I was cleaning out some notes I’d made a year or two back.
And came across a list titled:
“The Best Ways to Stay Poor”
I’m not sure if that was the original title. And not sure if I’d taken the notes myself. Or if I just copied it from a web page.
Too far back to remember details like that!
Anyway…
The number one item on the list is:
“Start tomorrow”
The best way to stay poor is to start tomorrow.
I sooo needed to learn that lesson earlier.
If I’d only grasped the depth of those two words. Maybe I’d be in a different place today.
But I think a lot of my slow progress is probably because I had to learn the good ol’ fashioned hard way.
Chasing shiny things. Playing on hamster wheels.
Plus I had “bonus” life-stuff to deal with. Many of us do.
That makes starting things — and persevering with them — that much harder.
There’s no judgement. It’s just how it is.
We’re different. Have different situations. And have things that are ours to work through.
I crashed with burnout… severe burnout. And recovery has been long.
But I AM recovering. For that I’m thankful.
I’ve not got it all worked out. And some days life is tinged a bit darker than others.
Still… I’m on a mission. And ANY forward progress is good progress.
This isn’t just a money thing.
Putting off things until the day that never comes affects making money, sure.
But also the growth in our own character. Relationships. Health. Knowledge. Wisdom.
There’s only one proven way dreams become a reality: one dogged step at a time.
Take imperfect action every day.
It might seem like I’m harping on about topics like this lately.
And I probably am.
Only because it’s so important to me. And I know how important it is for making forward progress as a freelancer.
Some of us are certainly motivated. Disciplined. And can almost effortlessly slice our way through challenges.
For others, it’s harder.
If you’re struggling to start something that will take you closer to your goal…
Double-check your goals are really what you want.
And do the work-backwards thing. Map out those bite size bits you can chew off one at a time.
Celebrate the small wins. With a sprinkle of gratitude. Share wins. Reflect on losses.
It all helps. At least… does for me.
Legend copywriter, Gary Halbert, said:
“You don’t have a choice of being afraid or not afraid in life; you’re going to be afraid. You’re either going to be afraid and frozen or scared and moving.”
I choose option two.
Keep on keeping on!
P.S. Any freelancing questions burning a hole in your cerebral cortex? Send them my way!
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Chris Milham