I don’t think I’m the first to admit that this last year has been tough on creatives. I have seen not only my work be impacted but many colleagues as well, whether they are photographers, videographers, writers, designers, or any full-time freelancers. Everyone suffered in 2024. Now, if you are a full-time freelancer, you know that it is always “feast or famine.” So what do we do when there is more famine than feast? You take a breath and realize your work doesn’t define who you are. It can be hard, and I struggle with that all the time. I tell myself things like, “If I don’t work, then I am worthless,” and “If I don’t work, then there is something wrong with me.” “Why can’t I be like other people who have 9-5 jobs?” These are the intrusive thoughts a freelancer has, and probably MANY people have in their day-to-day lives. Sometimes it’s hard not to spiral.
You have to keep grinding. If you give up then you’re letting those voices in your head win. You’re letting all the intrusive thoughts get you down. Now, it is a-okay to feel down in the dumps and depressed. You have to feel your feelings. BUT you can’t give up on a lifestyle you chose because times are tough. You have battled adversity and triumphed and will triumph again. It might take even more hard work but that’s something you’re used to. Keep going. One day at a time. Keep grinding. Stand tall and they will see you from outer space. Also, check in with yourself. Talk to someone. Getting a fresh perspective always helps. I’m a fan of therapy and even if you don’t think you need it – you probably do and could use a mental tune up. Despair does NOT help.
Sometimes it can be extremely helpful to take a step back and make a gameplan for yourself. I have a large piece of black foam core board that I use as my vision board base. When I think of something positive that suits the vision I have I write it down on a post it and it goes on the board. It helps to check in with it every so often because it reminds me that I am a capable person and the master of my thoughts and actions. We forget who we are sometimes and get caught in the muck and mire of every day life. The vision board serves as a grounding tool that not only inspires but motivates. Honestly pick up these books also:
Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life
The second one is an Arnold Schwarzenneger book that really kicked my butt when I read it. It definitely helped me clear my head and re-define my own vision. Another thing that has helped me tremendously this year was a Grounded Practice book. This one helped tremendously and it organizes your thoughts and puts them in solid order for the day. It’s all about positive reinforcement:
Sidenote: I’m not an Amazon affiliate or affiliated with the good folks at the Grounded Practice site. These are just some great things that have helped me in the past year to stick to my guns, clear my mind, and use this bottled up energy in a productive way.
I would love to hear from other freelancers who may be going through the same thing. Was your 2024 what you wanted? Does anything I’ve said sound familiar?
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