Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
Looking to make 2018 a banner year for your writing career? So am I. However, there are a lot of us who are hesitant when it comes to making changes in the new year. Whether you’re looking to write a novel or want to break free from the 9-to-5 corporate rat race, there is a degree of uneasiness when it comes to putting yourself out there.
Not everyone puts in the effort to do what they love. Usually, this is because it’s hard to get a paycheck when it comes to certain hobbies. However, writing is not one of those.
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It all starts with getting past hesitation and actually putting in the effort to go beyond your current self.
Changing How the New Year Unfolds
In reality, this blog post is more for me than anything. Over the past few years, I’ve been quite lack-luster in performance when it comes to my personal projects. Sure, I’m successful as a freelance writer for business clients. But I want more.
I can pay my bills and have a few bucks left over every month. However, I would love to have some of the finer things in life. While it may sound a bit superficial, I often day-dream about what my work-life would be like with a new desk or perhaps the ability to drive myself out to the golf course.
With that being said, here are a few things I am going to work on throughout the new year. Hopefully, I can help someone other than myself with this article.
Making the New Year Spectacular in Terms of Writing
I want to make this new year something I can look back on and say, “Yeah, I did this.” I kind of have that now when writing for clients. Unfortunately, my name isn’t tied to any of it. While I do feel a sense of pride when something I created does exceptionally well for a client, it’s still lacking something.
So, here are a few things I am going to work on for the new year. I’ve got a long road ahead of me, but I’m fairly sure I can handle it.
Putting In More Effort
One of my biggest issues is not putting in enough effort into my personal projects. Clients love working with me partly because I am professional and strive to meet deadlines. In many instances, I deliver work well before they need it.
However, I don’t put as much of the same gusto when it comes to my own projects. This blog, my Wattpad stories and everything else I want to do often takes a backseat to various things.
This goal is actually quite easy to accomplish for the new year. I’ve already hammered out an incredibly productive and lucrative schedule. Now I just need to follow it. And that’s where a lot of my issues come from: follow through.
Focus on Fewer Distractions
In many ways, I hate YouTube and Netflix. It’s so easy as a work-at-home writer to get sucked into watching online media. For some, it’s social media. Others may get drawn into gaming.
Every moment I’m not writing is another that I am not being paid. As a freelance writer, time is definitely money. A lack of productivity means a lack of a paycheck. It’s not like a regular job where you still get paid even if you get up to go to the bathroom or talk to your co-workers throughout the day.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, I suppose the best way to avoid these kinds of issues is treat my daily writing schedule like a proper business. If I get into the 9-to-5 mindset, maybe I’ll be more productive from home.
Put More Effort into Health
Health and fitness do wonders for both body and mind. I know I felt amazing when I was focused on losing weight in Los Angeles. These past few months have been a bit of a set back.
Not only have I gained six pounds, but I’m also feeling mentally fatigued and less likely to focus. I have no doubt my health plays a role in this. After all, exercise and fitness are scientifically linked to improving one’s mental state.
I’m already working on this goal starting the new year. To be perfectly honest, I feel great just with the idea of changing my life in so many ways. I have zero hesitation when it comes to putting my plans into action.
Higher energy levels, a more focused mindset and improved determination are all derived from a healthier lifestyle. No, I’m not going to dive into eating kale. However, I am going to change my life for the better though fitness.
I’m also excited about the prospect of looking amazing by my son’s graduation.
Get Rid of the “I’m Done for the Day” Mentality
One of my biggest weaknesses is having the mindset of being done for the day. Once I reach a certain dollar amount needed to pay the bills, I relax and waste the rest of the day watching YouTube.
I need to get into the habit of treating my writing like the career it is. Whether it means more clients, more content on my blogs, finishing my personal projects or taking classes to improve my abilities, I need to stop wasting so much time.
This can go under the section for maintaining a schedule. Working from home is glorious, but I need to focus on getting more done throughout the day. Doing enough to get by isn’t going to help me buy a house, a car or relax if I ever get to retire.
I wonder if this is related to my mid-life crisis of getting older. That’s a story for another time, but my mental hesitations are probably a symptom of a much greater mental problem.
Improve Self-Confidence
No one is a bigger critic of my work than myself. I’ve tossed many potentially good stories and novels simply because I thought they “sucked”…even if others loved them.
When it comes to creating my own content, I don’t have a lot of confidence. I don’t believe friends and family when they say they like a story because I think they are just saying it to make me feel better. Which is the driving reason why I like publishing on Wattpad.
Building self-confidence isn’t actually all that difficult. It just takes a bit of effort. Things like finishing projects, goals and expanding knowledge all play a part in boosting one’s mentality towards a project.
This is perhaps the hardest part of making the new year something better for myself.
Claim the New Year for Yourself
It’s OK to have a few reservations when it comes to making vast changes in your life. If you go into the process of writing with a logic mindset, you can avoid many pitfalls. Just don’t assume you’ll be an instant success. Many of us have to work years before seeing positive results.
Constantly adapt to your situation. Whether you’re passionate about writing or need to make a living, success centers around effort and determination.
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