5 New Habits to Try in 2021 as a Freelancer
New year, new us. Seriously this time! This year we’re getting real about goals and habits that will help us become our best selves, one day at a time.
Not sure where to start with your goals and habits? We’re sharing 5 new habits we’re adopting in 2021 as freelancers!
Drink more water.
This year we’re finally doing it. Staying hydrated while working helps get your body and brain moving so you can start the day on your best foot. Keeping water in your system as the day goes on helps you feel your best and deters you from mid-day snacking that can leave you feeling tired. Get a cute water bottle and make it a goal to drink 64 oz. each day! You’ve got this.
Regularly back up your files.
We’re not losing anything important in 2021 if we’ve got something to do with it! Backup your files regularly and often. In fact, do it twice! You never know when your computer will crash, leaving you unable to get to your work for crucial deadlines. Avoid doing the work twice by working smarter, not harder by making a system backup part of your daily work routine.
Whether you prefer an iCloud system or an external hard drive, make sure you make this a habit in 2021 before it’s too late!
Setting (and sticking to!) a work schedule.
It’s time to get serious about our workflow. That means waking up at a consistent time and ending the day at a consistent time. Create a schedule this year that allows time for everything that brings you joy, plus time for getting your work done. Make hobbies and self-care a priority this year, even if that means not working late at night because you’ve got a date with yourself in the bathtub! Sometimes things get behind and we need those extra hours to catch up - true. Let’s try to put an end to the late-night sessions and weekend workdays if we can!
Clean your desk off at the end of each workday.
Sounds easy right? Then why don’t we do it! Let’s make a goal of clearing our desk off each day as our work comes to an end. This moment can turn into something more symbolic and special, a ritual for ending the workday so to speak. Allow yourself to mentally wind down during this time as well as you organize things carefully in drawers. Think ahead to what tomorrow will bring you and your business while feeling at peace with ending the day here. You’ll thank yourself each morning when you log in to a clean workspace!
Use the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone.
Our favorite little feature on an iPhone, Do Not Disturb blocks notifications from coming through to your phone so that you can truly relax at the end of the workday. Keeping those notifications away, especially at night when you’re getting valuable sleep, is a key factor for mentally clocking out each day. Worried you’ll miss something important? No stress! All the texts and calls you missed will be waiting for you tomorrow!
That’s it, freelancers! It’s time to action with these 5 habits to try as a freelancer in 2021. Think of us each time you back up your computer or take in another glass of water - we’re rooting for you!