Are you stuck in research mode when it comes to working from home? It’s a common problem I’ve seen over the years. People are eager to work from home. They read all the blog posts. And scour all the job boards. They might even shell out money for a course or two.
But, that’s it.
They never move from learning to doing. They’re constantly trying to “learn it all” which means they never take action. They never fill out the application for that awesome remote gig. They never pitch clients to try to get their freelance business off the ground. They just stay stuck…
If that’s you, I don’t want you to stay there. I want to help you make this transition. You can do this. Here are five of my best tips to help you along the way.
1. Realize You Will Never Know It All
Many people I’ve talked to feel like they have to be an expert before they start. They want to know everything before taking a single step forward.
But, here’s the truth: You will never know it all. Just as soon as you think you do; some new technology or social platform will come along and knock the confidence right out of you.
The remote marketplace is constantly changing, especially in today’s gig economy. You have to be willing to learn “on the job.” That means while you’re actually doing the job.
Your research can only get you so far. At some point, experience trumps education. So, stop trying to learn all the things and start putting into practice what you already know.
And, if after you begin, you discover that you truly have a knowledge gap, you’ve already proved how great at researching you are. You can just find a helpful resource to help you boost your skills in that particular area.
2. Don’t Let Fear Stop You
Sometimes, fear may keep you from taking action. It’s much safer to research than to risk being told no. Or to be ignored.
Fear has tremendous power, if you let it. But you don’t have to be stopped by fear. You can acknowledge that you are scared… and then intentionally choose to move forward anyway.
If you’re struggling with fear, here are two action steps:
- Write down the root of your fears – what are you afraid of? You have to acknowledge it to move past it.
- Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” And then don’t let your imagination run away with you. Keep it real. What is really the worst that could happen? Write it down.
Seeing your fears in writing can help you not get carried away by it. It puts it into perspective and helps you see the truth.
Now, ask yourself, “What’s the best that could happen?” This time feel free to dream big. What could taking action mean to you and your family? What changes could this one decision bring into your life?
Moving past fear isn’t easy. But, it is possible. You do not need to let your fears hold you back any more. Just take that first step forward. It is truly the hardest one you will ever take.
3. Commit to One Small Thing Each Day
All it takes is one small step to change the trajectory of your future. Think about your dream. Right now, it may seem unreachable, but it doesn’t have to be like that forever. You just need to frame your thinking a little differently.
What are small things you can do that will help you get where you want to be? Make a list of small steps you can take that will help you get closer to your goal.
If you want to start a freelance writing business, you could:
- Submit a guest post for a site that offers a byline to begin building your portfolio
- Apply for a gig from a job board
- Check the “Gigs” section of Craigslist and see if there are any writing gigs you’re interested in
- Announce that you’ll be starting a freelance business on social media and ask your friends if they know anyone who needs some content
- Update your job status on your social profiles to show that you’re a freelance writer currently accepting work
Want to land a remote job with a company? Here are some baby steps you can take:
- Update your resume so it’s ready
- Create a custom cover letter for a job you’re interested in
- Fill out the application for the company of your dreams
- Check job boards for potential opportunities
- Read the directions of the application process carefully so you understand the process, then make a list of materials you need to gather to apply
No matter what your future holds, a series of tiny steps can help you get there. So sit down and write some out for yourself.
Now, go do one thing from your list. Do another one tomorrow. Every single day, do one thing. You will look back over the course of a couple of weeks or months and be amazed at how far these little tiny steps have taken you.
4. Find an Accountability Partner
Have you shared your work from home dreams with anyone else? Often, opening up to someone can help you turn your dreams into a reality.
It’s best if you can find someone who will help hold you accountable. Someone who will ask you how it’s going and what steps you’ve taken lately.
If the people you know in real life don’t support this dream of yours or think you’re crazy – don’t listen to them. Just find someone else. Look online and see who else has this dream. Who can you work together with? Facebook groups can be a good place to find someone, especially if you join one that’s focused on working from home.
If you can’t find a specific accountability partner, share your journey on social media. Tell others about what you are going to do. Then go do it and share it to help hold yourself accountable. You never know – you may inspire someone else to join you.
5. Don’t Take Rejection Personally
Rejection will happen. You may not get the first job you apply for. Or the first dozen gigs you pitch.
When the rejection comes, you have two choices:
- Let it convince you that you’re not going to be able to succeed
- Accept that you’re not a good fit for this company – and that’s okay – you will find a better one!
When it comes to rejection, your attitude matters. You can “change your thinking if it’s stinking,” as my grandmother used to say. Don’t take rejection personally. These people don’t even know you. They just saw what you submitted for this one particular job, and made a decision based on that very limited slice of information.
That’s it. It’s a reflection of one tiny instance in your life. Not on you as a whole.
You are more than your rejection letter. So file it away and move onto the next one. Try again. Don’t let the no’s keep you down. And definitely don’t let it push you back into research mode. Just keep taking action.
Today is a great day to act. Stop researching and do one thing. I can’t wait to hear about your success!