5 New Year’s Resolutions for Freelancers

Being a freelancer is anything but easy. The good times are a sea of plum assignments and good fortune. But the bad times … oh, that’s when you tear your hair out, lose sleep and hope against all hope that things will improve.

Don’t worry. They will.

As we inch toward 2012, now’s a good time to assess what’s been good in 2011 and what you should change in 2012. These five resolutions are a great place to start:

1. Save Half of Each Check – One of the downsides of being a freelancer is that no one will force you to take money from your pay for taxes. There is no accountant subtracting these payments for you — instead you have to do it yourself (or not do it and pay a fine at the end of the year). If you want to be more financially responsible in 2012, then resolve to immediately move half of every check to your savings account. Not only will this cover those dreaded taxes, but you will build a cushion as well. And freelancers know how important that cushion is.
2. Say ‘No’ – It’s a hard thing to do, especially in that uncomfortable pocket of the month when you are waiting for your checks to arrive, but saying no is so important when an assignment just isn’t good for you. Maybe it’s too much work for too little pay. Maybe it’s a topic that bores you to tears. Maybe it’s busy work that you feel like you need to do to make sure you have enough work. But instead of saying ‘yes’ out of fear, say ‘no’ and channel your energies elsewhere — unless of course that assignment will mean being able to pay the rent (or not).
3. Take Days Off (and Unplug)- If you are anything like me, then you probably can go weeks (or months) without truly taking a day off. Well, guess what? It’s not healthy for any of us. So, plan for designated days off — at least one, ideally two or three per week — and let yourself relax. I can practically guarantee that your work will improve as a result. And while you are at it, hide the BlackBerry and laptop on those days — you don’t want to be tempted.
4. Read More – Every writer should be reading regularly — blogs, newspapers, magazines, books, you name it. Reading expands your mind, helping you to think of new ways to say things and better words to use. To be a better writer, you need to read. Plus, the escape of getting lost in someone else’s words is awesome too.
5. Get Out and Do Something – Does this sound familiar? You get up, have coffee and settle in on the couch with your laptop and get to work. Your breaks take you a mere 10 to 20 steps to the kitchen or bathroom. And you repeat this day in and day out. If so, then you are doing yourself — and your writing a great disservice. One of the greatest things about being a freelancer is that you are free to live. You aren’t tied to a work schedule or an office. So do it! Get out and do things. Besides, those life experiences? They serve to make your writing better.

What would you add to this list?