skim latte no-whip extra water extra flavour shot!” It’s also very easy to get distracted by thoughts of work during leisure time. I often find myself thinking and worrying about work while out for a run or visiting with friends. It is vital to carve out separate, focused time for both work and play; however, working for yourself provides the advantage of maximizing personal strengths and goals because you alone are calling the shots.

Every month, I outline goals in five categories: financial, health, spiritual, personal, and business. While working on my personal and business goals a few days ago, I realized I was having a difficult time determining which goals were business goals. Personal goal #11: Challenge expectations. Personal goal #13: Be proud of my accomplishments. Personal goal #19: Have confidence in my abilities. These goals apply to my life on a purely personal level as well as on a professional level.

Freelancing is a huge part of who I am. I can enjoy leisure time that has nothing to do with editing or thinking about editing, but I am an indie professional to the core. I truly believe that pursuing a career that blurs the lines between your personal and professional self is worthwhile – do what you love. Do what’s at your core. Figure out what makes you tick, outline some personal goals, and apply them to your professional life.

How about you? What are some of your personal/professional goals this year?

Happy Freelancing!