
About two years ago, I went to see the musical Wicked in Chicago with my niece, Bethany. The last song in the first act, "Defying Gravity" is about a woman deciding to take a completely new direction in her life. The lyrics have remained in my head ever since I saw the show: "Too late for second guessing / Too late to go back to sleep. / It's time to trust my instincts / close my eyes and leap."
Today, I decided to embark on a major life change of my own. I want to support myself as a full time writer. I've wanted that ever since I've been a kid. I decided to give myself a gift today and honor my dream.
My goal: To be able to leave my day job and start writing full time on May 1, 2012.
Of course, I realize a self-sustaining business isn't just going to happen. I'm going to have to work my tail off this year and from then on, but I'm willing to do it. I spent most of last night drawing up a business plan that should wean me away from my day job within the next twelve months. For anyone interested in making a similar leap, here it is.
1. Get Help
I'm thrilled to announce that I've hired a writing mentor to help me with this goal. She has a very practical, results-oriented way of looking at the world, and I she holds her mentees accountable for setting and reaching goals. I feel like she and I will be a good match as I take my first uncertain steps into the world of fulltime freelancing.
2. Get Educated
During the next year, I'm going to read everything I can get my hands on about writing, both about the business of writing and the craft. I think I'm pretty good now, but if I want to succeed with this, I'll have to be better than pretty good. I'll have to be f---ing awesome.
3. Examine My Priorities
I spent an hour writing two articles tonight and made twelve dollars. That's less than I made at my first high school job. It's time to take a long, hard look at where I'm spending my energy and reserve precious writing hours for the best paying jobs.
4. Come Up with a Firm Marketing Plan
Marketing is probably one of my least favorite activities in the world, but all successful businesses do it. It's time to overcome the willies and go after the business I know I deserve.
5. Learn to Take Fantastic Care of Myself
I'm probably the meanest boss I've ever had. I don't always eat the right foods or get enough sleep, and when I'm working on an article, there is no such thing as a lunch break or a bathroom break. I also tend to isolate myself horribly when I'm in the writing mode. I have one year to unlearn those behaviors before they tear me apart, and I'm ready to start the process...now.
Have you made the switch to fulltime freelancing? What about that was hardest for you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g4ekwTd6Ig