13 Tips for Staying Motivated and Productive as a Freelancer
Productivity means different things to different. For the average worker, it can mean doing enough to not get fired. But for freelancers who run the whole show, being productive takes on new meaning – You don’t work, you don’t earn.
But sometimes, even that’s not enough motivation to keep pushing forward.
To help freelancers stay motivated and productive, I asked 13 founders, CEOs, and other professionals for their best tips. Here’s what they shared.
Upskill for Motivation and Diversification
In my freelancing journey, I've discovered that continuous learning and upskilling are vital to staying motivated. It's all too easy to fall into a routine when you're working solo and from home. There's comfort in familiarity, but this can sometimes lead to stagnation, both in terms of personal growth and your portfolio's diversity.
Upskilling allows me to reinvent my professional self regularly. By acquiring new skills, I can take on varied projects that stimulate my creativity and prevent burnout. It also increases my marketability, inviting new opportunities my way. After all, in the competitive freelancing field, standing out is key, and a wide skill set can be a significant differentiator.
Juliet Dreamhunter, Founder, Juliety
Celebrate Achievements for High Morale
Self-motivation is the cornerstone of successful freelancing. For me, I maintain this by consistently reminding myself of my achievements and progress.
This can be as simple as looking back on completed projects or positive feedback from clients. Celebrating these victories, big or small, keeps my morale high and serves as a constant reminder of my capabilities and value.
Burak Özdemir, Founder, Set Alarm Online
Equate Work to Income
One tip that's helped me as an SEO freelancer is keeping in mind that my work is my money.
It's not like traditional work where you show up and get paid. Everything you do matters to your income. What you put in is what you get out.
So, if I feel unmotivated, I have to remind myself that I'm my boss and my income entirely relies on my work.
Taylor Scher, SEO Associate, TaylorscherSEO
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Find a corner in your home or rent a coworking space, and set it up with all the essentials like a comfortable chair, good lighting, and necessary equipment. Decorate in a style that inspires and motivates you. Treat this space as your office, and when you enter it, switch to work mode.
By having a physical space that is solely dedicated to your work, you'll not only be able to minimize distractions but also signal to yourself and others that you are in "work mode." This can do wonders for boosting motivation and productivity.
Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO, JohannesLarsson.com
Establish a Structured Daily Routine
One tip for staying motivated and productive as a freelancer is to establish a structured daily routine. Set specific working hours and create a dedicated workspace to minimize distractions. Prioritize tasks and break them into manageable chunks, setting realistic goals for each day.
Take breaks to recharge and reward yourself for achieving milestones. Sticking to a routine helps maintain focus, consistency, and work-life balance, leading to increased productivity and motivation in the freelance journey.
Aviad Faruz, CEO, Know Mastery
Plan Work Based on Your Chronotype
When working as a freelancer, establishing the right routine is essential. Yet, despite their best efforts, some people struggle to feel motivated and productive during their scheduled working hours. The reason for that may be that they don't plan their work time based on their individual chronotype.
We are all different. Some of us work best early in the morning, while others perform better late at night. Therefore, trying to adhere to a generic 9-to-5 schedule might not bring the same results for everyone.
The key to being effective in your freelance work is finding out what your chronotype is and then planning your work for the times when you're feeling the most energized and productive.
Maja Kowalska, Community Manager, Zety
Set and Reward Short and Long-Term Goals
One tip for staying motivated and productive as a freelancer is to set both short-term and long-term goals for yourself. For example, instead of focusing solely on earning more money, try to improve a specific skill or strengthen your knowledge in a certain area.
This approach can help you push forward and be better prepared to tackle bigger challenges in the future. Having luck-based rewards, such as taking yourself out for a hike after completing a milestone project, can also provide the motivation to complete mundane tasks.
Carly Hill, Operations Manager, Virtual Holiday Party
Prioritize Self-Care for Productivity
Staying motivated and productive as a freelancer can be challenging, particularly if you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck. A great way to stay on track is to prioritize self-care. Make sure you take the time to relax and recharge so that you can tackle your tasks with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.
Take regular breaks throughout the day, do some physical activity, and spend time with family or friends. These activities will help to keep your mental and physical health in check so you can remain productive.
Keith Sant, Founder and CEO, Sell My House Company
Create a Personalized Reward System
One tip for staying motivated and productive as a freelancer is to create a personalized reward system. For instance, you could set tasks or goals for yourself, and once you accomplish them, reward yourself with something you enjoy.
However, the key is to find something that truly motivates and excites you personally—it could be as simple as taking a power nap, going for a walk in nature, or even watching an episode of your favorite TV show.
By associating your accomplishments with rewarding activities, you create a positive feedback loop that fuels motivation and productivity without relying solely on external factors. It helps shift your focus from mundane tasks to the excitement of achieving small victories along the way.
Steve Dinelli, Founder, MarketerInterview.com
Break Projects into Smaller Milestones
One way to stay productive as a freelancer is to break any extensive project into smaller milestones. By doing this, you not only can more easily focus but also set a dedicated time to ensure your project goes seamlessly. This makes you more efficient and more productive!
Loren Howard, Founder, Prime Plus Mortgages
Embrace Challenges for Growth
As a freelancer, one invaluable tip for staying motivated and productive is to embrace challenges and discomfort. Growth rarely occurs within the confines of comfort zones.
When you confront and conquer obstacles, you push your boundaries, unlock hidden potential, and develop resilience. Embracing discomfort forces you to adapt and grow, leading to personal and professional growth.
Tim Pelletier, Owner and SEO Consultant, Tim Pelletier Consulting, LLC
Find an Accountability Partner
Finding an accountability partner can significantly affect motivation and productivity as a freelancer. This involves connecting with a fellow freelancer or mentor who will hold you accountable for your goals.
Regular check-ins and discussions create a sense of responsibility and commitment. For example, you and your accountability partner can set weekly goals and review progress together.
This external support system ensures you stay focused, receive feedback, and maintain motivation during challenging times.
Roy Lau, Co-Founder, 28 Mortgage
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle for Productivity
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact your motivation and productivity. Regular exercise, nutritious meals, and sufficient sleep directly contribute to your physical and mental well-being.
By prioritizing self-care, you can sustain energy levels, improve focus, and reduce stress. For example, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, such as a 30-minute walk or yoga session, can boost your mood and increase productivity.
Making conscious choices about your diet, including nutrient-rich foods and staying hydrated, can provide the fuel for a productive workday. Last, ensuring you get enough quality sleep aids in mental clarity and enhances motivation. Taking care of yourself holistically will translate into improved productivity and motivation as a freelancer.
Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists
Final Thoughts on Freelancer Productivity
Being able to freelance on your own terms can be motivating enough to start, but it’s not always enough to help you sustain. Finding ways to stay positive and keep loving your work will help you put your best foot forward and create best-case outcomes for your clients.
For more insights, head back to the Fleurish Freelance blog.