Wait - I AM A Freelancer! | Monday Morning Freelance

Monday always brings a sense of overwhelm. The endless to-do list, the barrage of emails, the pressure to hustle.

As freelancers, it's easy to feel buried, stressed, drowned by the demands. I get it — I’m sitting here writing this newsletter instead of tackling my ever-growing (thankfully!) list of projects and to-do’s.

When you start to feel that creeping sense of stress, it’s easy to drop your guard and let in those negative, anxiety-inducing thoughts.

“What was I thinking?”

“Wait, can I really do this? Am I just faking it?”

“Hang on, if I can’t get THIS done, how am I going to grow?”

“What if my clients catch on that I’m just barely getting by?”

These are the lies of overwhelm — and within each of those, you’ll notice that they are identifying you by the things you don’t have yet: a big list of clients, the perfect work-life balance, the impressive portfolio.

In short, you’re speaking to yourself in what you aren’t.

How often do you intentionally speak who you ARE to yourself?

One of my favorite superpowers in the freelance world (or life in general, honestly) is our human ability to speak “I AM _____." It’s a simple yet powerful phrase that can reframe our mindset and empower us.

Disclaimer: This doesn’t mean that you can speak some unearned reward or title into existence. I believe we can manifest realities for ourselves — but it’s not a magic genie lamp. There’s a long road of work to follow before we arrive at that desired destination.

Here’s what I DO believe — when it comes to speaking our identities and owning who we are today, the phrase “I AM” can be a solid ally in the journey of becoming the best version of ourselves.

• "I AM resilient when faced with challenges."

• "I AM creative and resourceful."

• "I AM manifesting bigger and better opportunities."

It’s not just enough to think positively. We need to speak boldly, confidently, and consistently into existence who we are as freelance professionals — rather than limiting ourselves by what we’re not.

It's about shifting the narrative, changing the conversation in your head from self-doubt to self-affirmation. When you're swamped with work, instead of saying, "I'm overwhelmed," try, "I AM organizing and prioritizing my tasks."

It's a slight change in wording, but trust me, it makes a world of difference in how you approach your day.

"I AM capable of handling tough situations."

This affirmation doesn’t just boost your morale; it alters your approach to problem-solving. You start to see challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities to showcase your adaptability and strength.

"I AM growing with every project."

Remember, every task you undertake, no matter how small, contributes to your growth. You're not just completing tasks; you're accumulating experience, skills, and insights that enhance your value as a freelancer.

"I AM building meaningful relationships with my clients."

This goes beyond delivering quality work. It’s about creating trust, understanding their needs, and forging connections that go beyond transactional interactions.

When you view yourself as a relationship builder, you open doors to not just repeat business but also referrals and a reputation as someone who genuinely cares about their clients’ success.

And perhaps most importantly:

"I AM on my own unique journey."

Comparison, especially in freelancing, is a thief of joy and motivation. Your path is uniquely yours. Embrace it, with its ups and downs, because it’s shaping you into a more robust, more versatile professional.

Remember that "I AM ____" is more than just a phrase; it's an attitude, a mindset, a way of life. It's about acknowledging your strengths, embracing your journey, and confidently stepping into each new challenge with the belief that you are exactly where you need to be.

So, as you dive into this week, armed with your to-do list and a coffee in hand, remember to speak to yourself with kindness, strength, and truth.

You're not just surviving the freelance life; you're thriving in it.

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

Brad