6 Ways Freelancers Can Maintain Their Work Motivation

Self-starting is hard. Here are ways to make it easier.

It doesn’t necessarily matter how long you’ve been at the freelance game; there will be times when your motivation lags. You’ll feel blocked or perhaps frustrated without really knowing why. You’re not going to feel like sitting down to get the work done that you need to get done.

That might lead to spiraling feelings of guilt or lowered self-worth. After too long, it can become difficult to break free from that spiral.

The good news is that lack of motivation can be overcome relatively easily.

Here are six simple methods you can use to get past motivation blocks and regain your forward momentum.

Remind Yourself Why You Freelance

Why are you working for yourself instead of somebody else’s business?

Is it freedom? Is it better money? Were you tired of toxic work settings?

Take some time when you’re feeling a little low-energy to remind yourself why you went freelance to begin with. Make a cup of tea while doing so if that helps.

A few moments for self-reflection can be a good thing from time to time.

Neaten Your Workspace

Take a few minutes to straighten up your workspace, be it a desk, drawing table, workbench, or whatever.

Empty the trash. Get rid of any old coffee cups and plates that may have amassed. Water your plants if you have any. Put your supplies in whatever caddy, drawer, jar, or space they belong in.

Having a fresh-looking place to work will help make you feel more energized to get work done. In addition, you’ll have a better idea of where all your tools are for work.

Messes can be a distraction you don’t need, and it often only takes a few minutes to take care of.

Audit Your Digital World

I love the Internet. I’ve been online in one form or another since 1985. That said, I’m also aware of how toxic a place the online world can be. Sometimes that online toxicity can spill over into your meatspace life.

To thwart this, conduct an audit of your social media and block or unfollow people who only offer negativity — especially when it comes to your work or passions. If you find an entire online environment such as Facebook or Twitter is causing you stress, take a break. You may even decide to do what many others have been doing lately and leave altogether.

I know that’s tough. I find a lot of work on Facebook and Twitter, but it’s not my only source of work, and it doesn’t have to be yours either. There are plenty of job boards and other online venues where your business networking may end up more efficient and less prone to trolling.

Another danger of social media is its addictive aspect. This is why I no longer have TikTok installed anywhere. For me, it was a time suck — and not even all that enjoyable after a while. If I need a break from work, I’ll instead allow myself 15 minutes of music videos or something on YouTube, then be ready to focus on work again.

Examine your online activities and try to pare them down to only those activities that add some positivity to your world.

Dress Like You’re Going Out Into the World

Even after so many people have recently come to experience what it’s like to work from home, it surprises me how many still assume freelancers work in their pajamas.

Bold of them to think I own pajamas, although I do own a super-comfy robe.

Still, when I first started freelancing some 20-plus years ago, I learned quickly that working in a robe and slippers did not contribute to my productivity.

Just the opposite, in fact.

I discovered that I needed to wear proper clothes to really sink my teeth into my self-directed, self-motivated workday. Most importantly, I needed to wear shoes.

I’m a writer, for heaven’s sake. Why would I need shoes?

Maybe it’s because they feel more solid than slippers. Or that I don’t connect shows with being sleepy — unlike comfortable slippers.

I wear comfortable clothes — ones I would also wear if I was out of the house running errands. I have a few pieces of nice clothes for the occasional client meeting, but otherwise, I still have a smaller clothes budget than someone who works outside the home.

If you’re lagging — especially in the mornings — get rid of the robe and slippers. Get dressed as if you plan to encounter other people that day.

It’ll make all the difference to how motivated you feel.

Don’t Ignore Your Health

I’m 55, and I have noticed a clear connection between my health and productivity.

When I’m eating properly — such as low or no carbs and sugars plus the occasional vegetable — I feel more alert than if I’ve been “surviving” off potato chips and marshmallow peeps.

I try to include some exercise into each day as well. In the morning, I take the dog out for a walk around the block. If the weather is bad enough that neither of us wants to go out, I do some stretches, twists, and bends. Two or three times a week, the whole family goes to the local YMCA for either swimming or hitting the gym.

If you begin the day by getting your blood pumping a bit, your whole body (including your brain) will feel more primed for work.

And one more thing… get regular health checkups with your physician. Early detection of underlying health conditions can save you a lot of time and aggravation later on.

Money Motivation

Sorry, folks. It’s about the money.

Sure, if I was independently wealthy, I would likely still be writing, but it wouldn’t be my job.

But as I’m not independently wealthy, writing is my job. I exchange my skills for money.

Why?

Because my electric company, gas provider, mortgage holder, insurance company, and cable company all expect to get paid. My family expects groceries to be, like… y’know… fed. And clothed, I suppose.

If you find yourself flagging, look for this month’s pile of bills and remind yourself that if you don’t do the work, you won’t get paid, and your lights may go out.

It may seem unfair, but that’s life.

You’re the Boss

Ultimately, one of the biggest keys to motivation is how we feel and interact with our environment. This could be your physical workspace, your digital world, and within your own mind and body.

When you have a firmer control over your environment, things begin to fall into place. You’ll not only feel more alert and healthy, but you’ll find work, art, or whatever come to you much more easily.

And you’ll find greater satisfaction in things overall.

Cheers!

About John Teehan

John lives in Rhode Island with his wife, son, and dog. He specializes in tech, health, business, parenting, pop culture, and gaming. Visit wordsbyjohn.net for more info and rates. Twitter: @WordsByJohn2