Tip # 7: How to thrive as a freelance writer - Handle doubt by creating a career plan

I conduct email workshops and coach writers, and it amazes me how many of my brilliant students doubt themselves and their abilities.

"I'm not sure that I'll measure up to my editor's expectations", a student said, when he wrote to tell me that a feature article query to a major magazine had been accepted, and that he had the contract in front of him.

I was baffled. Where had that come from? We'd been working together for months, and now that he'd reached one goal --- selling to a major magazine --- he doubted himself.

"You can do it. You'll do great. Get started on the article," I wrote. "Let me know if you want to brainstorm structure or sources. And remember your career plan."

As a freelancer, you'll only reach the goals you aim for. You must have goals, and they must be part of a career plan. Create the plan, focus on your goals, and start working towards them.

As you work your plan, more of the steps necessary to reach your goals will become obvious. Think of your goals as destinations. You have an internal GPS to help you reach any destination, but you must set the destination first, and that starts by creating a career plan, and the goals to achieve it.

Once you've created your career plan, you need to make the plan a part of your life by assessing your progress regularly, at least once a week.

Write more - become a pro writer

Yes, you can write more and become an expert writer - even if you're a world-class procrastinator.

Did you know that when you write more, your writing improves? Many of my writing students experience this. They find that when they write more, writing is easier for them - they're not dominated by their inner editor.

My new writing class, "Write More And Make More Money From Your Writing: Develop A Fast, Fun Productive Writing Process" is based on lessons I developed for my private coaching students to help them to write more, improve their writing, and make more money writing.

If you're struggling with your writing, the class will help. The techniques you'll learn in class with help you write fiction, nonfiction, and copy for business.

Discover how you can write more, improve your writing, and sell more of your writing to higher-paying markets.