Bored With Freelance Writing? Do This
No matter how much you love your freelance writing job, there are times when you will feel bored. Disinterested. Seriously considering a quick nap.
Mom was right. “If you’re bored, you must be boring”, she would say.
Working in virtual isolation at our computers day in and day out, it’s no wonder things get a bit boring. But giving in to boredom is how the trouble starts.
How to avoid diving for the covers, missing a deadline because boredom sent you shopping…or worse, turning in uninspired copy?
Fight Boredom!
Susan Cramm, writing on the Harvard Business Review blog, agrees with Mom. She says you might be the reason your job is boring. Susan encourages checking yourself on these points:
1. Are you on autopilot? Repetitive tasks, or tasks that go on for too long, can put your brain to sleep – what we often call ‘autopilot’. While the task may seem easier, you’re less interested and engaged and, therefore, bored.
My suggestion: When you go to your desk tomorrow, shake things up a little. Do routine tasks in a different order. Work on a project instead of opening your email right away. Drink herbal tea instead of coffee. Repeat the mantra, “Today is going to be different.”
2. How’s your energy level? It takes more energy to be bored. When your brain is busy, you don’t think about it. You feel energized by the task and fully locked in. Low energy levels make work more tedious, affecting focus and, ultimately, success.
My suggestion: Watch those carbs and get up from your desk regularly. Walk around, drink water, make a phone call. Stare out the window. Energize yourself!
3. Have you gotten lazy? Letting little things slide, rather than focusing on potential improvements, makes life boring. Stay interested by keeping your brain engaged. Seek ways to keep your mind occupied and stimulated. Take time to network and talk with your freelance writing peers.
My suggestion: Challenge yourself! Accept a project that is just a bit outside your comfort zone. Volunteer for something new. Help someone just because. Dive into a new book about writing. Join The Copywriters Business Network!
How do you conquer freelance writing boredom?
2 Responses to “Bored With Freelance Writing? Do This”
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Talk about food at the proper time! I’ve been struggling off and on for the past year trying to keep my head in the game. Sometimes I’m really good about staying on tasks…sometimes I just feel totally useless. These are some very good suggestions and I really appreciate this article. It is the perfect entry for your blog.
I have personally found that I am much more productive if my mind is geared up for work. It used to be that I would get out of bed, have breakfast, get cleaned up, whatever…and then I would sit at my desk and attempt to write. It was really difficult for me to concentrate because my mind is just not into the swing of things in the morning. Instead, I find some household chore or other non-writing work to do before I get started, that way my mind is jump started and ready to get things done.
Thanks, Brandon! Great insights. We all operate on individual time clocks. That’s the beauty of freelancing- it’s so flexible, you can work at 2 in the morning if that’s when you’re at your best. So glad to know my articles are helping you!
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