096 | 5 Habits Every Freelancer Should Have - Habits Part 2

In Part 2 of our series on habits, we're going to talk about five habits every freelancer should have. However, before we begin, I want to make it clear that I don't recommend adding these into your routine all at once. Use the strategies we discussed in Part 1 to make sure these habits build on each other and stick over time.

If you've already listened to Part 1, then let's dive into the five habits I think every freelancer should have:

1. A mindfulness practice

Having a mindfulness practice, even if it's just stopping to take deep breaths, can help ensure that you don't get swept away by the ongoing deluge of tasks, emails, etc., and keep you focused on the task at hand.

2. Project management

Assigning tasks to yourself and your team, and ensuring that the workload is even and manageable, is key to ensuring a smooth work week.

3. Keep your inbox closed

The email inbox is a trap for most people that can lead to hours of feeling busy without actually getting anything done. Set specific times to check your email each day and resist the urge to check-in outside of those times.

4. Mindfulness in the middle of the day

Yes, mindfulness is on the list twice. It's critical to have a mindfulness practice to start your day, but just as important is checking in with yourself throughout the day. Find a way to squeeze in a break or change of pace in the afternoon and it will save your sanity and your business.

5. Learning

Freelancers should constantly be learning something new or learning more about a topic they already understand. Take a course, read a book, do what you need to do to ensure that you are always learning.

"Having a mindfulness practice puts you in a mode where you're present, you're there, and you're not necessarily swayed by everything that's happening around you."

Main Takeaways

• Unless they are business development related, emails don't make you money. Organize, prioritize, and put guardrails in place for checking your email.
• Mindfulness is a crucial part of productivity. It's not only valuable for moments of anxiety or stress, but also for overcoming creative roadblocks. You need to have a mindfulness moment where you can break away in the middle of the day and feel refreshed.
• Continuous learning is an essential part of every freelancer's success. Build it into your schedule and make it happen.

Links

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
• The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
• Headspace App
• Asana
• Productivity Course