Independence means freedom, but it also means taking responsibility for everything to do with your work. You become the captain of our ship. You’re not just a writer, but a businessperson.
If you want to be an independent author you have to do more than show up at the laptop.
Independence means building an author platform, and not relying on a marketing team to get your work into the hands of would-be readers. To thrive on being an indie author means you live your life outside of any boxes. You aren’t confined unless you choose to be. It’s not a job for the weak of mind.
Who you are is energetically imprinted into everything you put out into the world.
Self-confidence is crucial to the success of your independence. It’s tough being an independent writer.
Confidence is developed when you realise that you can work and survive independently without someone prodding you along or holding your hand.
Independence leads to motivation.
The benefits of being an Independent Writer
- It reduces stress and promotes happiness – When you’re emotionally independent and have gained some confidence, you know that you can better manage your emotions and solve problems. You don’t have to wait for someone else to solve your problem for you. Addressing your own stresses can empower you, and being empowered gives you back control. The more you can focus on things you can control, the better you can handle your stress.
- You can choose your own hours – It’s great to have the freedom to work from midnight till early morning before real-life intervenes.
- Work where you want – As an independent writer, you can work from almost any location. You can move to another location and still retain all your clients.
- Achieve whatever you want – You know you can do anything which means you will go for more of what you want! You grow by challenging yourself to go for those things that might have made you uncomfortable, and accomplishing them.
- Improves decision-making – If you’re an independent writer you have more choices. Sometimes it’s beneficial to take your time and collect all the relevant information before rushing to judgment. But, when decision-making becomes a chore, this can cause you to make a poor and rushed decision.
- Diversify as you like – As an independent writer you can work on just about every type of project there is, from script writing to magazine writing to novel writing to reports and ads and brochures and blog posts and interviews. As a freelancer, it’s up to you what you do—you’re not boxed in by what a superior dictates, which can be very freeing, and great for career and personal growth.
- Ensure that you make yourself a priority – You don’t have to ask anyone’s permission. You can travel to speak at conferences and set up a trip to research a novel when you want to, and you don’t have to clear it through a manager or boss. Putting yourself first shouldn’t have negative connotations. After all, self-care is vital if you want to avoid burnout and relieve stress. Most importantly, it gives you time to reboot, figure out problems, and practice gratitude.
- It boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem – When you’re independent you have enough trust in your skills and capabilities to handle any situation, which builds up your self-esteem. Eventually, you’ll have a more positive outlook on life.
- Allows you to help others – Being independent gives you the ability to care for yourself — either emotionally, physically, or financially, which puts you in a better situation to assist others. In turn, this increases happiness, promotes a sense of belonging, gives you a sense of purpose, and increases your life satisfaction.
- You experience inner peace – You’re not being selfish when you’re independent. Instead, you’re more concerned about your wants and needs, as well as those you hold near and dear. So you won’t be stressing over the unnecessary things you cannot control, which leads to more inner peace and tranquillity.
How can you be stronger and more independent?
- Stay motivated by writing to-do lists and tracking your progress.
- Know What Motivates and Inspires You.
- Commit to Writing as a Top Priority every day.
- Get active through hobbies and physical activities.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your opinion.
- Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk.
- Do things by yourself, whether that’s going to the movies alone or taking an online course.
- Start small. Each day do something for yourself, even if it scares you a little. For instance, grab a coffee on your own or go for a 30-minute hike.
- Create building blocks to develop your independence.
- Networking is one of the most important activities in any business scenario, one of the most important things that you must aim for is to compel people enough so that they might trust your work.
Artwork Quotes courtesy of Quotefancy
