For the past 3 weeks I have been dealing with some minor but annoying health challenges - first "the head cold from hell" followed by a rather draining upper respiratory infection. Needless to say, what I've primarily wanted to do is sleep and sleep some more. Although I enjoy a good nap as much as the next person, feeling tired so much has been frustrating for someone who much prefers being in action.
But being a solopreneur (or should it be "soul o'preneur"?) and therefore being sole-ly responsible for my own finances, it's not ok to be out of commission for too long -- no one will pay me to do nothing but sleep!
One of the challenges faced by anyone trying to start a new business, is how to stay productive when you're just not feeling like it. When you work at home, there are so many temptations to lure you away from doing the work that matters... computer games; web surfing; TV; chatting with a friend; e-mail; shopping; taking a nap.
Because my writing business is so new, I'm not yet in the position of having more work than I know what to do with -- which means I have to be out there LOOKING for work, otherwise known as "marketing".
So this past week, the only bold thing I could really get the energy to do was to start using the internet to research and develop a marketing strategy. I looked for steps I could take, given the limitations on my time and low energy levels.
-- I learned how to create a blog and set up The Bold Soul, something I am very proud of!
-- I signed up for an online project-matching service for freelancers and set up my profile, even bidding on one project.
-- I responded to two inquiries from prospective writing clients.
-- I got some great peer-coaching from two colleagues about some administrative details in my writing business.
When I stop to think about it, I guess I really did accomplish more than I thought! Did I really make any money this week? Nope... but I planted the seeds and kept things moving as best I could. At least I get to feel good about doing something other than vegging out with a tall glass of orange juice, a box of tissues, and reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond.
Even when you don't feel like it, do SOMETHING that supports a bold goal in your life. Taking even one step can lead to another, and another, and before you know you're making progress.
