There is an audio version below.
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Gallup tells us that Americans now work 47 hours a week. That time could be spent doing something you love, and that compliments your life. It can also be spent doing work that you dislike and causes stress in other areas of your life. Each of us have a choice to make.
I do realize that there are some reading this who are stuck in stressful situations. It can be a single parent raising children, a person who was unexpectedly layed off, or someone who got cheated in some way. In those situations, you have to get into survival mode–do what it takes to weather the storm.
Most reading this, however, can and should do something about their work situation. I have talked to many of you and understand that freedom in your work is a goal. Here are six ways to create that freedom.
1. Identify your dream work situation. Identifying is the most important step in creating freedom. We think we know what we want, but spend years trying different things. Before I chose this lifestyle, I tested ten other ways to create income. You have to think about what you want from life and how your work fits into those goals. Talk to friends, interact with a mastermind group, pray/meditate, but take some time to get honest about how you want to spend those 47 hours a week.
What are you passionate about/enjoy doing? It’s cheesy, I know, but if you do something you don’t enjoy, it will feel like a job after a while. Is there something you’re superb at? These can be clues.
2. Research. Google and a wealth of other online resources have created an incredible opportunity to study our dreams. We can map out exactly what it will take to get from point A to Z. You have to research your goals and research each step. This is where too many dreamers get lost.
Instead of doing the research, they follow commonly accepted advice that takes time away from where they should be. Choose research over other people’s opinion. Use a place like Khan Academy to help, it’s free.
3. Create a plan. We are talking about making life changes, not having a plan will have you frustrated and quitting. This step may seem obvious, but too many dreamers head down this path without clear goals or a plan to accomplish those goals. Use your research to create a step-by-step plan. This plan is a blueprint and what you will follow to figure out your next steps.
4. Get exposure. Whatever you choose to do for work, you will need leads that turn into clients. If you’re reading this, an online business probably appeals to you. I have written a lot about how to get exposure; I have a free guide when you subscribe to my email list. I talked about how to get exposure with Pat Flynn on Smart Passive Income. Today’s tools and access make it easier for us “little guys” to get exposure.
5. Figure out how you can add value. Figuring out your value is also significant. Too often, we see others who are successful and think copying them is how we find success. Rarely, does it work. How many Pat Flynn and John Lee Dumas copycats have you seen? When someone wants to do business, they’re going to hire the original.
Figure out where you can make an impact in your unique voice. What makes you special? Use that to connect with an audience who will get it and embrace you for it. Model success, but don’t copy it. Use what works but make it unique by adding your individual spin.
6. Focus and grow. Sometimes you just have to say NO. Derek Halpern is an acquired taste, but he made a valid point in a recent video. There are a thousand different directions that lead to rabbit holes; you have to focus on what will help your next steps. Once you have figured out what your value is, get exposure and grow. Use what’s working to add income and build freedom in your work.
Keep it simple. There’s so much conflicting advice that won’t get you closer to your dream. Focus on serving those who fit your message and charge a fair price for what you do.
Be mindful of your time, it’s your most precious resource. In this journey to create freedom in our work, we feel that giving away our value for free is how people will pay us. It’s NOT! Don’t give away your value, this is your dream. If you can’t understand why people should pay you, they won’t.
You can build freedom in your work. Patience, a good plan, and crazy determination will make your dream a reality.
Audio version:
How are you creating freedom in your work?
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Photo: Flickr/ Eric Magnuson