New Laptops and Clean Slates

by Deborah Ng

Did you ever notice how some gigs start out as a dream but once routine sets in they lose their luster? Many times they don’t have the same spark as they did the first couple of weeks. I think computers are like that too. At first they’re shiny, new and uncluttered. They take a few minutes to boot up and navigation is quick and easy. Eventually we start adding files and spilling coffee  and soon things are sluggish and unattractive. Just as it takes longer for our laptops to boot up or images to load, we might not show the same enthusiasm about what it is we’re doing.  Eventually, we replace our laptops with a new, clean slate.

Does that mean when you’re feeling sluggish about a project or gig you should replace it with something else? I suppose you could do that, just keep moving on when you get bored or lose the excitement…or you can get your mojo back and start off with a clean slate:

Start all over again

Don’t laugh, you can do this! Think about why you wanted the gig in the first place. Perhaps it was a topic you were passionate about or your new employer is someone you really wanted to work with. Maybe it involved some fun product reviews or other perks. Remember back to the first few exciting days – and pretend it’s your first week all over again.

Explore the reasons for your lack of interest

Why do you think the gig was perfect at first but now you don’t have the same enthusiasm? Perhaps it’s due to several factors:

• Lack of passion for your topic - When you read ads for clients looking for bloggers or multiple article writers, the employer usually mentions passion. That’s because if you don’t have passion for your topic you’ll quickly grow bored and run out of things to talk about.  Decide whether or not you do have the passion to carry on, or if it’s time to admit you exhausted the topic and it’s time to move on.
• The job description changed - Sometimes we enter into a gig with certain expectations and it’s not long before the job is turning out to be a lot more than we bargained for. If your employer keeps adding to your TODO list, be sure you’re adequately compensated, or recommend someone else handle the additional work.
• You bit off more than you can chew - Perhaps you accepted so many projects you now find yourself working late into the night. When you’re overworked and tired freelancing isn’t as fun as it used to be. Having lots of money is a good thing, having your health and sanity is even better.
• You’re a procrastinator - You know what happens when you keep putting things off? You end up scrambling for time and not giving your projects the effort they deserve. Try doing the work first and the fun stuff later.

Reward Yourself

Most freelancers spend a lot of time working but don’t leave enough “me” time. Reward yourself for each job well done. Even if it’s something like a trip to the library for some browking with kids or a really good cup of coffee, treating yourself always makes us feel better…and this positivity shows off in your work.

Treat each day like it’s your first

Every morning when I log on to work, I think about those first few exciting days with my new job. I remember all of my plans for blogging and promotion. I take some time to look at all the ideas I jotted down in the very beginning. My early enthusiasm is infectious and I can’t wait to begin my day.

How do you approach your proejects? Like a slow, overloading laptop…or like fresh, empty pages waiting to be filled? What do you do to get your mojo back?

This morning I was visiting my favorite watering hole, Performancing Hive, a forum for bloggers and other web workers. I mentioned the excitement and promise of my brand new laptop, how it’s like starting over with a clean slate. One of the regulars suggested the above remark was good fodder for a blog post and I agree. Thanks Hivers for once again inspiring me!