Define YOUR version of success
Does scrolling through LinkedIn give you freelance imposter syndrome? Same, mate. Here’s how to define your version of success, so you can get what you want from your business and avoid comparing yourself to everyone else!
We’re lucky, us freelancers. Our success metrics aren’t limited to growth or revenue targets. For us, success looks like whatever we want it to — more freedom, more creativity, more time for special projects, etc.
The problem is, if we don’t take the time to sit down and ask ourselves what success looks like for us in our business, imposter syndrome will inevitably creep in. We’ll spend our time coveting the freelance business successes of others without realising that those goals don't align with what we actually want for ourselves.
Geddit?
It’s an issue I’ve grappled with for the last three years, so I wanted to sit down and address it here today. If I feel like this, I’m guessing some of you do, too.
1) Assess your business and plot your future
Starting nice and easy, eh? In all seriousness, though — plotting your business year is a huge deal and too many of us forget to do it.
Last year I made a video on how I conduct my quarterly reviews. It was inspired by Louise Shanahan’s 15 Minute Freelancer podcast and details how to assess what you want for your business in the coming year.
Here are some of the criteria I use:
‘More of’ goal – looking at the jobs, clients and achievements of the last 12 months and picking out the ones I’d like to see more of in 2023.
‘Less of’ goal – picking out the jobs and clients I didn’t enjoy in 2022 and thinking about how I can avoid them or cut them back in the coming 12 months.
What do I want from my business – more creativity, more days off, better flexibility? What should my business be giving me?
What do I want for my business – how would I like to shape my brand or business in the coming year? What’s my ideal vision for it?
2) Turn them into action points
I’ll take all my goals and break them down into simple statements and action points. For example, if I want more time off, I might start blocking out Fridays and finding ways to work a 4-day week.
If I want more email newsletter jobs, I’ll identify clients I can pitch, start posting about previous email jobs on LinkedIn, and might even upsell the service to existing clients.
Keep your goals measurable, specific and build them into your routine for the year ahead so it’s easy to follow them and make them a habit.
3) Quarterly reviews
Okay, so you’ve got your personal goals and you’re taking small steps towards them every week. Ace. Now you need to hold yourself accountable.
Set reminders at the end of every quarter to revisit your action points and goals. How are you getting on? What’s working and what isn’t? Have you dropped off altogether , and if so, why? Let’s find a way to make this shit work.
4) Remember your goals and celebrate your successes
By the end of this process, you’ll have a clear idea about what you want and where you’re heading. With your sights firmly set on your own goals, you're less likely to be led astray by other people's successes and achievements.
When you hit a milestone, recognise and celebrate it! Don’t let it slip past. Set up a weekly wins sheet to record all the neat little achievements you rack up for the year.
Build your dream business, and bloody enjoy it, mate!
