The "Pump Up Portfolio"

Have you ever had one of those Monday mornings when you just can’t seem to find the motivation to move forward?

Late yesterday, I dropped my brother, sister-in-law, and their daughter off at the airport after a week of Thanksgiving celebrations. They live across the country in Virginia, and our time together is always precious.

As such, we try to pack in a year's worth of catching up, sharing stories, and creating memories in just seven days.

And this year was no exception. Our week was filled with late-night chats, laughter echoing through the house, fun outings to Kansas City's festive Christmas spots, and an endless parade of food…food…and more food.

It was a blast. But this joyous whirlwind leaves me with a Monday morning that feels unusually heavy. The house is suddenly quiet, the laughter replaced by the ticking of the clock.

It’s enough to lead you to a Monday where you feel less than motivated to get back into the groove.

Alas, the groove awaits.

So, what’s a freelancer to do when turning the creative brain back on feels like an insurmountable task?

Over the years, I've found that having a designated place to store affirmations is invaluable. It's my secret weapon for re-sparking motivation on those sluggish mornings.

I call it my "Pump-Up Portfolio"

Sure, it might sound a bit cheesy at first. But this folder on my computer is a treasure trove of positive energy.

It’s filled with emails from happy clients, glowing feedback on projects, and snippets of performance reviews that praise my work.

Whenever I doubt my skills or feel uninspired, I open this folder. It’s like stepping into a world where every word echoes the impact of my work.

I revisit the joy in the email praising the website copy I crafted, the excitement in the client's words about the digital marketing strategy I developed, or the pride in transforming a company's brand voice through my copywriting.

Here’s the secret: Going to it offers much more than just a pat on the back.

This only-for-me portfolio is physical (okay, digital) proof of the value I bring with my freelance services. It's the proof-of-passion that guides me back to my path, rekindling my drive and determination.

There’s something magical about being reminded of our accomplishments. It’s not just about being told we did a great job; it’s about realizing that we are genuinely capable, that we have made a difference, and that we can continue to excel in our field.

I've come to realize that this sense of achievement, this burst of positivity, is essential not just in freelancing but in every aspect of life.

Seriously, this fun little dopamine drive gives me the push I need to take one more step.

And if you’ve read any of my past newsletters, you know that my mantra is “movement begets momentum” — that one step often leads to another…and another… and many, many more.

So today, I encourage you to create your own “Pump Up Portfolio.”

Gather those emails, the thank-you notes, the commendations, and any piece of evidence that showcases your impact and talent.

Make it a place of inspiration, a personal gallery of your successes. When the days get tough, or motivation wanes, let this be your sanctuary, a reminder of the difference you're making in the world, one project at a time.

Remember, it's not just about surviving the freelance life; it's about thriving in it! Don’t leave yourself out there without the tools you need to keep your head up and your spirits high.

May your coffee be strong and your deadlines be few.