"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Friday, April 27, 2012

Are You Working Harder, Not Smarter? Five Reasons Your Output > your income

Are you working hard, but hardly making ends meet?
Have you actually considered "throwing in the towel" because your sweat equity seems greater than your returns?

Chances are, you're guilty of the same mistakes and mindset that stunts the growth of writers of all genres and backgrounds.
If so, it's time to work smarter, not harder.

"Riddle me this?"
What's the purpose of being a freelancer if it's not to enjoy certain "freedoms" while maintaining an enjoyable quality of life? Hello?

With this in mind, let's examine some of the reasons you may not be earning your worth for your words.

1. Buying into the myth of the starving artist.
Don't get me wrong, starving artists DO exist, but it's not to be considered an "absolute" cardinal rule as a writer. You don't have to suffer for your art.
And while productive activities certainly enhance your overall success, your mindset makes a difference too. Well-to-do authors like J.K. Rowlings, Stephen King, John Grisham, and Terry McMillan should serve as constant reminders of the infinite possibilities available to all of us. Remember, "so a man thinketh, so it is."
Aim high.

2. You've got no goals.
Goals are like a roadmap on the path to success. How much would you like to make this month? This year? Would you like to write a book in the future? Do you have a business plan? Put your goals in writing, along with designated deadlines to go the distance.

3. You're choosing the wrong types of writing.
Be advised: all writing is not considered equal. Though circumstances vary, writing for businesses typically pays more than penning pieces for magazines.
Print publications often pay more than online sites. Feature writing pays more than blogging. Make it a point to know the ins and outs of the industry. Devote the bulk of your efforts to what yields the most profit. It's a no-brainer.

4. You're not seeking expert advice.
Whether it's through reading and applying the words of wisdom from best-selling authors or A-list bloggers, it's important to pay attention and take note.
It's virtually impossible for any of us to know all there is to know about the vast field of writing. Shorten your learning curve and increase your odds for success by studying and gleaning from the many resources at your disposal. Because if you haven't got a clue, you haven't got a chance!

5. You don't govern your time like you govern your money.
Time is a commodity. Yet many squander it foolishly.
Recognize that being busy is not the same as being productive.
Are you with me here? Watch out for time wasters.
Like...folks who hold you "hostage" on the phone. Spending excessive amounts of time being social on social networks. And not prioritizing properly. Not that all your hours have to be mapped out and accounted for. There are certainly times when I kick back with a box of chocolates and do an all-night movie marathon, or shop for hours with gal pals, or surf the Net for bodacious blogs. But, I work hard so I can play hard. And I never miss a deadline. :-)

Well, there you have it folks. Thoughts? Confession time...which are you guilty of?

Image: Stock photo

10 comments:

  1. As a Lazy Way to Success Fan, - as I wrote about in a recent previous comment - I do enjoy a Successful life and a certain quality of life.

    'Something that I like
    to call a - Happy -
    Home Business Lifestyle.'


    Paradoxically Successes don't alway's seem te be comming from being Focussed and Goal Oriented as you might expect. Infact lot's of big Successes seem to be comming from big mistakes and unintended Side Effects. (For example as far as I undersand the Yellow Post-it Memo's came from a mistake that resulted in 'Non-agressive' Glue)

    I do think however that To Govern Your Own Time is a very important thing, and that's the great thing about doing Affiliate Marketing....,

    http://hpshappyhomebusiness.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-there-business-where-you-can.html

    'It's a Business where you can
    Schedule your own time.'

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jennifer Brown BanksApril 28, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    HP,

    You bring up an excellent point. There is merit in making mistakes. :-) Thanks so much for your feedback.

    B/T/W Thanks too, for listing my blog at your site.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've been guilty of all of the above at various times, but working smarter (!) to assess where the loopholes exist. Thanks for the excellent advice!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jennifer Brown BanksApril 28, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    As Oprah often says, "When we know better, we do better. :-)

    Always happy to help out!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think most of us have been guilty of this. I have to keep reminding myself that yes, it's all about working smarter. Thanks for the reminder.

    Charmaine

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jennifer Brown BanksApril 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    Charmaine,

    How true! Glad to hear from you today.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm realizing that having no goals is the worst thing I've done in my career. EVER. Now that I am focusing on focusing, I see how relevant they are. I even complete projects on my to-do lists. They really do make a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jennifer Brown BanksApril 30, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    Marcie,

    This is great to hear. Wishing you continued success. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Why people still make use of to read news papers when
    in this technological world all is existing on web?
    my web site :: Earn Dollars Online

    ReplyDelete
  10. 'Taling about Working Smarter....,'

    Sometimes I really Push very hard trying to Open a Door,
    than to discover that the door happens to open by Pulling.

    To put in the efford to just read the sign 'Pull to Open'
    can be an efford well spend :)

    ReplyDelete