What’s on the iPod: Ten Thousand Words by The Avett Brothers
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Yesterday was an unexpected break from the madness that has been my last two months. I had two phone calls scheduled that never occurred, and while that should bother me, I was happy for the break. I finished an article, researched another article, was interviewed by another writer, and went to the bank to deposit checks. Amen.
Also, I went shopping for voice recognition software. I’m so glad I read reviews, because through a review, I found out that my computer is already equipped with speech recognition software. I plugged in a headset and started talking. The result–this post. Apparently, all new Windows 7 machines are equipped with it. Thank you, Bill Gates, for you’ve just saved me 99 bucks.
For the most part the software seems to work just fine. There are a few misspellings, which once I get over that, it’s pretty easy to use. What I don’t like is that it takes twice as long for me to get a post written. It’s going to take some practice.
Someone asked me yesterday how writers can avoid insecurity and gain confidence. Here are a few ways I can think of to increase your worth week in yourself:
Shift your perspective. Think of yourself not as a writer but as a business. If rejection is what you are afraid of, then consider it a business dealing not a personal rejection.
Go into protection mode. You wouldn’t let a stranger hurt your child. Treat your business like your child. Protect it from bad deals, unscrupulous people, and mistreatment.
Stop answering ads. Nothing makes you more insecure than not knowing how much you will earn. Stop letting other people determine your rate. Instead, find your own clients and state your own rate to them. When you allow others to set your rate, you lose control of your business.
Set goals. When you know where you’re going, it’s easier to feel secure in your decisions. Sent a financial goal and create a plan to reach that goal.
Hang it out with other writers. Want to adopt your stronger perspective sooner? Then befriend those who have already gained confidence in their abilities.
How did you gain confidence? What helps you to build confidence? How long were you working before you felt secure in your decisions?
Pretty cool, Lori. Hmm, I didn't know that about Windows 7 either. I'm so visual, I'm sure it would take some time to get used to it.
I've shared this before. When I was at a writers' seminar, I heard a colleague state that he always figured in the worse case scenario, he could return to corporate. I felt my heart lurch at the idea. That was when I realized I was in this for the long-haul.
Gaining confidence comes from just doing it. You write more, you start asking for that high price, you start saying, No more.
I would guess it was around the start of my 3rd year that I started to see a shift in my confidence.
My writer buddies were definitely a positive influence and for that I thank you and all our colleagues. 🙂
Cathy, I've just downloaded the Office 2013 preview. So far, I'm impressed!
My heart would lurch in the same way. I think I could be earning the same or more money in a corporate job, but I'd much rather trade "security" for sanity.
I never did the corporate thing – I babysat and marked music for the local symphony orchestra in high school and college, then went straight to freelancing – but the first time I felt confident in that unusual career path was at a regional writer's conference a couple years after I started freelancing.
At a panel discussing, one of the speakers said we were then emerging from a difficult economy for freelancers, especially if you were just starting out because freelance budgets had been slashed due to the economy. (Even in good times it's always "the economy," isn't it? Convenient excuse.) I sat there thinking, "Wow. I've earned enough to pay off my student loans and cover my daily expenses…good thing I didn't know it was a bad time for freelancing! Once the economy improves, I'll be doing even better!"
Between sessions, another attendee asked what I did. After telling her I was a writer, she said, "No, what's your real job?" I handed her a clip folder I'd made in case I met any editors (I didn't), so I showed her one. She couldn't believe I really was a working writer. I didn't learn much from the next session, so I skipped lunch and went home.
Just keep getting work out there. Every successfully completed assignment and/or published piece builds confidence.
Hang out with people who are CONstructive, and remove the DEstructive people from your life, even if they're related.
Hey Lori, which headset did you purchase. Does it have a built in microphone?
Wade, I have this GE one with a microphone sticking out of it — real geeky, but essential. It has adapters so I can presumably use it for my cell phone (not crystal clear on it) and for my cordless phone (doesn't work well at all on my old phone). I think I paid 12 bucks?
wonder if my skype headset will work?
Agree with most of what you say here Lori, except I've had good luck answering ads… but I'm really picky.
Try it, Anne. Let me know. What do you use for Skype?