Embracing Discomfort: Lessons from a Potential Client Inquiry
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Chapter 1: The Client Query That Sparked Reflection
Recently, I received an email from a potential client, which made me pause before responding.
They expressed interest in my writing and inquired about my rates for a 1000–1500 word article. It took me over a day to reply, and I found myself questioning if this was the right client for me. As I deliberated, negative thoughts began to surface.
What if I experienced burnout again, like I did last year? If I chose to collaborate with another client, I'd need to invest in tools like AHREFS to find keywords, leading to additional monthly costs. Could I balance my day job, freelance writing, my Medium posts, household responsibilities, and still enjoy quality time with my family? Should I increase my rates this time?
Ultimately, I decided to share my charges with them. As of now, they haven't responded, but I realized my hesitation about taking on a new client stemmed from deeper concerns.
My motivation for entering content creation was to positively influence others, earn some extra income, and eventually transition careers. What if this client could provide me with consistent work? What if I could help them grow their business? What opportunities could arise for my own brand? The uncertainty of these "what ifs" made me uncomfortable.
The video titled "Why It's Dangerous to Stay in Your Comfort Zone" perfectly encapsulates my dilemma, highlighting the risks involved in remaining stagnant.
Chapter 2: The Struggles of Balancing Freelancing
Reflecting on my initial freelance experience, I recall the challenges I faced while working with my first client last year. Learning to juggle writing for this client, my personal Medium blog, my day job, and family commitments was overwhelming. While I earned some extra money, it wasn’t as substantial as I had hoped.
My client was pleased with my work, gaining traffic through the articles I produced, some of which still rank highly on Google. However, after a few months, I found myself exhausted and devoid of fresh ideas. I often felt as though I was recycling my own content.
Eventually, I informed my client that I could no longer write for them, as I was planning on painting my house. This experience reminded me of the early days at the gym when a newcomer struggles to establish a routine. The initial period is tough, and while it’s easy to give up after a bad day or lack of immediate results, persistence is key.
The more one learns, the more confidence they gain.
Section 2.1: Overcoming Fears in Freelancing
My reluctance to take on another client stemmed from my fear of failing to balance my commitments and the dread of running out of creative energy, similar to my previous experience.
But what if, with increased knowledge and experience, I could navigate these challenges better this time? I wouldn’t know unless I took the leap.
Subsection 2.1.1: Reflecting on Past Risks
Looking back, I can identify several moments when I took risks:
- That workout program I invested in back in 2011
- The yoga classes I joined in 2014
- The content creation and SEO courses I enrolled in
Initially, I hesitated to invest in these programs, fearing I wouldn’t succeed. There were days when I felt like quitting, yet I persevered. Now, I’m healthier, spending more time with my family, and earning additional income.
When I create content, I encourage my audience to step outside their comfort zones and explore new exercises for improved health. I remind them that the solutions they seek often lie just beyond their comfort zones—though it may feel uncomfortable at first, patience can yield positive results.
And yet, here I was, hesitant to accept a new client because I hadn’t mastered freelancing yet.
Maybe it’s human nature to feel more daring when we excel at something from the start. However, true growth and the achievement of significant goals often require us to step outside our comfort zones.
To the potential client who reached out, thank you for reminding me of the importance of embracing discomfort. Your inquiry has reignited my motivation to pursue my goals and reminded me that growth occurs when we push past our limits. Even if we don’t end up working together, the lesson I’ve learned is invaluable.