WCP183 Going backwards

When a freelancer says that they feel like they’re going backwards, often they’re hyperfocusing on a small piece of data instead of larger trends (e.g. a couple of weeks/pitches vs. quarters/years); or they’ve changed an important variable (e.g. pitching more competitive publications for the first time vs. pitching less competitive pubs they’ve already written for); or they’re on the verge of a major breakthrough. As journalists, we always look out for our biases in our reporting. As a freelancers, it’s also important to look at a bias toward negative self-talk that leads to spinning out and avoiding the very things that would help you achieve your goals faster. In a culture oriented toward constant growth, stability can be framed as regression. That might sound like “I feel like I’m going backwards” instead of “I have a reliable base income month after month” or “I’m making steady progress on my project.” Plateaus get a bad rap. This is another way of describing steady clients, regular income, and long-term editorial relationships. If you’re super plugged into hustle mode and running on nervous energy, that it can seem like something’s gone wrong to be at ease and appreciate what you’ve built for yourself. Complex growth isn’t linear. Growth and progression are more often cyclical, where you’re facing a similar struggle at a new level. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 168 Wordle wisdom Rebecca on Instagram @freelancewriterbootcamp WCP 1: What’s your problem? ⭐ The best way to support the Writing Coach Podcast is to leave a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the Writing Coach Podcast in your favorite podcast app. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast183