Fear is a Freelancer’s #1 Enemy (And How to Get Rid of It)

If you are a full-time freelancer and freelance work is all that is paying your bills, you know that fear can be a constant companion. Fear of losing clients. Fear of not having any work come in. Fear that an invoice won’t get paid. Fear of computer or equipment failure. The list goes on and on.

This emotion can cause anxiety, depression, and sometimes affect your work. But how can you learn to shut it off? Here are 3 ways to get rid of fear and replace it with healthier emotions.

1. Be Proactive.

There will always come a time when work slows down which makes the fear rev up. Instead of looking at it as a bad thing, use that time to:

Learn a new skill.

Take an online course regarding what industry you are in. Pick up a new software and watch tutorials to learn how to use it. This will make your skill set more rounded and potentially bring in new income.

Work on Advertising Yourself

It’s a common fault among freelancers that we spend little time on self-promotion. Whether it’s updating our portfolio or website, or not keeping active with our business social media accounts.

One easy idea to advertise yourself is to write a blog and post it on LinkedIn or Facebook. It’s free and drives traffic directly to your site.

2. Trust Your Instincts

If you truly believe that freelancing is for you, and it is what you are meant to be doing...believe it! When you trust your gut instincts and stay focused, fear is not an emotional state that you will stay in. Self-belief is a strong ally against fear.

3. Therapy

There are many kinds of therapy. Relaxation therapy, meditation therapy, mantra therapy, and much more. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Learning to self soothe will allow you to adjust your mood quickly and not waste time on fearful beliefs. Also, consider seeing a therapist or finding a support group like Freelancers Union. There is no shame in getting a little extra help to keep fear away.

Taking time to learn how to keep fear out of your work life is important. Fear affects our health in both body and soul. As freelancers, we need to be calm, creative, and productive. So it’s time to say goodbye to fear.