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What’s the Best Daily Routine for Freelancers?

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Daily routine for freelancers

We’ve all seen it…

Someone on social media states that they’ve been struggling for a month without results.

And another person responds with a very good question, “What exactly were you doing in that month?”

On the other hand, successful people also share what they’ve earned in a month and everyone is like, “Heey! What exactly makes you successful?”

Why the difference? Simple. Some people do more in a day than others.

Here are some habits that you can incorporate into your weekdays to increase your chances of success:

Daily Step #1: Wake up early (if possible, before anyone else in your house/hostel is awake)

This gives you great, quiet time to get your day started with energy.

The morning is like a foundation. If you conquer your morning, you can easily conquer your day.

Much of the battles of the day can be fought and won in the morning.

I know, I know! Some will say they like sleeping late instead.

Hehehe…don’t force yourself to wake up too early if it doesn’t boost your productivity. Get a time that works for you.

Personally, I keep tweaking my schedule. Sometimes I do early mornings. Sometimes I do mid-mornings. And sometimes I work late. Test them all and focus on what gives you results.

Daily Step #2: Do something that uplifts and builds you (before “meeting” anyone else)

What do you do first after waking up?

Most people check their emails, call log, texts social media etc.

You don’t have to answer them all immediately after waking up. You can just peep to see if there’s an emergency then put your phone away.

There are people out there who have developed such a strict discipline that they don’t check their phones at all after waking up.

Why shouldn’t you start by answering calls and mails? Because you’ll be solving other people’s problems, even before you’ve checked out your own.

Starts a day on the wrong note. To be honest, you may not even be mentally ready to tackle both your own stuff and other people’s stuff.

Instead, start by doing something that uplifts you. This includes things like:

  • Reading the bible and praying
  • Reading a motivational book
  • Watching an uplifting video on YouTube
  • Meditating
  • Exercising

You can do some or all of these. Take your breakfast at some point after this then put your phone far far away to implement the next steps…

Daily Step #3: Apply for at least 10 jobs before 10

No, that’s not my quote. I read it from the book Make Money as a Freelance Writer by Gina Horkey and Sally Miller. Look for it on Amazon and read it. It has amazing tips.

Here, we’re striving to implement the most important things first.

Getting a client directly affects your income. Therefore schedule this early in the day.

This step is even more important to someone who doesn’t have clients. Or one who is not satisfied with whatever they’re earning.

You can apply for jobs from:

  • Freelancing sites like Upwork, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour
  • Job boards like ProBlogger Job Board, BloggingPro, Indeed and Listiller
  • Craigslist
  • Cold pitching: This involves reaching out to potential clients directly, even if they’ve not expressed that they’re looking for writers/transcribers. For example, since I write a lot about marketing, I can directly reach out to companies like Sumo, Zapier, Thrive Themes and AWeber then pitch my writing services.
  • Warm pitching: Contacting people who know you, including your friends and family who may be in your space e.g. if you’re a transcriber and your friends has a podcast, you can reach out to them.
  • Social media like LinkedIn and Facebook groups

Here are some great tips for freelance writers.

I know there are people here who use “take” accounts where you just login and pick jobs from a queue at a set price.

I don’t recommend staying stuck on such accounts since they can be very limiting at some point. Continue using them for now as you slowly implement the method here to get high value clients.

Tip: Even if you already have a high value client, for example, a client paying $50+ per 500 words, you can still be incorporating this step daily. But now look for someone paying double. Or one with better terms. If you have absolutely no client, you can apply for 20+ jobs daily instead of 10.

Daily Step #4: Deliver any jobs you have. Make them as close to perfection as possible!

For those who already have clients, don’t procrastinate work. Do it and send it early.

Some things that impress clients include:

  • Delivering pure gold: Make sure you send work that meets all their expectations
  • Adding valuable extras: For example, one of my trainees (who is also a graphic designer) recently created a stunning infographic and included it in her article. The client was ecstatic. She got an instant raise!
  • Timeliness: I’ve seen so many brilliant freelancers getting fired for always being late. Even if you write like Apostle Paul and Shakespeare combined, your client will drop you like a hot potato if you keep delaying their content.
  • Professionalism: Be polite. Communicate promptly. Excuse yourself early if need be. Ask useful questions. Be empathetic to the client when they face a life issue. Don’t be greedy. Respect your client. Be professional at all times.

