Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Freelancers — yes you. You, the working artist. You, the working web designer. You, the working writer and poet. I have a question for you today.
Have you set any goals for yourself recently? Did you know that goal-setting isn’t simply a mental health boost, or a self-motivating practice to keep you moving forward — but it is also necessary for your freelancing success? Yes. Goal-setting is the one practice that above all others — including talent, including grit, and including the drive to succeed — will actually make you successful?
And the one goal you need to set for yourself today, like right now, is this — that you are not going to let anyone or anything take the wind out of your sails. I mean this. There will be people along the way that tell you—
—You can’t do that for a living!
—You’ll never make it like that. You need to get a real job!
—You need to grow up. Life isn’t about playing around all the time. You have to get a job and work for a living —like the rest of us!
Let me tell you something today, dear freelancer, dear hustler, dear dreamer — you can live the life of your dreams by doing what gives you joy. I know because I’ve done it.
There will also be circumstances that come up in your life and threaten to blow your little boat right off course.
—That relationship you loved will crumble at your feet. But you will find your strength to endure it.
—You’ll lose someone special to you. But you will learn to grieve and move on.
—You’ll face financial hardship. But you will learn to make adjustments and find a way to improve it.
—Your living situation will change. But you will find a new place or a better living situation and adapt.
No matter what kind of challenges you face—if you believe in the goals you set for yourself, work hard, and —like Thoreau so eloquently penned “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams”—you can, and will continue to thrive on the path you have chosen for yourself. And you will find happiness no matter your circumstances. Why?
Because happiness is a decision not a destination.
So, today, set a goal for yourself. Set several goals for yourself. And don’t give up—because your dreams, no matter how impossible or far away they seem—are on that horizon waiting for you.
Sail, confidently! Go!
Thank you for following Fiddleheads & Floss Writing Services (author Christina M. Ward.) If you want to learn more about how poetry can enrich your life—visit us at The Castle!