5 ways freelancers are like Olympians
For two weeks every two years, the world watches the best athletes across the globe compete in the Olympic Games. While you probably don’t receive a TV interview and ice pack after an assignment, there are some noteworthy ways freelancers are like Olympians.
1. The Focus of a Precision Shooter
Precision shooters have to be able to tune out everything around them and hit their target. They have to stay completely focused, or they will miss their mark and potentially lose out on an opportunity to medal.
As a freelancer, you need that same time high level of focus when you’re working as well. It’s easy to get distracted by everything around you when you don’t have a standard office working environment. That means a talent for not allowing the internet, family or a beautiful day outside to interfere with your goals.
2. The Strength of a Weightlifter
Olympic weightlifters not only have to be physically strong, but mentally tough as well. They must believe they can lift whatever is put in front of them.
While you might not need physical toughness to do your job, you do need to be mentally tough. Rejection is a regular occurrence as a freelancer. You have to learn not to take it personally, as being able to handle to take criticism of your work is crucial. And just like the Olympic weightlifter, you have to believe you can be successful before the success happens.
3. The Flexibility of a Gymnast
Rarely does everything happen as planned when working as a freelancer. Contracts can abruptly end, projects can start late, or the oft-inevitable scope-creep can change a project. You have to be able to remain flexible and adapt to the many changes that are likely to happen in any given work day.
Just as gymnasts need to be flexible to perform their amazing routines, you need to be flexible to complete your most amazing work. Embrace the change and focus on the things you can control and accept those you can’t.
4. The Endurance of a Distance Runner
The endurance runner has to focus on one mile at a time to get to his goal–even if it’s two dozen miles away.
Likewise, building a successful freelance business is a marathon, not a sprint. Unless you’re fully committed to the long haul, it will be difficult to have success as a freelancer. You must focus on the big picture and aim for consistency along the way to reaching it.
5. The Fearlessness of a High Diver
Ever see those Olympic divers? They leap into the air before plunging 40 feet down. That takes confidence.
Starting your own business, which is what you’re doing when you set out to freelance, is also a scary thing to do. There is no safety net, or steady paycheck to rely on each month. Being afraid of failing is normal, but it’s not an excuse to not move ahead with your goals. Just as there is no way down but to dive off the diving board for Olympic high divers, there is nothing for you to do other than put in the work and move forward as a freelancer.