Tip: If you’re still on training, use this time to implement what you learn e.g. creating profiles and samples, polishing your skills, doing your website, publishing guest posts or applying for even more jobs.

Daily Step #5: Now you can get into other people’s stuff

Yes, once you’ve done all the above, you can take some time and respond to stuff on your social media, emails and texts. You can return any missed calls.

Have fun while at it, as if you’re already celebrating your achievements for the day.

Be careful though. There are things like gossip, bad politics, toxic religiosity, social media trolls and other crazy stuff that may consume your time and not benefit you at all.

You’re only here to cool down after hard work. So, try follow and spend your social energy mostly on things that uplift you.

Daily Step #6: Take some time learning and implementing

I keep saying that we’re in the era of continuous learning.

Always learn something new. That should never stop.

When you start on something new, take at least 3 months implementing it with utmost dedication before moving to something else.

Some people get confused when trying to learn too many things at once, and they end up failing in all of them.

Here I’m not talking about reading a book, but taking a course. There are lots of free and paid courses out there.

You can check out my freelance writing course here.

Oh, if you choose to use a book for this part, please make sure you implement what you’re reading. Don’t just read it the way you’d read a novel or a newspaper hehe.

Continuous learning is what will get you climbing the ladder. Here’s an example of a ladder you can use, showing what you may have started with, and what you can aspire to do.

  1. Transcriber
  2. Freelance writer
  3. Blogger
  4. Internet marketer
  5. Large scale farmer
  6. Real estate mogul
  7. Big business owner

…and on and on you go.

Don’t stay stuck on the same spot for years. I always feel sad when I see people who were earning, say, $500 a month as writers back in 2011 and they still earn the same now.

You can learn from so many real life examples of people who climbed the ladder. Here are a few:

  • A guy I know used to be a successful writer, then blogger, then forex trader, then Amazon Kindle expert and now he’s a successful affiliate marketer who has netted $5k plus in some good months. Yes, dollars.
  • Sheeroh Kiarie started as just a transcriber, did some writing gigs, became a blogger, trained lots of transcribers and at some point she talked about her success in cryptocurrencies.
  • Mercy Opande started as a writer, became my VA at some point, started singing and last year she won KTN’s “I Can Sing” competition. This gave her 1M Kenya Shillings ($10,000).

See? These are people just like you and I.

They started from somewhere just like you and I.

They kept learning and growing, trudging through the challenges, rejections and failures.

And eventually, they reaped big-time.

You can do it, too.

What I’ve just shared in this email is one of the most powerful schedules I’ve ever had. May sound hard at the start, but the rewards are worth it.

Wait!

There are a few exceptions:

  • You may need to adjust the schedule a bit if you’re working online part-time or you have health issues
  • DO NOT STOP when you’re in the zone. For example, when I launch my courses, eBooks and stuff, I may even work 10+ hours non-stop on a great idea so that I hit it when it’s fresh. These give exceptional results. After that I may take a break for a few days.
  • Your life shouldn’t only be work, work, work, and work. On the weekends and holidays you can treat yourself, your friends and your family in ways that you can afford.
  • Try and be working for 6 to 8 hours a day. The rest of the time can be spent doing other valuable things such as spending time with God, family and friends. Or helping someone out there.

Does your daily routine go like this? Have you tried out other winning daily routines? Let’s talk on the comments.

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About Walter Akolo

I'm a freelance writer, blogger, trainer, and internet marketer. My joy is to see you making money online. Feel free to browse around and leave a comment. I strive to reply to all queries. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Comments

  1. Godfrey Mulwa says

    The piece is so informative. I have gain some knowledge. It’s a great piece for any aspiring freelance writer. God bless you bro. Am gaining knowledge daily through your blog posts.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Godfrey, I appreciate your kind feedback. Happy to know you’re getting value here. Keep doing your best. God bless you too immensely 🙏🏾

      Reply

  3. Phyllis says

    Wow!
    What an eye-opener.
    This post has come just in time.
    I am glad I found what I need as a beginner.
    Thank you Walter.

