7 January 2009
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12 Comments
With the New Year firmly upon us the web is alight with New Year Resolutions and inspirational goals. It is time to examine the year gone by and look ahead to decide what 2009 will bring.
For me, 2009 holds fear and uncertainty. With any opportunity for major growth and development there is an element of risk. This year, my youngest starts full-time school; expectations rise for all of us.
This is my final year to establish my freelancing career to a self-sustaining level before all other income sources are withdrawn. This, I suppose, is my primary concern. For two years I’ve tinkered through good intentions. Each month I would vow to make headway towards regular and steady income opportunities but I look back and find myself no closer to my goals then when I set them.
I’m inspired by the success of my friends and colleagues but challenged by personal insecurities and emotional retardation. I try not to allow myself to divert responsibility but every hurdle challenges my faith in myself.
What inner demons challenge you in your quest for success?
Rebecca,
We have truly missed your talent and fresh voice!
Emotional retardation? Are you serious? You are so very talented! I know it’s hard to keep our confidence up, but when we challenge ourselves and keep trying, we reap the awesome benefits.
I know you can do it! Not only can you bring in income with your writing, but you have design talent too! Not all writers are able to say that.
*hugs*
Michele
Michele´s latest blog postInterview with an E-book Author
I forgot to share my insecurities! It’s not staying focused on my goals or work that’s the problem, it’s the marketing! Yes, can you believe that? It’s true, though. And the phone is my enemy. Not (always) having the courage to tell someone to their face that I’m a freelance writer and blogger and detesting the phone both hold me back, I know. Those are things I’m working on and plan to overcome in 2009. I already have a strategy for marketing myself locally.
Michele´s latest blog postInterview with an E-book Author
Oh, I wish you well! (And your youngest!)
Fear and uncertainty are remarkable kick-up-the-bums… But please remember that you are an inspiration to many.
Kit Courteney´s latest blog postGetting better
For me, you have always seemed very confident here. I’m sure you’ll get there in the end.
Life is almost always uncertain for freelancers. You are at the mercy of everything that is happening in your clients’ lives that could make them stop using you. That’s why it’s important not to have all your eggs in one basket.
But you have to get the balance right. My own downfall demon is being resistant to stay in any niches. I just crave variety.
Here via Lyndi’s review of your blog on Nice2All.
Good luck in your quest to be a self-sufficient writer. Looks like you have the talent for it.
I shall subscribe.
I am also here via Lyndi. My fears have haunted me all my life. Life is a daily chore to conquer fear. Prayer and support from others is the best way to overcome. Writing about my fears also helps. Writing can be a great outlet as I am sure you know. Good luck.
I agree with Jakill. You’ve always seemed so confident. We miss you…
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
Actually I have no words to say about it because I think we both going on same phase. So no comments at all. But it is true that we have to strive to reach our goal and nothing else.
@ Michele: *blushes* Thank you so much. It’s strange to know others see me differently then I see myself. I’ve always been a firm believer in ‘fake it until you make it’ so most of the time I keep my upbeat and outgoing mask on. Of course, behind that mask I’m usually secretly terrified. lol
Marketing is especially daunting for freelancers. We’ve been raised to be ‘modest’ so talking in a positive light about ourselves and promoting what it is we do feels unnatural. One of the things I’ve found helps me is to focus on how I can help other people. When you come from a very giving nature others are drawn to that and it becomes easier to say, “Oh, you’re getting married? CONGRATULATIONS! Have you hired the designer for your invitations because, you know, I do that!”
@ Kit: Thank you, Kit. I guess I need that reminder from time to time. It is easy to feel a little lost on the web so it feels wonderful to know I’m inspiring others.
@ Jakill: *grins* Glad the mask of bravado works. *winks* The truth is, I try to stay positive and most of what I write here I can write with confidence. I know my stuff after all. lol The trick is fighting down those inner demons.
I can relate to your craving for variety. I’ve noticed those who can carve themselves into a niche often have the potential for higher earnings but there are so many interesting topics that I can’t imagine settling for very long in any single one.
@ Mik: It’s great to meet you, Mik. Lyndi’s got a fantastic blog and it’s such an honor to have been reviewed by her. Thank you for the luck and I wish you all the best in your own quest.
@ Millard: Yay, another Lyndi fan! Welcome Millard. It is reassuring to know that I’m not the only one who struggles against fear. Writing really does help but having the support of others is magical. Thank you for your support.
Yay! It’s great to have you back, Rebecca.
Yeah, you really do seem confident…
It is strange that others view us differently then we view ourselves! As for marketing – and confidence – I’m really working on myself in those areas this year. I’m noticing I’m getting more results than before. Not all of the responses come with a “yes” but they are at least responding and have positive things to say. We writers know how much it means for an editor to respond at all, much less take the time to share something positive. We’re getting there, Rebecca, one word at a time.
*smiles*
Michele
I find that the biggest obstacles to reaching my goals are 1) distractions, and 2) new ideas that replace my original intentions. In this business, it’s hard to stay on track for any length of time but it can be done. Just takes a lot of focus.
Yes! New ideas can be frustrating. Given everything we’ve already committed to doing it can be challenging to hold off on beginning the groundwork on new ideas. I’ve had to develop the “Please, wait.” tone specifically for those fantastic ideas. I take quick notes then tell them to wait because I really do have to get these current projects finished first. Still, it’s not always easy.
Thanks for stopping by, Melissa. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you!