Many people dream of working from home, walking into your 'office' in pj's everyday and even conducting important business meetings in them. If you're one of those people this dream can be your reality. For anyone who's ever wanted to be a freelance writer discover how to get started here.
You may think the first step to becoming a successful freelance writer is to attend school, read a book on the subject, or find someone to mentor you. While all of these are great ways to get there the first place you need to begin is in your mind. Yep, that's right. It's essential to put your dreams into action by thinking your way to them. Now don't think this is all you'll have to do to make it, there's a lot of persistence and hard work ahead but if you don't have the right frame of mind your chances of making it diminish. This is the first vital step in how to become a freelance writer.
Take a few minutes right now or as soon as you can get ten minutes of quiet and sit down with pen and paper. First close your eyes and imagine your life as you wish it would be (as far as a writing career that is.) Would it look like you working in an office with a secretary or assistant? Would you sit at home in your office, pj's on and feet up? What would it be like to become a freelance writer?
Who would your clients be? Would you write about the financial industry or the fitness? The world is yours to choose from, decide what you want and imagine exactly how it would be. That's right, dare to dream.
Make these dreams vivid and clear. Smell the coffee, hear the phones ringing, know the names of your clients. Imagine your working life as a freelance writer exactly as you would have it be. How would you become a freelance writer by imagining? You're starting the imprint in your mind and you'll draw it to you.
Don't criticize or analyze these dreams right now. If you think 'well that's just not realistic' it won't work. Take away all the negative thinking and just dream it, real and vivid. When you're negative thoughts or doubt kick in strike back with the thought 'everythings possible.'
Think about the following items when you're creating your perfect freelance writing world:
- How much money do you make?
- What is around you? (lake, city, mountains, beach, etc.)
- Who lives with you at home? How often do you get to spend time with them?
- What is your overall work pace?
- What do you do in your free time?
- What other hobbies, work do you pursue?
Write down the answers to the above questions and keep this picture close to your heart. Nurture it and visit it often. Make sure to spend time imagining this life at least once a week. Try first thing in the morning or just before you drift off to sleep at night. Research has shown that these are the most powerful times to imprint your dreams on your subconscious when your brain is in an alpha state. This is a vital step on you're journey to becoming a freelance writer.
Step 2: Take Action!
The next step is to set a deadline for this dream to become reality. Don't be afraid of failing, believe you can and you will. No matter if it's one, two, or even more years from now just pick it. This simple step really helps make your dream of becoming a freelance writer real.
With your deadline in mind make a 'to-do' list (I told there'd be work!) What do you need to do each week to reach your goal? Take a class on how to become a freelance writer? Subscribe to a newsletter of a successful freelance writer? Network yourself as a writer? Start writing and build a portfolio? Whatever it is make a list each week of what you need to do and do it! With every small step you'll be one closer to your dreams.
As Henry Ford said, "If you think you can or think you can't, you're right."
You can do it! Follow this plan and you've taken the first step in becoming a freelance writer.
Stay tuned for more tips to learn how to become a freelance writer.