    Reply

  4. Hesborn Moogi Nyambati says

    This is quite inspiring. I would also like to hit the road in online writing. I am new to this but I love challenges.
    I have always been passionate in writing and I believe this is one of the best platforms as I also wish to make extra coins.

    Reply

  5. Janetson says

    Thanks Mr Walter,,,I can refer to this article as a cookie factor(it reward a reader to consuming or sharing it) as it’s useful and valuable.

    I have been wasting alot of time on my phone instead of pitching,but this eye opener article has made me realize something new which I have to implement now now now.

    May God bless you Walter for this awesome tips

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Thanks a lot Janetson!

      I’m glad you love it.

      Sure, take action and let us know how things go.

      God bless you too immensely.

      Reply

  6. Beatrice says

    Wow thanks a lot Walter…just looking forward to following this ideas.
    I’d love to learn more and master faster every detail about article writing to be able to cater for my two children needs… Am jobless and I believe with focus and determination I can do this..

    Reply

  7. Alex says

    That’s an awesome piece of article and very helpful indeed, but am not surprised coming from the master himself. whenever I get to read any of your articles, they are a gem to ponder on.

    Reply

  9. Zachary Achachi says

    I’m a newbie in writing. Do you have a step-by-step freelance writing course that I can do to start earning online within a short while?

    Reply

  10. EMMY BRONTE says

    Thanks a lot,Am a single mom of two wonderful boys,i have been juggling between meager jobs and over the weekends am a socialite,This an eye opener am tired of the night life and i need something with dignity however small…………………..Thanks again.Am a vibrant young woman and i believe i shall be there just a leap of faith………..EYE OPENER

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Emmy,

      Sure. This is a fantastic decision you’re making. Keep going! May great things come your way. You can do it!

      Reply

  14. John Nganga says

    Lots of appreciation Walter,the tips are amazing and well structured ones I will try my level best to embrace them.Thanks

    Reply

  15. charles Ataya says

    This is really fantabulous Walter. Although I have not started on freelancing, I am gearing up very fast to join this industry. I am soon taking up your course on article writing. its my hope to excel in this industry, and earn a living like like everybody else here. I hope to one day have a wonderful story to write home about.

    Thanks, Awesome buddy.

    Reply

  17. Wisdom Tumaini says

    This is quite insightful Walter. I will be getting in touch with you with more questions. Thanks so much.

    Reply

  19. Olive Jepchumba. says

    Very insightful. Thanks for always being informative. This article comes handy and timely to me.
    May God bless you Walter.

    Reply

  20. Aggie says

    Thanks a lot Walter for this insightful piece. I have always had issues waking up early but this article has challenged me. Going to implement the wonderful tips. God bless

    Reply

  23. Anthony Kirimi says

    Thank you Walter. Always a great blessing to read your email and posts. This one has greatly challenged and encouraged me in equal measures. God bless you most abundantly in all your endeavors. Thanks.

    Reply

  24. Ruth says

    Great article, as a newbie in the writing industry, I have gained some great tips on starting my day- writing samples, updating profiles n applying for jobs!

    Reply

  25. Erick Kinyua says

    Awesome tips there Walter. Having a daily routine is the only way to be well organized as a freelancer… There are so many distractions since there’s no person to clock you. I’ve never tried to “apply for 10 jobs before 10.” I’m starting from tomorrow.

    Reply

  26. Wamuyu says

    Timely and practical as always.
    I’ve had to slow down on the continuous learning because I simultaneously took on two skill related courses and bungled on the practice time needed to build mastery. I’m now practicing one skill diligently and consistently and have temporarily held off from the second one.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Wamuyu,

      Thanks for your response.

      Yes, focus heavily on one at a time. Take massive action. Push yourself till you see great results.

      Reply

  28. Rebecca Ndirangu says

    I love this piece, i am more productive in the morning but always have priorities upside down i.e. starting with other people’s problems then mine. I am sure with this piece i will get better.
    Thanks Walter!

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Rebecca,

      Yes, you need to start by strengthening yourself and doing what will give you great results. That way you can better help others.

      Think about it this way:

      Let’s say you really want to help your church grow and the problem there include poverty of some members, and lack of facilities (instruments, sanitation stuff, sound etc).

      If you keep strenghtening yourself and end up earning millions, you can heavily provide for your church, and help many more people. Unlike if you stay stagnant on one spot, struggling month in month out.

