Embracing Imperfection: The Value of Lowering Your Freelance Standards
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Chapter 1: The Power of Perspective
"While you may not be flawless, that does not imply you're defective."
— Nicole Kylie
Let's begin with this truth: you're not flawless, and neither is your freelance business. However, it's not inherently broken. It reflects your current state, and that's where you must operate from, both now and in the future.
Operating from a mindset of inadequacy—feeling like you're failing, lagging, or not measuring up—makes it difficult to achieve meaningful progress. One surprisingly effective strategy during these times is to simply lower your expectations. By adjusting your standards to a more attainable level, you can recognize your current achievements. This shift allows you to operate from a position of:
- Success: acknowledging what you've accomplished.
- Confidence: realizing your capabilities.
- Empowerment: motivating you to pursue the next steps.
- Reality: preparing for what's ahead.
It's not about magic; it's about a change in mindset that encourages action rather than overthinking. Feeling competent and worthy is essential for your business growth.
Here are some insights on the significant benefits of lowering your standards until you've met them.
Section 1.1: Recognizing Your Journey
As a coach for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small business owners, I frequently encounter common challenges: generating income, maintaining accountability, managing multiple responsibilities, battling imposter syndrome, and achieving work-life balance. However, one unexpected revelation for many is that their "problem" isn't being stuck; they are simply navigating through their journey.
As James Clear wisely states:
"The most important battles must be fought anew each day. Exercising today does not render tomorrow's workout unnecessary. Supporting your spouse today does not mean you can mail it in tomorrow. Learn to love the endless nature of things and life gets easier."
Instead of fixating on distant goals, adjust your perspective to view your current situation as the destination. Embrace it as part of the adventure that is your business.
Section 1.2: Learning Through Action
"We can only learn to love by loving." — Iris Murdoch
Being right, right now, aligns you with the essence of Murdoch's quote. By taking action, you can gain deeper insights into your business. We learn to write by writing, to market by marketing, and to sell by selling. We also learn to embrace our imperfections by recognizing that we are perfectly imperfect.
Chapter 2: Building a Sustainable Business
The first video, The Shocking Truth About Bidding Low as a Freelancer: 5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid It!, discusses the pitfalls of underpricing your services and how it can undermine your business.
Section 2.1: Slowing Down to Build Up
Lowering your expectations allows you to slow down and establish the components of a sustainable business. Rather than chasing rapid success, focus on intentionally crafting your business framework. This means setting appropriate boundaries and creating an environment where work can flow seamlessly.
Section 2.2: Mastering the Fundamentals
Keeping yourself grounded in the basics is crucial for developing your dream solo business. There are numerous elements to manage, and not everything will come together immediately. Operating from a position of "right, right now" encourages you to reflect on what needs attention: business development, client retention, marketing, and more.
Section 2.3: Financial Realities
No aspect of business demands honesty as much as finances. You can redefine your financial expectations by focusing on:
- Success: recognizing your milestones.
- Confidence: understanding your capabilities.
- Empowerment: motivating you toward your next financial target.
- Reality: acknowledging where you currently stand and planning for the future.
The second video, How to Get Your First Job on Upwork (FAST!) Step by Step Tutorial for Beginners 2024, offers actionable insights for freelancers seeking to kickstart their careers on platforms like Upwork.
Chapter 3: Cultivating Relationships
A common challenge is the tendency to neglect outreach—connecting with others, offering assistance, or seeking support. When considering what "right, right now" means for you, remember:
- Who have you not contacted in a while? Reach out and engage.
- Is there someone in need of help that you can assist? Start a culture of reciprocity.
- What support do you require, and who can provide it?
Nurturing these relationships over time is vital for a thriving business.
Chapter 4: Taking Action
As business owners, we must balance working on our businesses with working in them. Often, the best way to affirm your current position is by fulfilling your commitments to clients and completing tasks at hand.
Chapter 5: Maintaining Positivity
To keep your emotional balance and ensure business health, apply the 3-to-1 rule: identify three positives for every area needing improvement. This practice combats overwhelm and cultivates a growth mindset.
Recognizing your strengths aids in:
- Enhancing awareness and mood.
- Understanding your unique value and competitive edge.
- Reinforcing learning through acknowledgment.
By focusing on one improvement area, you can effectively manage weaknesses while amplifying your strengths, fostering a conducive environment for long-term success.
What steps will you take today to lower the bar for your freelance business and embrace the present moment?
Sharon Woodhouse is the founder of Conspire Creative, providing strategic collaboration services for post-publishing author rewards, including coaching and project management.
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