Why Your Mindset is Your Most Valuable Asset

It's time for us to have a conversation about something that's not just a nice-to-have in our world, but an absolute game-changer: your mindset. The way you think about your writing, business, and life has a massive impact on how you run your business.

Being a freelancer is like zip lining blindfolded. Exciting? Yes. Terrifying? Also yes. One day you're on top of the world, landing that dream client you've been eyeing for months. The next day? You're wondering if you should have listened to Aunt Marge and gotten a "real job."

But there's something a lot of people don't talk about. What keeps you strapped in and ready for the next stage of the adventure isn't your portfolio or your killer pitch. It's your mindset.

Why Your Mindset Matters (and It's Not Just Fluffy Feel-Good Stuff)

Having a positive mindset isn't just about plastering on a smile and hoping for the best. It's about cultivating resilience, creativity, and productivity. It helps you:

1. Bounce back from setbacks (like when a client ghosts you after three rounds of revisions)
2. Think outside the box (because let's face it, cookie-cutter solutions are SO last season)
3. Stay motivated (even when your pajamas are calling your name at 2 PM)

I've lived all of these truths so I speak from experience. But who really believes the person throwing words around on the internet? You don't just take my word for it. Let's sprinkle in a bit of science.

The Science of Your Brain on Positivity

Did you know that positive thinking can actually improve your brain function. When you're optimistic, your brain is more open to new ideas and solutions. It's like giving your grey matter a cup of strong coffee—suddenly, everything seems clearer and more manageable.

Every thought you have essentially touches a button in your brain and releases some type of chemical. When you generate positive thoughts and you're feeling happy or optimistic your brain decreases stress chemical (like cortisol) and instead produces chemicals like serotonin, which create feelings of well-being.

I don't know about you, but that's a feeling I like.

Want another reason to focus on positivity? Those positive thoughts are going to push the serotonin button so you feel less anxious, more focused, calmer, and more emotionally stable. Can you see how that is beneficial to running a writing business?

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people in a positive mood were better at creative problem-solving tasks. So the next time you're stuck on a project, try watching a funny cat video. It's for science!

Positive thinking can even improve your physical health!

Want to read more about how you can use positivity as a tool to make your life and business better? Check out these books:

Switch on Your Brain: They Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking and Health by Carolyn Leaf

The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today by Lewis Howes

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

A Positive Mindset Turbocharges Your Freelance Business

So what's all this have to do with being a freelance writer? Everything!

Cultivating an intentional positive mindset can change your business in ways you might not even imagine.

It Supercharges Your Productivity

Remember that to-do list that's been haunting you? A positive mindset turns you into a productivity ninja. Tasks that used to feel as daunting as climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops (frozen toes, rocky paths, and twisted ankles anyone?) suddenly become manageable. You're in the zone, plowing through work like a hot knife through butter.

My friend Sarah is a freelance copywriter. She used to dread writing product descriptions, but they offered steady work and income, so she kept accepting those projects. One day she decided she could either dread doing it or she could find a way to be positive about it. She reframed the task as a creative challenge. Now, she knocks out descriptions faster than ever, leaving her more time for the projects she truly loves.

It Unleashes Your Inner Creative Genius

When you're not bogged down by negative thoughts, your mind is free to wander and explore new ideas. This is crucial for us freelancers who need to constantly come up with fresh concepts and innovative solutions.

Stuck on a design? Struggling with writer's block? A positive mindset can be your ticket out of Stuckville, population: you.

It Builds Resilience (AKA Your Freelance Armor)

Summary

Let's face it: freelancing isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Clients come and go, projects get rejected, and sometimes things just don't go according to plan. But here's where your positive mindset becomes your superpower.

Instead of spiraling into a pit of despair when faced with a setback, you're more likely to dust yourself off, learn from the experience, and move forward. It's like having a built-in bouncy castle for your career—you always bounce back!

It Transforms Your Client Relationships

Here's a little secret: clients can sense your attitude. When you approach interactions with a positive mindset, it builds trust and rapport faster.

You're more likely to:

• Communicate effectively (no more misunderstandings over email!)
• Handle feedback gracefully (even when the client asks for their language to be "more subtle, but not too subtle")
• Create a collaborative atmosphere (turning clients into long-term partners)

The result? Better working relationships, repeat business, and those precious referrals we all love.

It Boosts Your Overall Well-being

Let's not forget about you, the human behind the freelance business. A positive mindset reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and improves your mental health. When you feel good, it shows in your work. You're more likely to take on challenges with enthusiasm and deliver high-quality results.

Plus, you'll have more energy for the things that matter outside of work. Win-win!

It's Not Just Positive Thinking

Now that we've established why a positive mindset is crucial, let's talk about how to cultivate it. And no, it's not just about repeating "I am awesome" in the mirror every morning (although that doesn't hurt!).

1. Practice Gratitude: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. It could be as simple as "I'm grateful for this delicious coffee" or as profound as "I'm grateful for the freedom freelancing gives me." This simple practice can shift your focus from what's wrong to what's right.
2. Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy like a mama bear protects her cubs. Learn to say no to projects that don't align with your goals or values. This helps prevent burnout and ensures you have the mental space to stay positive.
3. Stay Active: Physical activity is a great way to boost your mood. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy—whether it's yoga, running, or dancing like nobody's watching in your living room. Make it a regular part of your schedule.
4. Connect with Others: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Join a community of like-minded freelancers where you can share experiences and offer support. Sometimes, all you need is a good venting session with someone who gets it.
5. Keep Learning: Embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This perspective can help you stay positive even when things don't go as planned. Plus, learning new skills keeps your freelance offering fresh and exciting!

Your Mindset is Your Most Valuable Asset

A positive mindset is more than just a feel-good concept. It's a powerful tool that can transform the way you run your freelance business. By cultivating positivity, you boost your productivity, enhance your creativity, build resilience, improve client relationships, and promote overall well-being.

So, what are you waiting for? Start making those small shifts in your mindset today, and watch how it impacts your business and your life. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a positive mindset. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and keep pushing forward. And be watching on the first of August for an exciting opportunity for developing a positive mindset!

Your freelance journey is uniquely yours. Embrace it, challenges and all, with a positive outlook. Who knows? You might just find that the secret to success was in your head all along.

Now go out there and show the world what a positive-minded freelancer can do!

And if you need a little help in the positivity department, check out our Mindset Makeover mini-course that will help you get your mindset back on track.

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