10 Tips to Stay Motivated, Sane and Productive

Freelancentral.co.za’s Jo Duxbury has written an article for Freelanceswitch.com, a very well known freelancing community website. Firstly the post, 10 Tips to Stay Motivated, Sane and Productive, is highly beneficial, so I suggest that you go and have a look. I think it applies to more than just freelancers though, I think it applies also to entrepreneurs, and bloggers in particular. These 3 groups of people – freelancers, entrepreneurs, and bloggers often need help to stay motivated and focused. It’s very difficult to “keep your eye on the ball” and remain on course.

Even just this weekend, I spent hours blogging and it’s really tough. It relates to what Stephen Covey would call “keeping the end in mind” – but that thinking is not always easy. I must say though, that I’ve learned my lesson. These hours of work, blogging, reading, doing research, networking, etc – it’s all worth it. I’m pleased to say that I’ve seen the positive effects of consistent activity.

I’ll give you 2 of Jo’s tips:

“1. Failure isn’t the end of the world. Remember that you are learning what works and, by the same token, what doesn’t work: whether it’s a new software package or way of dealing with a particularly difficult client. Often we expect to be perfect at something we haven’t ever attempted before and are too hard on ourselves. Remember that each time we make a mistake, we learn something valuable. Take a risk, apply what you learned and up your chances of success next time round.

2. Work your referrals. I have a client (let’s call her Anne) who has asked me to rewrite a sales presentation that her client is using to present to their client to get them to buy Anne’s company’s solution. If that was confusing, all it means is that Anne has effectively got her client to do her selling for her! Pretty impressive. Asking one of your clients to refer you to one of their contacts can be a great way to expand your client base — assuming, of course, that your client is happy with your service.”

For the other 8 you’ll have to click to the full article. Please comment after you’ve read it, I think it’ll help Jo become a regular contributor on Freelanceswitch.com.