EPISODE · Sep 26, 2023 · 15 MIN
#275: Time Management For Freelancers | Back To Basics
from 6 Figure Creative · host Brian Hood
Hey, you... The one out there juggling a thousand tasks, feeling overwhelmed by how much needs to be done, all while trying to meet client expectations — let's chat. You've probably heard a topic as mundane sounding as "time management" and just tuned out. That's fair because this topic is usually boring as hell. "Time management" can feel like something invented by spreadsheet nerds who want to crush your creativity. There's some truth to that. The problem is is, what seems boring is usually the medicine you need. This is my attempt at discussing time management in a way that won't crush your soul. So let's start with the basics. How did you get to this place of overwhelm in the first place? Two things: 1. The Emotional Tug-of-War Creatives, like you and me, we're in a unique dilemma. On one hand, our emotions drive our art. We can channel passion, sadness, or elation into something magical. But here’s the downside: sometimes, our emotions run us instead of the other way around. Think about that task you've been putting off just because you "don't feel like it." Yep, I’ve been there. Procrastinating on this very podcast, to be exact. But here's the thing: by letting our fleeting feelings decide our to-do list, we end up sidelining those high-priority tasks. 2. The Ping of Doom While being led by emotions is one pitfall, the other, equally treacherous one is becoming a puppet to others' whims. Picture this: You're deep into a project, and ping — an email arrives. A client needs revisions, and suddenly you're derailed. Sound familiar? Freelancers, admit it. We suck at this. I do too. There's this urge to leap at every client request. While it might give them instant gratification, it leaves our personal and professional needs in the dust. This frantic jumping between tasks, known as context switching, doesn’t just break our rhythm; it exhausts us. And trying to refocus afterward? A time-wasting task. Mastering Your Day with a Simple Hack Now that we've painted a pretty bleak picture, let’s flip the script. The secret? A strategy I've been leaning on for years: Plan tomorrow today. It’s not just about jotting down tasks. It's about proactively designing a day that balances what you want and what others need from you. In this week's episode of 6 Figure Creative, I give you the full framework I've been using for years to set up my day for success. This works in any industry for any service. In this episode you’ll discover: Why freelancers struggle with time management How to control our own time, rather than letting others dictate our schedule People making requests aren't trying to hurt you Blocking out your daily schedule Big brain vs. small brain Batching your tasks or sticking to a routine The benefits of using Do Not Disturb on your devices For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/275
What this episode covers
Hey, you... The one out there juggling a thousand tasks, feeling overwhelmed by how much needs to be done, all while trying to meet client expectations — let's chat. You've probably heard a topic as mundane sounding as "time management" and just tuned out. That's fair because this topic is usually boring as hell. "Time management" can feel like something invented by spreadsheet nerds who want to crush your creativity. There's some truth to that. The problem is is, what seems boring is usually the medicine you need. This is my attempt at discussing time management in a way that won't crush your soul. So let's start with the basics. How did you get to this place of overwhelm in the first place? Two things: 1. The Emotional Tug-of-War Creatives, like you and me, we're in a unique dilemma. On one hand, our emotions drive our art. We can channel passion, sadness, or elation into something magical. But here’s the downside: sometimes, our emotions run us instead of the other way around. Think about that task you've been putting off just because you "don't feel like it." Yep, I’ve been there. Procrastinating on this very podcast, to be exact. But here's the thing: by letting our fleeting feelings decide our to-do list, we end up sidelining those high-priority tasks. 2. The Ping of Doom While being led by emotions is one pitfall, the other, equally treacherous one is becoming a puppet to others' whims. Picture this: You're deep into a project, and ping — an email arrives. A client needs revisions, and suddenly you're derailed. Sound familiar? Freelancers, admit it. We suck at this. I do too. There's this urge to leap at every client request. While it might give them instant gratification, it leaves our personal and professional needs in the dust. This frantic jumping between tasks, known as context switching, doesn’t just break our rhythm; it exhausts us. And trying to refocus afterward? A time-wasting task. Mastering Your Day with a Simple Hack Now that we've painted a pretty bleak picture, let’s flip the script. The secret? A strategy I've been leaning on for years: Plan tomorrow today. It’s not just about jotting down tasks. It's about proactively designing a day that balances what you want and what others need from you. In this week's episode of 6 Figure Creative, I give you the full framework I've been using for years to set up my day for success. This works in any industry for any service. In this episode you’ll discover: Why freelancers struggle with time management How to control our own time, rather than letting others dictate our schedule People making requests aren't trying to hurt you Blocking out your daily schedule Big brain vs. small brain Batching your tasks or sticking to a routine The benefits of using Do Not Disturb on your devices For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/275
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#275: Time Management For Freelancers | Back To Basics
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