If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that the world can change on a dime. Our goals and our dreams can shift so quickly that we can’t catch up. It has also taught us to take stock in what we have – and what we don’t – and learn what it is that’s important to us. Taking time to evaluate this year in preparation for the new one can give us goals that promote security and prosperity in 2021. 

Your Career

As a freelancer, you can pivot your career path at any point; switch your specialty, try writing for new sectors… really flex your writing muscles when and where you can. Investing in your career growth is vital to staying relevant and sharp. Consider some of the following tips to help increase your success in the new year.

Invest in your equipment

Upgrading the technology you use to function as a freelancer can keep you ahead of the game. Whether it is buying a new computer, or the latest software, being at the top of your game and having the right tools at your fingertips will help put you above the rest. For example, having a dependable recorder for interviews you do and having a reliable software to transcribe (or reliable human transcriber) can help you cut down your turnaround time and strengthen the trust your client has in you and your work. 

Nurture your client relationships

This year has taught us about the value of the connections we have. We all have clients that we love, and that treat us well, and ones that don’t. Maintaining strong relationships with your clients will ensure they reach out for future projects or accept pitches you send their way. Having consistently reliable content will have your client excited about new work or even send your contact info to others in their network to give you more business. Networking through your trusted clients can give you fruitful experiences with new publishers. 

Know the importance of your relationships with other freelancers

Strengthening your relationships with other freelancers can also give you opportunities with new clients. Dedicating time to foster these positive relationships can help build your pipeline for a consistent client base and workflow. 

Your Life

Your goals for the new year do not only have to be career-based. If 2020 has illuminated anything, it’s that our personal lives and wellbeing are as important to our success as our careers. Incorporating some general life goals into your new year plans will help increase your overall sense of accomplishment. Consider some of these areas below to focus your attention on in the year to come.  

Be savvy with saving

This year has brought about the realization that being prepared for everything can seem impossible, but being as prepared as you can be, is vital. How you manage your finances matters, it’s not just about how you spend, it’s also about how you save. Being sure to have savings that you can feel comfortable with is important for your ability to live adequately during times of slow production. Deciding what type of savings account you should have can be tricky, but researching the different types and their advantages and disadvantages can help you feel confident in your choice! 

Reconsider where you live and work

As a freelancer, you’ve been working remotely longer than the pandemic has been around, and you know the perk of remote work is that you can live where you want, when you want. Others are catching on. In 2020 many companies have moved to remote work, and individuals have begun to take advantage of the option to relocate because they are no longer tied down to an office job. For freelancers, 2021 is the perfect time to reassess your living situation and see if now is the right time to relocate to your dream city or state, too. 

There are a number of different reasons you may want to move, such as wanting to finally own a home with more space for family and work, or to relocate to an area where you have the potential to reach a wider network of people. Maybe your current home is too small, or you are a renter and want to become a first-time homeowner.

Owning a home gives you the stability of knowing where you will be for the long term, therefore having the ability to plan for the future both personally and professionally. Of course, finances may get in the way of this, but you can plan ahead and get yourself preapproved for buying a home to know how much you can afford before knowing if you should take that big step. Owning a home has many perks, especially for freelancers. You can have an office space of your own, and may even be able to take in tenants to supplement your income, which can come in handy during any slow season.

Understand the importance of downtime

Finding time to relax is vital to a freelancer. You can work yourself down to the bone, and that can happen quickly and without warning. Bringing self-care into your life will help reduce the chances of burnout that many freelancers face. Whether you unplug for a few hours, take a long weekend, or even just have a night where you give yourself a little TLC, you can revitalize your mind and body by taking a very well-deserved break. 

Making the end of the year a time of reflection isn’t a new idea, but making sure you create goals for yourself that can be attainable and successful, is something that is very hard to come by. Creating a plan for yourself that is more about improving your relationships, both with clients and with yourself, can make your goals seem more achievable.