Woo Hoo! I am now officially a freelance copywriter!
After completing my copywriting training and crafting a polished portfolio, I proudly earned my certification.
Whew!!! What a relief… or is it?
As a copywriter on this fascinating path, I’m faced with a lengthy to-do list to ensure my success, which has led me to neglect my work-life balance.
I know continuous learning is critical, so I constantly switch from one course to another while looking for clients and posting on social media…
It’s a flurry of activity with no defined schedule, and I’ve realized that I’ve become entirely consumed by work…
It’s time to take a step back, breathe, and reflect…
As I reverse-engineered my strategy, I wondered how much time each task took and if I was accidentally juggling work and personal matters, giving each task more time than needed.
And digging deeper into these questions, everything started to become more evident in my mind, which had a significant positive influence on my productivity. My time management and priority setting have considerably improved.
I now work fewer hours yet do more. Here’s how:
1. Set achievable goals
Like many others, I used to fall into the trap of overestimating my ability to complete tasks within a given timeframe.
But I’ve realized how important it is to develop a plan that includes setting clear, attainable goals and being honest with myself about what I can do.
I can track my progress and find continuous motivation throughout the journey by breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable actions.
2. Create a work schedule
When it comes to time management, freelancing does not have to be a radical change from regular employment.
The aim is to separate business and personal life and not mix them.
You can keep a routine comparable to a conventional job by having a designated workstation, scheduling your work hours, and sticking to it as much as possible.
This approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of freedom and flexibility while still valuing your personal life.
3. Plan and prioritize
Establishing a routine is key to effective task management. Begin by organizing your tasks, setting achievable goals, and creating a calendar that accommodates both your work and personal needs.
To maintain focus and prevent overwhelm, prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines.
I use Trello to keep track of my tasks because it lets me see how far I’ve come from “doing” to “done.” Having a clear picture of what I need to do and how much I’ve done gives me a sense of success and helps me get more done.
Additionally, when I struggle to make progress, I allow myself breaks to engage in other activities, which brings me to my next point.
4. Schedule based on peak productivity hours
One significant change I made was shifting my morning routine. In the past, I used to practice yoga as soon as I woke up.
While yoga undoubtedly benefits my overall well-being, I’ve realized that I can unlock even greater productivity and focus during the morning hours when my mind is sharpest.
So, I moved my yoga session to the afternoon, allowing me to capitalize on my peak mental state for studying and working.
And by reserving the afternoon for yoga, I can still nurture my physical and mental health without compromising the efficiency of my mornings. This adjustment has proven immensely rewarding.
5. Set task times to reduce distraction
When you leave your schedule open-ended, with the idea of having the entire day to complete a task, you often take longer than necessary and spend excessive hours confined at home.
Setting clear start and finish times enhances focus and productivity, which means doing the task faster.
In an open-ended scenario, where you believe you have ample time, it’s easy to procrastinate, thinking, “I’ll do this later; I have the entire day.” This mindset can result in delays and a lack of concentrated effort.
Conversely, allocating a specific time window, such as two hours or so, for task completion fosters increased focus and engagement.
Setting time boundaries introduces a sense of urgency and creates a structured environment that promotes productivity.
6. Disconnect and unplug
Taking time to disconnect and unplug during work is a game-changer.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to get sucked into the endless cycle of checking emails and messages.
But I’ve learned the value of consciously disconnecting and unplugging during my dedicated work sessions. It helps me stay focused and accomplish more.
And when it’s time for social media, I happily reconnect and engage within my scheduled time.
By having a good relationship with our devices and making sure we keep a healthy balance, we can enjoy the benefits of technology without letting it take over our lives or hurt our health.
In Summary
Finding a work-life balance as a freelance copywriter is a never-ending quest, but it is doable with the correct tactics and mindset.
You can go from being overwhelmed into productivity bliss by setting realistic goals, making a regular work routine, planning and prioritizing activities, figuring out when you are most productive, setting time limits, and disconnecting when necessary.
Don’t forget that work-life balance is more than getting ahead at work. It’s also about taking care of your health and happiness. Enjoy the ride, and be proud of what you’ve done during the journey.
So, take a deep breath, think about what’s most important to you, and use these strategies to live a happy and satisfying life as a freelance copywriter.
Embrace the power of balance and watch your general satisfaction with work and life soar.
Your turn now!
Have you started copywriting recently? What challenges do you face in balancing work and life? Are there any other things that have helped you?
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