Being home alone isn't everything Kevin made it out to be.
Yes, lots of buzzy client meetings, the occasional wet-bandit burglar, conversations with like-minded people, the odd tarantula etc.
but at the end of the day you have to face getting on with the work by yourself. So how can you help yourself feel better, achieve your goals and keep on top of your health? Try a few of these simple ideas to rejuvenate your creative process.
Have a plan in place so you can clearly see what you need to do by when. And give yourself time for creativity, marketing, admin for your business so it is not always just about the clients. Run your day efficiently and consistently every day of the week.
I work best in the early morning so get a load of creative or more tricky stuff out the way first thing. But I’m useless working in the evening so don’t even try. Plan your schedule around when you are at your most productive so you can power ahead to gain a sense of achievement.
If you are stuck on something (even the boring stuff), don’t just sit at your desk worrying about it. Understand the issue, ‘park’ the problem and get on with other things. Revisit it every so often but don’t stress it. Allow your mind to resolve it on its own. I occasionally put problems on the table, ‘walk’ round them a lot in my head whilst doing other things. Invariably a good solution presents itself.
By breaking up your day and finding time to communicate with others you will feel part of a bigger whole, rather than just a blob sitting at home working. I do a daily crossword over the phone with a mate ensuring we both laugh, challenge each other but just check in too.
It’s so easy to lose the social side of working when you’re freelance. So build your own. Host it in a cafe, the park, a hub - and get everyone to share their story and ask advice on tax stuff you may not know. You never know - interesting collaborations or partnerships may grow from these. And if you can’t meet up - schedule a fun Zoom or Houseparty meet.
If you are a freelance member of a larger employed team, encourage the client to give you a ‘buddy’ from the permanent team. This will help you navigate the systems, politics etc of the organisation.
Try to take a break from your desk at least every 45 minutes. Get up, stretch, shimmy around, make a drink, get some fresh air. This way you will feel better and fresher, get a change of perspective.
By staying fit and working out actively, you will help keep matters in perspective and not let your work get on top of you.
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Disclaimer: This is simply a guide and should not be treated as tax advice. Contact HMRC directly if you need tax advice.
Award-winning freelance Designer, Director & Animator and tax vigalante
