Confession time: as a freelance copywriter and editor, I’m not always brimming with creative inspiration. But getting out in the fresh air is a sure-fire way to shake things up.
I often get ideas or unravel some tricky wording while I’m jogging round the local park. And, taking part in a 10K event recently, it struck me that running and freelancing share a lot of similarities (beyond the fact that both make me want to eat a lot of cake).
1. You’re on your own
Running is a solo sport – and so is freelancing. Sure, you can go to events or team up with others for moral support, but ultimately you’re responsible for your own progress. On the plus side, going it alone means you’re free to run – or work – whenever, and wherever, you want.
2. Your race, your pace
This was the tagline for a race I entered, and it really resonated with me. I’ll never do a fifteen-minute parkrun or a hardcore ultra challenge, so there’s no point measuring myself against those superhuman types. I can only do what feels right for me. I still get to enjoy the same views, and the same runner’s high at the end!
Likewise, every business is different. Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of impostor syndrome and comparison-itis. All credit to those who get up at 4am to drive growth, supercharge productivity and pull in six figures a month, but that’s not why I chose the freelance life.
3. Getting started is the hardest part
It’s not easy staring at a blank page, or setting out on a 5k run.
Some days you’re uninspired. Some days you’d rather stay in bed.
I tell myself, “You only have to run for 10 minutes”. Or, “Just write the first paragraph and then have a coffee. If it’s rubbish, you can always edit it later.” Once you’ve crossed that start line, it’s easier to keep going.
4. You get out what you put in
Sadly, the only way to get better at running is to do more running. By building up gradually, you’ll eventually start to see results.
The same applies to freelancing: you have to put yourself out there, and keep honing your skills. I fully believe that continuing to deliver quality work for nice people will pay off.
5. It’s worth the pain!
Running is hard. Despite plodding along (on and off) for years, I still get days when it feels like I’m wading through treacle. My legs ache and I’m uncomfortably out of breath.
But as soon as I finish, I feel amazing!
Freelancing isn’t always a flat and gentle jog either – sometimes it feels more like a marathon. There are definitely times I wish there was someone else to make the decisions and pay me at the end of the month (including holidays).
But then I get some lovely feedback that reminds me how much people value my skills. Or I’m able to fit work around family, and feel privileged to have so much flexibility.
6. You need a “why”
It might be easier to just get a “real” job. It would definitely be easier to never go running.
So, in true copywriter style, I focus on the benefits – the end goal. Running helps clear my mind and stretch my body after too long hunched over my laptop. And freelancing lets me do work I enjoy, while putting family first.
And that’s why, whatever bumps and niggles get in the way, I’m going to keep on putting one foot in front of the other.
Kate Mounce 