Welcome to this week’s Monday Morning Freelance - your dose of weekly inspiration for life design and time optimization for independents! If you were sent this email from a friend, click here to sign up so you never miss another edition!

In this Edition:

1. Baby Roz Arrived!: We’ve restored the boy/girl balance here at the Bartlett Mojo Dojo Casa House.

2. Freelancing and New Parenthood: I’ve been thinking about the parallels between the unpredictable journey of freelancing and the adventures of new parenthood.

3. This Week’s Faves: Discover what I'm currently reading, listening to, and what's bringing me joy.

4. October Reminder: As we plunge into the fourth quarter, ensure you're set for a strong finish to the year and an even brighter start to the next.

So, about that newsletter…

I launched Monday Morning Freelance during the summer as a way to help me expand my engagement and talk about one of my biggest passions - how to live and thrive in the freelance life.

Yet, like many things in the freelance life that don’t offer immediate monetary gain, the newsletter found itself on the back burner. Busy client schedules, new opportunities, and a new baby took center stage in life.

The Monday Morning Freelancer soon became the Monday Afternoon Freelancer… then the Tuesday Maybe Freelancer… and eventually, the Remember When That Freelancer Email Used To Go Out?

But hey, what is life if not one giant experiment, right?

So, I’ll take this moment to announce that the Monday Morning Freelancer is back - and this time, it’s here to stay.

Each Monday morning, you can expect a brief email from me with some thoughts on freelancing, client work, growing your business, and the occasional musing about life too.

The goal is simple: Help freelancers find success in their careers every single day - one thought at a time. Together, we can make freelancing a more rewarding and sustainable career choice.

I Had A Baby! 👨‍🍼 

Okay, my rockstar wife KB had a baby.

I’m excited to announce the newest arrival to Brad Lee Bartlett Enterprises - Rozlyn Bartlett!

Roz came into our lives a bit earlier than expected, and she came roaring in quickly and feisty. Mom and baby are doing excellent, and we are having fun figuring out our new normal.

Nights up rocking Roz to sleep has got me thinking a lot about freelancing and time optimization. While unpredictable, babies do actually thrive on consistency and ritual - and I want to make sure my freelancing business does, too!

If you've recently transitioned into the freelance world, you might be experiencing similar feelings of chaos and confusion. But don't fret! Just like with that tiny bundle of joy, you'll soon find your rhythm and routine in the freelance life.

Embrace the Mess 

The first time I changed a diaper, it went, well, everywhere. And my swaddling skills? Chipotle wouldn’t even hire me for the burrito line.

The beginning of anything is messy, including freelancing. You might take on projects that aren't quite the right fit or find yourself juggling too many tasks at once. It's all part of the process. Embrace it!

Trial and Error (Lots of it!) 

If babies came with manuals, we'd all be parenting experts. But they don't, and we aren't. Similarly, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to freelancing.

Some freelancers swear by strict schedules, while others thrive on flexibility. Experiment with different work routines, project management tools, and client communication strategies until you find what works best for you.

Celebrate Small Wins 

Remember the sheer joy of your baby's first smile? Or the first time they slept through the night? In the freelance world, it's essential to celebrate small victories, too. (Like 4 hours of sleep rather than 3!)

Finished a challenging project? Take a break! Landed a new client? Treat yourself! Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, can keep you motivated and focused. Get silly with it - because you deserve it.

Trust the Process 

In those hazy newborn days, it might've seemed impossible to ever get a full night's sleep again. But with time, patience, and persistence, things got easier.

Eventually, you look back and go, “Woah, remember when I thought I wouldn’t make it through that season??

Trust that with each project, each pitch, and each late-night work session, you're learning and growing. You're building a business, and like raising a child, it takes time and love.

Build Your Tribe 

Just as new parents often lean on friends and family for advice and support, freelancers can benefit from building a community. Join freelance groups, attend networking events, or connect with fellow freelancers online.

Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others can make the journey less lonely and more rewarding. And avoid the comparison monster - it’s not worth it, and half of those online “freelance experts” are making stuff up anyway.

Don't Forget Self-Care 

In the same way that new parents are reminded to take care of themselves (remember, you can't pour from an empty cup!), freelancers should prioritize self-care, too.

Schedule regular breaks, set boundaries with clients, and remember to unplug and relax. Your well-being is crucial to the success of your freelance journey.

Here’s the point: freelancing can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying, but it’s not always easy. It will challenge you in ways you never thought possible, but if you stick it out and trust in the process, you’ll find yourself on an incredible adventure. It’s worth it.

This Week’s Faves ☕️ 

📚️ What I’m Reading: I’ve been slowly working through Company of One by James Jarvis - so many good insights into growing sustainable over growing larger.

🎧️ What I’m Listening To: I’ve been obsessed with the Minimalists podcast this summer and fall. It’s given me tons of awesome ideas on how to combine freelancing (a chaotic lifestyle) with the calm and conciseness that comes from living minimally.

😍 What’s Bringing Me Joy: Lots of late-night cuddles with Roz. 🍼 

🤔 What’s Interesting: I’ve been playing around with a couple of new AI-driven content-writing solutions to continue figuring out what is (and isn’t) working. A couple that have caught my eye recently are Byword and PreDraft - both of which offer unique aspects to creating longer-form content. Check them out and see what you think!

🤣 What’s Making Me Laugh: I live in the heart of Chiefs Kingdom, so you bet that we are all abuzz with the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce are-they-aren’t-they romance. The memes make it all worthwhile.

Until Next Week! 🚀 

It’s October - which means we are truly diving head-first into Q4.

Make sure you’ve taken some time to think ahead on how to end the year well and how you can start making next year even better (not just bigger).

May your coffee be strong, and your deadlines be few!