How do you become a highly successful freelance writer? As with any career, it’s through dedicated practice and continuous learning. You need habits that support your goals and help you stay accountable. You also need structure to support your success. Fortunately, these habits, processes, and techniques aren’t complicated. It just takes consistency and discipline. In this blog post, we’ll recommend five habits of freelance writers that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
Get inspired with creative prompts
Are you waiting for inspiration to strike? Can’t seem to find the right words for your work? Creative writing prompts are a great way to get those ideas flowing. They can be used daily to get yourself to write and boost your creativity. You can find writing prompts online or buy a book of writing ideas from your favorite bookstore.
More ideas: Scribble your thoughts in a journal, write freely for 15 minutes, or jot down words and phrases you love in a notebook.
Learn something new
Learning is an integral part of life. It helps you grow, gain new skills, and keep your mind sharp. Even if you know everything already, you can always study something new to improve your craft. There are lots of ways to learn. Try a language learning app, sign up for a webinar, and have fun. Every little bit helps.
More ideas: Listen to podcasts, take online courses, or pursue that creative writing degree.
Read different types of books
Reading up on different topics is a healthy habit whether you enjoy printed pages, ebooks, or audiobooks. Reading various genres can help you appreciate good writing and storytelling. It can also help you develop your vocabulary and writing style. Reading enables you to build your knowledge base and expand your worldview. Finally, reading books can be an excellent way to relax and unwind after a long day.
More ideas: Read ebooks to declutter, catch up on your bedside reading, or listen to audiobooks if you prefer to multitask.
Track your progress
Tracking your progress as a freelance writer is one of the most important things you can do if you’re trying to get better at writing. Monitoring your time on each task will let you know precisely how much time and effort you put into your writing projects. It can also be an excellent way to stay motivated. You can use project management tools like Asana and ClickUp or a time tracker like Toggl Track. On the other hand, you can keep it simple by keeping a spreadsheet of completed milestones. Whatever method you choose, it’s essential to keep records. This will allow you to calculate your job earnings and hourly rate.
More ideas: Keep a task calendar, use a Pomodoro timer, or write a to-do list.
Take good care of yourself
Self-care is vital. Taking care of yourself can help you feel better, have more energy, and make you happier. Looking after your well-being enables you to relax and focus. Practicing self-care doesn’t necessarily have to be something big like going on a vacation or getting pampered at a spa. It can be as effortless as taking a warm shower or eating a healthy meal.
More ideas: Listen to focus music, treat yourself to something sweet, or get enough sleep.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to becoming an effective freelance writer. The right approach depends on your goals. The most important thing is to consistently ensure you’re doing the right things. It all comes down to having the proper habits in place. So, apply at least one of these five habits of freelance writers. Stick to them until it becomes a way of life.