freelance jobs, writing, design

Thrive, Even When Odds Are Against You

Posted July 25, 2008 in Business, Lifestyle 6 Rockin' Comments »

Just last week I noticed it in a parking lot where I stop frequently. It was a spectacular sight - a bright red flower growing up through a tiny crack in the pavement. The fact that the plant had survived was amazing. The fact that the plant was actually in bloom was even more astonishing.

Now, before we go any further, let me clarify. I’m not talking about some scraggly weed with a half-dead flower. This was a healthy, flourishing bloom - worthy of the finest garden.

I examined the parking lot. Not even the smallest bit of topsoil was visible. There was nothing at all in the parking lot that looked like it could nourish a flower.

Yet, somehow this particular flower had managed, not only to survive, but also to actually thrive. Despite the odds, it was a healthy, growing organism.

The Lesson For Freelancers

The odds of success are against most freelancers, especially when they are starting out. The fact is that most business start-ups fail within a few years.

The obstacles that a new freelance business must face are immense, ranging from financial pressures to intense competition for customers, and more.

Believe it or not, the specific obstacles that your business faces are often not what actually determine your ultimate success or failure. Instead, what is important is how you handle the obstacles that you are faced with.

Like the flower in the parking lot, with the right approach your business can overcome the odds.

You can thrive, even when the odds are against you.

How You Can Flourish During Adversity

Has your freelance business faced tough times? Would you like to flourish despite your circumstances? Of course you would.

Here are a few ideas, inspired by the success of the parking lot flower, on overcoming an adverse business environment:

• Persevere – Despite finding itself in bleak surroundings, the young plant did not give up. It stuck to its mission of growth and eventually it was able to bloom. Some businesses eventually succeed simply because they refuse to quit.
• Look for the sun – Somewhere in your environment is a positive factor that can ensure your business success. For the flower, that positive factor may well have been the sun. Find the positive factor in your environment and focus on it.
• Be resourceful – The flower had very few resources, yet it made the most of the resources that it did have. When starting out, your business may also have to get by with very few resources at first. Use your resources wisely.
• Adapt – Just as the flower’s root system had to travel to find the necessary soil and other nutrients, you may need to change your business or your plans to fit your particular business environment. Be open to such changes.
• Ask for help – While I’d like to imagine a compassionate individual helping the young plant (perhaps providing water during dry spells) the truth is that the plant likely succeeded without any outside help. Fortunately, your business is not a plant. There are many available resources for new businesses. Take advantage of them.

What seemingly insurmountable obstacles has your freelance business faced and what have you done to overcome them?

Laura

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About the author: Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 18 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts.

image in this post: Kidv2