4 New Year’s Resolutions Freelancers Should Make For 2015

The New Year is always filled with hope and great intentions to make this the best year yet! I totally get wrapped up in it and spend hours upon hours planning out what I want my life and business to look like. Even if you’re not the resolution type, most freelancers could benefit from a few tweaks to their habits. Consider these resolutions to improve your freelance business in 2015.

Establish a routine

Though I will choose flexibility over routine any day of the week, there is an exception. Having a morning routine is probably the best thing you can do for yourself – and I’m not talking about showering, grabbing a croissant and running to the metro. I like to start the day with meditation, then a quick 15 minutes or so of yoga, followed by a huge mug of coffee. I try with all my might not to check my email before I’ve meditated. A morning routine like this allows your body and mind to wake up to a calm, focused and intentional space rather than a chaotic one driven by other people’s priorities. Give it a try and see how it sets the tone for your day.

Make your health a priority

I’m not playing into the ‘lose 5 pounds this year’ resolution here, but resolving to put a greater focus on your health should be a priority for almost everyone. As freelancers, it is far too easy for us to spend 15 straight hours at our desks and barely move our limbs. Obviously this isn’t good for our physical or mental health. This year, schedule health breaks into your calendar. Whether it’s a 20 minute walk, an hour at the gym or a few 10 minute stretch breaks throughout the day, is up to you. Vow to do this a couple of times a week, not to lose extra weight, but to improve your health and your work.

Lose your bad clients

If you’ve got clients that make you avoid checking your email, you need to get rid of them. This year, let go of the toxic clients that cause you way too much stress and anxiety. Take steps to sign on clients that more closely match your ideal client persona, and say sayonara to the negative Nancy’s and the time vampires you have on your current roster. You will be able to put your energy toward projects you love and feel more rewarded for your work. There are always more clients out there.

Work in a happy place

If you’re working from your bed most days, it’s time to check yourself. Make this the year you get serious about your workspace. Whether you have an office or just a corner in your apartment, make it a sacred space where work – and only work – takes place. Then, hang some art, paint the walls or get some nice desk knick knacks to liven the place up a bit. Make it a place you get excited to go to and it will skyrocket your productivity.

If you’re a total homebody (like yours truly) make this the year you spread your wings and fly! And by fly I mean start working at a local cafe a couple of afternoons a month. You could also consider getting a drop-in membership to a co-working space in your city. This is a great way to meet other rad freelancers like yourself and change up the scenery from your apartment.

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This can be your best year yet! Now get out there and make 2015 your bitch!

What are your goals or resolutions for 2015?