Freelancefolder

All Work and No Play? Really?

Posted April 23, 2008 in Productivity 10 Rockin' Comments »

As a freelancer, web-worker or both, I’m sure that you have read quite a few articles or even books about productivity and time management. A lot of people read about all sorts of approaches and end up thinking that a productive person is a robot-like creature who works all day or, in other words, someone who does not know the meaning of the word ‘fun‘.

It’s quite obvious that they end up thinking that time management is not for them and, unfortunately, they are missing out on a lot as a result of such an attitude. Never make the mistake of thinking something like that, as it doesn’t have anything to do with the way things actually stand. [Click here to read more →]

Jump-Starting Freelancing Productivity: 9 Reasons Why and 5 Reasons How Working Smarter Works

Posted April 21, 2008 in Productivity 15 Rockin' Comments »

Do you go through long periods of poor work productivity? Here’s a simple “time hack“… Have you considered spending less time per project, to force yourself to complete the work sooner and more efficiently?

If you’re in a salaried job and still contemplating freelancing, you may or may not have motivation to work harder. However, if you’re a 100% freelancer, your monthly income relies directly on how much work you can complete. It sounds like a scary idea, spending less time, especially if you’re worrying about monthly bills or even just food on the table. But look at it this way…

If you’ve turned into a workaholic in hopes of getting work done, and if you’re finding you’re not productive no matter how much more time you put in, then why not spend less time? So if spending too much time on projects isn’t helping you finish them, what harm is it to spend less time? [Click here to read more →]

5 Useful Things You Could Do Tomorrow

Posted April 15, 2008 in Productivity 15 Rockin' Comments »

With my previous guest post, I have explained that there are all sorts of useless tasks which end up making maximizing results as far as your personal productivity level is concerned next to impossible. I have referred to 5 of the absolutely useless things which most people do on a daily basis and, as a logical follow-up, here are 5 extremely useful things which you could start doing tomorrow:

1) Get Up Earlier

Let’s face it: would it kill you to get up earlier tomorrow (of course, that means that you should also go to sleep earlier tonight)? You’d be surprised as to how incredible the results you could be experiencing may be as a result of such an approach.

Use the extra free time you gain however you see fit: spend more time with your beloved ones, work on a certain project, the possibilities are virtually endless and, as a result, getting up earlier tomorrow will definitely prove to be a decision you will not regret. [Click here to read more →]

5 Useless Things You Did Today

Posted April 10, 2008 in Lifestyle, Productivity 27 Rockin' Comments »

Are you interested in getting more things done? Does it seem that the day should somehow have more than 24 hours so that you can complete all of the tasks on that to-do list of yours? Well guess what: you are wasting valuable time each and every day with useless activities which are simply not worth it.

Actually, here are 5 useless things you may have done today, let’s analyze them and see if they sound familiar:

1) You Have Watched Too Much TV

I personally hate TV and consider it one of the most dangerous time-wasters. First of all, it should be clear that, when watching TV, you are not doing anything productive. Honestly, do you think that staring at a screen just for the sake of it is worth it? [Click here to read more →]

The Most Critical Factor To Freelance Success: Taking Action

Posted April 8, 2008 in Business, Lifestyle, Productivity 14 Rockin' Comments »

Launching a successful freelance business requires a certain degree of competence in your craft. It also requires goals, courage, determination, discipline and purpose.

But over the years, I’ve come to realize that you need something else. Something more important. You need to continually take action. Even when you don’t yet have all the answers. And even when you don’t feel like it.

The Mark of a Successful Freelancer

I attribute much of my success to my ability to take action. For me, taking action is more important than experience, attitude, skill or personality. I’m not alone here. Virtually every successful (financially and otherwise) person I know is continually taking action.

There’s a sense of urgency about everything they do. Not in a negative, “anxiety disorder” kind of way. Rather, you can sense that these people know what they want. They exude determination and confidence.

And they almost always reach their goals. [Click here to read more →]

Consistency Counts, It Really Does!

Posted April 2, 2008 in Productivity 4 Rockin' Comments »

No matter what profession you have chosen, you have to deliver the goods with consistency every time. As graphic designers, this is especially true. We have to be consistent in our time management skills as well as the product we produce for our clients.

Do you set a schedule for yourself to separate your personal time from work time? Or do you fly by the seat of your pants leaving your best ideas to come at three am when you know you have a seven am deadline? Do you work the same way, using the same work patterns every time? Is there a method to your madness? And when was the last time you saw the top of your desk?

These are all part of creating an effective atmosphere to do your best work. Let’s explore the reasons behind wanting consistency in your work habits. [Click here to read more →]