I don’t understand the psychology behind this, but I know from experience that one easy way to increase your success as a freelance writer (editor, designer, etc.) is to get up and get dressed. (I’m not the only person who thinks this either—check out these articles in The Guardian, Freelancer FAQs, and Ms Career Girl).
You don’t need to get up every day at 6 a.m., take a shower, and put on a suit, though. I don’t think what you wear is as important as the act of getting dressed:
When you take the time to change out of pajamas and into work clothes, it triggers something that let’s you know it’s time to work.
What Should I Wear: Wear something comfortable, but also something you’re okay being seen in. My rule of thumb is this—if I had an unexpected Zoom call, would my outfit be appropriate? I have a closet full of tops that are as comfortable as cotton t-shirts but not as casual. If I had to appear in a Zoom meeting, they’d be fine (but they’re also comfortable enough to nap it).
And for pants…I live in leggings. They’re comfortable, but they also give me that “dressed for work” mental feeling. Sometimes I swap one pair of leggings (that I slept in) for another pair (to work in). No one ever sees them, but mentally I’m prepared to work.
When Should I Get Dressed: One of the joys of freelancing is setting your own schedule. If you’re a morning person, you can work in the morning (so you should get dressed in the morning). But you can work any time you want.
Just like it doesn’t matter what you wear, it doesn’t matter when you get dressed—just make sure you do it before you sit down to work. Flip that mental switch.
That’s it. There’s nothing overly complicated about this step, which is why it’s on a list of easy ways to succeed.
Check back in next month for another tip. Until then, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and signup for my newsletter for more writing, editing, and publishing tips throughout the month.
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