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6 Tips to Boost your Productivity and Performance as a Freelancer

Working as a freelancer can offer you a lot of freedom and flexibility. But it can also be challenging to maintain productivity and performance when you're working independently. When you work autonomously, you take on a lot of responsibility. From making sure you meet your own deadlines to keeping yourself emotionally motivated, there are many parts of freelance work that make it arguably more challenging than working as an employee at a company. However, with the right strategies in place, you can boost your productivity and performance as a freelancer and <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/11-tips-if-you-want-to-become-a-freelancer-or-a-selfemployed-worker" target="_blank">commit to an independent career</a> that continues to reward you over time.  We can all use a bit of guidance from time to time, and that’s what today’s post is all about.  Here are six tips you can use to achieve sustainable success in your freelance career.   <h3>1. Set clear goals for yourself </h3> The first step to boosting your productivity and performance as a freelancer is to set clear and achievable goals. Having clear goals helps you to focus on what you want to achieve, which can motivate you to work harder and more efficiently. When setting your goals, you can follow <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-smart-goals" target="_blank">the SMART system</a>:  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant ,and Time-Bound This system helps you create and set goals that are most in alignment with your capabilities and circumstances, thus  For example, instead of setting a goal to "improve my writing skills," you could set a goal to "write one blog post per week for the next six months." This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, which makes it easier to track your progress and stay motivated. <h3>2. Establish a solid routine </h3> As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to work whenever you want. But it can be easy to fall into the trap of procrastination and distraction. To boost your productivity and performance, it's important to establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible. A simple example of creating a solid routine could be:  <ul> <li> Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day  </li> <li> Setting break times for mental or physical relaxation </li> <li> Implementing strict boundaries around the amount of time you spend on social media  </li> </ul> Another useful way to establish a routine is to create a designated area for working. If you haven’t done this already, making a comfortable, professional-feeling desk and workspace can make a huge difference to your daily productivity levels and sense of accomplishment.  Without separation between a working space and a home space, it can become very difficult to focus. Boundary-setting is an extremely important part of being a freelancer. Your routine should also include a set start and end time, regular breaks, and a precise schedule for tasks and projects. By following a routine, you can create a sense of structure and discipline, which can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day. <h3>3. Take regular breaks </h3> Taking regular breaks throughout the day is essential for maintaining productivity and performance, whether you’re a freelancer or not. It's easy to get lost in your work and forget to take breaks, but this can <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-freelancers-can-avoid-and-overcome-burnout" target="_blank">lead to burnout</a> and decreased productivity over time. Try to take short breaks every hour or two to stretch, move around, and recharge. You can also schedule longer breaks for meals or exercise to help you stay energized throughout the day. <h3>4. Learn how to manage your own finances</h3> <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-organize-your-finances-when-you-are-selfemployed" target="_blank">Managing your finances effectively</a> is essential for boosting your productivity and performance as a freelancer. You need to ensure that you're earning enough money to sustain your lifestyle and cover your expenses, and you also need to manage your cash flow to avoid financial stress and uncertainty. Make sure you're charging enough for your services and consider setting up a separate bank account or using accounting software like Momenteo to track your income and expenses. You should also set aside money for taxes and retirement savings, and regularly review your financial situation to ensure that you're on track to meet your financial goals. <h3>5. Connect and collaborate with other freelancers</h3> Let’s be honest: sometimes, freelancing can be a lonely and isolating experience. But that can be avoided through staying connected with others in your industry. This can help you remain up-to-date with trends and best practices, and it can also provide a sense of community. Consider joining professional organizations or attending networking events to connect with other freelancers and industry experts. You can also participate in online communities and forums to share ideas, ask questions, and generally collaborate with like-minded individuals.  <h3>6. Utilize productivity tools and software</h3>  As a freelancer, you don’t have the luxury of team-based <a href="https://joinhomebase.com/time-clock/" target="_blank">tools like time clocks</a>, corporate keylogging software that monitors your activity, and department managers that ensure you stay on track. What you do have is tech tools that are suitable for freelance workers. There are many productivity tools available that can help you stay organized and focused as a freelancer. These tools can assist you in managing your time more effectively, tracking your progress, and streamlining your workflow. Here is a list of some popular productivity software options that you can download from the internet (many of them are either affordable or totally free). <ul> <li> Trello or Asana – Project management tools for teams collaboration or independent project tracking  </li> <li> Slack – A communication tool which enables you to chat with clients or collaborators as well as share necessary information about your projects  </li> <li> Zoom– This familiar video conferencing platform makes it easy for you to have face-to-face communication with clients and collaborators around the world   </li> </ul> The best thing about these productivity tools is that you can experiment with different ones to find those that work best for you and your workflow. These tools can make the world of a difference, so don’t be afraid to give them a shot.   <h3>Maximize your potential </h3> Boosting your productivity and performance as a freelancer requires discipline, focus, and commitment. By setting clear goals, establishing a routine, using productivity tools, taking breaks, staying connected, and managing your finances, you can achieve success and build a fulfilling career as a freelancer.  About the author "This day does not belong to one but to all." Said Charli the freelance copy adventurer as she raised high the flag of productivity on the black sands of Mordor. There's hope in every trial of procrastination. If you use your imagination.

Charli Tanner