Why every blogger and freelancer needs to work on their self-development

AD with Distance Learning

With Christmas literally five weeks away (how!), those who work in a permanent job may find themselves dealing with end of term appraisals or progress reports. Obviously, those of us who are freelance don’t get that opportunity.

In fact, in previous years I’ve hardly taken any time of for Christmas at all.

Every day that you’re relaxing in front of the TV makes you feel as if you should be working and growing your business.

But we need reflection, self-development, and rest just as much as the next person, especially after this crazy year we’ve had!

Prioritise your self-development

If you know me, I’m a bit of an e-course addict. I love buying them but I’m less good at investing the time to work on my self-development. I set myself a goal of spending 15 minutes a day on home study courses and ebooks at the start of lockdown.

Not only can these help you grow your blog or develop different areas of income but it feels great to actually learn and have allocated time just for your development. I actually invested in The Good Gram, an instagram training program this month too!

The most amazing thing these days just how great the quality of learning is that you can get online.

Invest in yourself

A reminder that ongoing training and self-development is a taxable expense (unlike a course to retrain for a whole other career) so just like a boss would invest in your development, you’re going to have to do the same for yourself because, newsflash, you’re your own boss now!

Some people even put a proportion of their income aside for this, just like they do their taxes but it doesn’t have to be expensive: there are also lots of free or inexpensive courses with places such as Google Garage, Udemy, and Skillshare. Or invest in a proper qualification-such as GCSE or A levels-with Distance Learning.

Set goals

As well as spending time on courses, also consider giving yourself a mini appraisal. This could consist of going through your accounts with a fine-tooth comb and asking: what areas of my business or blog have I earned most from this year? Am I happy about this? Go through how your working week is broken up too: have you actually spent a lot of your time on part of the business that doesn’t make much money (affiliate links, I’m looking at you!)? This can allow you to work smarter in the new year.

Throw an office party for one

Stopping work for a minute allows you to actually reflect on the amazing things you DID do this year-whether that’s get your first freelance writing comission or going full-time freelance. You don’t have boss or colleagues to pat yourself on the back, so do it for yourself.

Chances are none of us are getting an office party this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw yourself a party for your hard work: whether that’s a takeaway and a bottle of red or treating yourself to an office party.

If that sounds too solitary, join some of the lovely facebook groups designed for freelancers, many who throw virtual freelance christmas parties-such as Doing it for The Kids, The Freelance Lifestylers and All By Mama

I hope this post has given you some ideas about why it’s so important to invest in you and your business for the year ahead!