      I once watched a Miles Munroe video where he spoke about how Jesus must have spent hours and hours praying (strengthening himself first so that he could be best for others).

      Stay blessed!

      Reply

  31. Sarah Nyongesa says

    Thanks Walter for this useful info. Waking up early in the morning has never been my cup of tea. I’m a night person and I’m more productive during the night. I go to sleep anywhere from 2.00 am. Sometimes I’m up the whole night and only realize it’s morning (5.00 a.m.)when the cocks start crowing. I will try to change my routine and see how it goes.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Sarah,

      I agree with you. First test out mornings and see if it works for you. If it doesn’t, you can keep your sleep / wake up time but still follow the above sequence. Meaning you start by strengthening yourself, doing what gives you most results, before going to “other people’s stuff”.

      Reply

  33. Winnie says

    This so far is the best article have ever read in 2019. Thank you for sharing these amazing tips. I now know my problem of being too busy and not productive.

    Thank you once again.

    Reply

  34. David says

    Great piece!
    Actually, my day starts at 12 pm. This is because i am a night owl! At night, I am more refreshed and productive.

    Anyway, for those of us who feel refreshed in the morning, kudos!

    Again, I love this piece Walter!

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Thanks David!

      Been a night owl all my life but I decided to try out a different approach and strangely, morning worked!

      You can try it too for a few days and see how it works out.

      All the very best!

      Reply

  35. Paul says

    I wake up very early in the morning but I have noted my mistakes be blessed…..& thats why I keep referring and recommending your blog

    Reply

  38. Grace says

    Hello Walter,

    This is very inspiring to me, time management has been the biggest issue. Thank you for sharing Walter.

    God give me the grace to wake up early.

    Reply

  39. Henry Macharia says

    Hi Walter,
    Since I started the training about 1 and a half weeks ago, I have been really struggling with planning my day. Adding the freelance course to my schedule (which includes my full time job) was not easy as I thought it would be. I am a little behind on schedule. But I am determined (thanks to this article). I will be able to finish the course in due time. Thank you for this amazing article!

    Reply

  42. milkah says

    Hi Walter

    This is like formatting a full disk and getting space… all of a sudden I have time for everything.

    Be blessed.

    Reply

  43. Hellen says

    Hi Walter

    Wonderful tips. Discipline and daily routines definitely play a big role in succeeding in anything, not just writing.

    I’m witnessing this first hand since I decided to stick to a program.

    Thanks again for the inspiration.

    Reply

  49. Philip Maina says

    Walking up early has been my biggest problem. I always give myself too many extra 10 minutes until my day is ruined. Thanks for sharing, I now know where my unproductive nature is coming from.

    Reply

  51. Shiphillah Wanjiru says

    Thanks for sharing Walter! Waking up has it’s own benefits and i can attest to this. Along the way i lost focus but will revisit it.

    The other thing i need to shake off is the Shiny Object Syndrome. This is so timely. I will implement the above tips.

    Thanks a lot.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Thanks Shiphillah!

      Yes, Shiny Object Syndrome can really mess one up.

      Implement and keep doing your best.

      Many thanks

      Reply

  52. Winnie Amollo says

    Thanks Walter for the wonderful piece. This is going to help me to adjust when it comes to time management because it I’m poor at that.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Ernest,

      Wow! That’s fantastic 🙂

      You’re free to share the post so that others can benefit as well.

      Many thanks!

      Reply

  54. Lydiah says

    This is great Walter, I can say I struggle with waking up early. But I know with an adjusted mindset, I can do it. Thanks for sharing. Your posts are always edifying.

    Reply

  56. Jacqueline says

    Thanks for keeping it simple and straight to the point. I’m not the most organized person I know ; ) and can see by reading this just why it’s easy to lose track and be busy doing things that will not add up to valuable results…will refer back often.

    Reply

  57. Boniface Kisina says

    “Wake up early (if possible, before anyone else in your house/hostel is awake)” This trick used to work well for me last year but I have started becoming lazy of late. Thankfully, after reading your post, I am going to get back to my roots.

    This post has really come at the time when I am struggling with the same situation, not knowing what to do and what time.
    Thanks, bro Walter for sharing.

    Reply

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