In a previous email I said: “I realised I’d overcomplicated a lot of things”.
I’m talking about my business here.
The irony is that some of that complexity came in the guise of being more organized.
An example:
I did things like having different browser profiles. One for business, personal, each client… and more.
And sure… it was organized. And made me feel organized.
But it took far too long to notice the side-effects…
Every time I opened a browser I had to think about if I was using the “correct” profile.
When links automatically opened from external programs, they often ended up in the “wrong” browser window.
When I decided to use a browser plugin I had to install it in EVERY profile.
While using multiple desktops on Windows… the frequent refrain was: “Where on earth did I put that browser window? I’m sure I had it open somewhere.”
Organized… yet more complex
More complex means for me: more time and brain-space used.
And how I value my precious grey matter-powered brain-space nowadays đź§
So… I’m back to one browser profile.
I’ve now pinned tabs for a whole lot of stuff I use, like LinkedIn, Facebook, BerserkerMail and Discord.
Having these pinned tabs right in my face was one reason I went to profiles in the first place. So I wouldn’t have the temptation to click away into distractionland when I was doing something else.
So… my renewed strategy around organization is about working on me first.
That dirty word: discipline.
When seeing a browser tab for LinkedIn doesn’t give me a twinge to have a peek “just in case someone messaged” … I’ll know I’ve arrived.
Many (most?) of you will have great self-discipline… but it’s an ongoing struggle for me. It’s hard work reversing decades of habits and self-talk… and wriggling free from the clutches of inertia.
So watch out for that unexpected complexity that might be hampering — rather than helping — your freelancing business.
It might be hidden in the most unexpected of places.
P.S. I’ve already done some work on reducing complexity with the marketing aspect of my business. At its heart is systeme.io. [affiliate link]
It takes care of freelancer website, emails, course building, product sales, funnels, blogs, and a heap more… all in one place.
One place. Not a million places to log in. So it’s a handy way to reduce complexity.
Sign up for a free-forever account
Ready to build your email list? Go here…
EmailForTheWin.com
Chris Milham