What are you afraid of when it comes to starting or growing your freelance writing business? Because I’m certain you’re afraid of something.
Here’s what I want you to know… fear and self-doubt are normal. All freelancers I’ve spoken to struggle with these emotions, and I do too.
I still feel anxious when I launch a new idea. Or sit down to plan out my next book. It’s a feeling that never goes away. And that’s okay.
The difference is I’ve learned to move forward despite the fears. I write even when I doubt myself.
And you can too.
In this post, I examine three of the most common fears of freelance writers. I also share four action-based strategies to overcome your doubts. So that you can push through your fears and do it anyway.
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Freelance Fear #1: I’m Not Good Enough
Many freelancers fear they don’t have what it takes. Or they worry that their lack of formal training will keep them from making it as a writer.
Freelancers struggling with this fear tend to avoid sharing their work with others. They read job description after job description. But they don’t apply because they believe there are too many “better” candidates applying for the same gig.
People who feel like they’re not good enough may enjoy writing, but they worry that they don’t have what it takes to be a professional.
Freelance Fear #2: Fear of Failure
Other freelancers know they can write. They’re also confident they can pitch for gigs and get them. But, they are terrified of failing once they do. And that fear keeps them from moving forward.
These freelancers analyze every word they write and dread the response they might receive. In their mind, it’s not a good fit. It’s not what the client was looking for. It’s just not good enough.
Or they worry that they will fail their clients in other ways. They let their imagination run away with them and focus on everything that could go wrong, preventing them from turning in an assignment on time.
Fear of failure also manifests itself in other ways. Freelancers may worry they will never find enough decent paying gigs to pay the bills.
Or, because they’re spending more time writing and less time with their children, they fear they are damaging their kids. This often takes the form of mom guilt.
Fear of failure takes on many different faces depending on who it’s attacking. But, the result is the same – people let their fear paralyze them.
Freelance Fear #3: Fear of Success
Sometimes, what freelancers fear most is success. This fear is a little more difficult to recognize than the other two. It disguises itself as procrastination or perfection.
People struggling with this fear often get stuck in the planning phase. They pour their hearts into writing the perfect business plan. And narrowing down their niche.
Often, they enroll in course after course. They keep seeking information but are too scared to put that information into action.
They let their mind wander far into the future and see what “could” happen if they make it big. They fear success means working long hours or attracting unwanted attention. And because they don’t want this to happen, they play small. Never fulfilling their potential.
How to Push Past Freelance Fears 
Are you struggling with any of these common fears? If you are, keep reading and learn how to push through your fear into the life you dream of. Here are are five strategies to help you move forward.
Fear Busting Strategy #1: Do One Thing
Action is the enemy of fear. The simplest way to move past your fear is often to do one thing.
Take a single step, even though it’s scary. Typically, you find your worst fears never come to life. Then take the next step.
What is one thing you can do for your business today? You could:
- Hit send on a pitch email
- Publish a sample
- Follow-up with a prospect
- Officially launch your freelance writing business
- Post on Facebook that you’ve started a new business and looking for clients (you never know who needs a writer…)
- Schedule 1 hour of writing time each day (then make sure you actually write)
- Pick one strategy you learned about to implement and go
The exact step you take isn’t important. What matters is that you do something. If you keep taking baby steps, you will soon walk right past your fear.
Fear Busting Strategy #2: Find a Tribe
You are not the only person dealing with self doubt. But, you may be the only person you know who is trying to build a freelancing career.
Many of my real-life friends and family don’t understand my business. Yours might not either.
That’s why it’s important to get connected with other freelancers. Find a community where you can share your fears and learn from others who have been there, or who are currently struggling.
It’s comforting to know you’re not alone.
Fear Busting Strategy #3: Learn Who to Listen To
If you send out a pitch, you have a good chance of being told no. I received many rejections during my freelance writing career.
The rejection can either make you resolve never to put yourself out there again. Or it can be the catalyst that launches you forward to try again.
The choice is yours. But, I’m going to encourage you to think about who you are listening to before you make that decision.
The person you pitched doesn’t know you. They’re simply mass replying to a bazillion applicants.
Are you going to let someone who doesn’t know you shape the path of your future? Does someone you’ve never met have that much power over you?
Don’t listen to the naysayers.
Instead, listen to the positive voices in your life. The ones that tell you to go for it. The people who believe in you.
Those people are speaking truth into your life. You can do this.
Fear Busting Strategy #4: Don’t Strive for Perfect
You will never be perfect.
Now before you get mad, let me explain. I will never be perfect either.
There are always things I look back on and wish I’d done differently. A sentence I wished I’d changed, or a punctuation error I wish I’d caught.
Perfection isn’t possible, so stop searching for it.
Instead, let your best be good enough.
Get your freelance writing website published before you have the “perfect” color scheme figured out. Or the “perfect” logo.
Take time to proofread your work, but don’t over-analyze every punctuation mark.
Just do your best.
You can do this, and you will improve over time.
Are You Ready to Move Past Your Freelance Writing Fears?
The fears covered above are ones you will almost certainly encounter at some point in your freelance journey. If you aren’t struggling with them today, you may be next week or next year. As you replace one fear, new ones take their place.
But you can write even when it feels scary. You can use the strategies to move past your fears and embrace your dream to be a freelance writer.
