How I More Than Doubled My Income as a Freelance Writer in 2009: The #1 Reason I Was Able to Do This

January 5, 2010

I’ve actually wanted to write this post for a while, but it meant that I’d have to reveal some personal stuff – and I don’t like to do that. But I feel ready to do so. In case you’ve forgotten or are a new reader to Inkwell Editorial, this week’s post is all about how to make more money this year.

BUT, I’m not going to talk about marketing. You can read the specifics of how to make more money as a freelance writer here for that. And here; and here.

What I want to talk about is much more important — clearing energy sucking, motivation depriving, negative thinking people from your life. To illustrate this point, I’m going to tell you my story.

How to Make More Money as a Freelance Writer by Getting Rid of Non-Empowering People in Your Life

About a year and half ago, my two-year engagement ended. My ex-fiance was actually a very nice guy – so this is not a bashing story. In fact, although it was very painful, we had a very civil breakup. We broke up basically because we weren’t compatible – in a lot of ways. We looked at money differently; approached our careers differently and had different levels of ambition.

support-me

I’m definitely a Type A personality. I don’t do anything half ass. Either I’m all in or all out. This is especially true when it comes to my career. I’m extremely focused and can work around the clock if I have a goal in mind. This type of tunnel vision can become a problem if you’re with someone who’s a bit more laid back about everything.

In our case, it led to a lot of arguments about money, time spent together (or not spent together), future goals, etc.

The year after we broke up, I more than doubled my income and paid off more debt in that one year than I had in the entire two years that we were together. Now, again, this is not to blame or point fingers. The point I’m trying to illustrate is that when you don’t have anyone in your life holding you back from what is really important to you, you can literally move mountains.

I once read somewhere that 90% of your happiness in life will depend on the mate you choose. I believe this fully. Why? Because this is the person that you will ostensibly spend the most time with; who you will look to for inspiration; who will encourage you when you’re feeling down; will inspire you when you feel you can’t go on; and who will give you that extra pat on the back when you feel like crap.

If the person who is supposed to love you the most in the world is not supportive of you and your dreams, it weighs on you – more than you will ever realize. In fact, to realize it, you have to get out of it – and be out of it for some time – to see the effect that it has on you.

The same goes for friends in your life by the way. In fact, people in your life either add to it, or take away from it. A wise man once said that you can tell what a person is all about (ie, how successful they are/will be) by the five people they’re closest to in their life.

If your friends are ne’er-do-wells, or afraid to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, or don’t support your dreams — even if they don’t come right out and say it – they’re holding you back.

How?

When you bring up a new idea, they may shoot it down or say “It’s too risky; why would you want to do that?” Or they may say. . .

“Man, I sure hope you know what you’re doing. I’d be scared to death if I were in your shoes.” Or, …

“How are you going to afford healthcare; you’d be crazy to give up that job.”

Or . . . you get the picture.

They’re well meaning but they don’t add to your life; in fact, they’re holding you back. This is especially true if you’re skittish anyway.

This is why you need to cultivate friends who will support you – no matter what. Now you don’t want “yes men” around you. But at the end of the day you want them to say, “You’re a smart cookie and if you’ve weighed the pros and cons — and have done your due diligence — then if anyone can a make a go of it, you can.”

The year after my fiancé and I broke up, because I didn’t have the emotional garbage that comes with being in a relationship that’s not working, I actually probably worked fewer hours. But again, I more than doubled my income.

I also started to take better care of myself – running more, eating better, drinking less, sleeping better, etc. All of this attributed to me feeling better, hence more focused. Ideas flowed easier, projects got done quicker, money flowed in seamlessly.

And all of this is because I was able to be at my best – emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. I can’t stress enough how important this is to your success as a freelance writer.

As a freelance writer, you’re building a small business. It takes will power, fortitude, encouragement and boundless energy to do this. The wrong relationships – romantic or otherwise – drain these from you right at the time you need them the most.

So take a good, long, hard look at your life. Are the people most important to you adding to your dreams,  or taking away from them?

If they are taking away from them – get rid of them; I beg of you. You’ll feel so much better and will be genuinely surprised at how much more prosperous you’ll be – not only financially, but emotionally, physically and spiritually as well.

Tranquilly yours,
Yuwanda

P.S.: We’re getting down to the wire in the SEO Writing Training ecourse. As of 12/30/09 there are 4 slots left for the class starting on January 25th. You can reserve your spot for as little as $50, so sign up today!

P.P.S.: Find this post informative? Follow Inkwell Editorial on Twitter.

P.P.P.S.: Want an easy, fast way to get started in affiliate marketing, making as much as $50, $100 or $150/day? Get How to Make Money Placing Ads on Free Classified Ad Sites (ie, Backpage.com). If you want to make some easy money promoting affiliate products on free classified ad sites, this ebook is for you. I routinely make $100-$150/day.

Copyright © 2010: I don’t say it often, but all material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).


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One Response to “How I More Than Doubled My Income as a Freelance Writer in 2009: The #1 Reason I Was Able to Do This”

  1. SEO Copywriting: How to Start This Career While Working a Fulltime Job : Inkwell Editorial Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    [...] for the day that I can do that with ease.  I really want to quit my job because I am like you: Type A personality, wanting to dance to my own tune, travel and write, etc, etc.   I know if I jump right in I will [...]

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