December is here - and you’re probably in a panic. For small business owners, freelancers and the self-employed this can be a real time of panic. Do we have enough to get us through Christmas? What about New Year goals and resolutions for our business, all the hopes and dreams for 2023…

Exhausted at the very thought of it all? I get you.

Instead, let’s take a moment to look BACK. To look at the year gone by and what’s gone right. It’s so easy to focus on the things that aren’t going well, or the things that have failed, but what about the things that have worked, have blossomed?

It can be the big things, but also the small things. It might be a big new client, or that a current client has stayed with you.

For example, recently someone who was considering coaching decided they wanted to wait until January and re-think things then. My heart sank - I’d been so excited to start with them! I understand, of course, but the deflation was a real moment. It can snowball, too, from that moment of ‘oh, no’ to feelings of not being good enough, of doubting your whole offering, of doubting yourself… it goes on.

In fact, so much so, that it completely buried the news that the same week someone contacted me and asked for blog content for their business.

Perhaps it’s human nature to focus on the negatives but it can become a bad habit.

So today, or as you read this, take a moment to check back on what’s gone right not just recently but throughout the year.

Did you work with a dream client? Tell a nightmare one where to go? perhaps you’ve made a connection that’s turned into a friendship. Did you go to some events even though you felt scared and nervous? Maybe you launched something, perhaps your follower numbers went up or you embraced social media more than before.

It might be that you just kept going, you didn’t give up, and you’re still here, still freelance, still trying.

Let me know what comes to mind, I’d love to hear your successes of the year!

xJenny

Freelance things this month

“Do I really have to be on social media if I’m self-employed?”

Share your experience with Leapers in their annual mental health survey

Congrats to all the winners in the IPSE Freelancer Awards!

What’s it like being a freelance adventurer and explorer?

Or PA to Santa?!

The Being Freelance Christmas gift guide is full of fab ideas (hint, hint)

If you’re considering a MailChimp newsletter, Donna Duggan is my recommendation for support and help! I had a power hour with her in November and it was super useful.

Freelance Feels workshops coming up…

Content Confidence Workshop If you pause over the post button, pull an ‘ick’ face when you think about reels, can’t bear the thought of posting on LinkedIn BUT know your clients are hanging out there, then this one’s for you. Come and beat your content/social media confidence demons at this informal pre-Christmas workshop on December 6th - tickets are £10 BOOK HERE

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CV Workshops are now live for booking in January 2023 - all listed on eventbrite. We work on your CV in real time, and you can send a draft to me afterwards for feedback. Tickets are £35, and there are workshops specifically for freelance copywriters/journalists and professional coaches.

You can also book a CV one on one power hour anytime!

Freelance Fire group coaching is back in 2023

Feel like you’ve lost your freelance spark, the love has gone, and what was a burning fire is dying out? But at the same time you don’t want to give up on freelance life?

Start 2023 with a place on Freelance Fire to rekindle the love, the passion and the purpose you had for your small business and freelance life.

Freelance Fire began in January 2021, and has had a hiatus, but I’m bringing it back for 2023, and with a new format comes a new price - £199. Yes, that’s lower than last time!

The plan is to focus on the group sessions, and the connection that gives you, sharing your ideas and challenges. Weekly worksheets to complete in your own time, all themed around fire, weekly group zooms with a coaching vibe to help you dig deeper into plans and your relationship with your business, plus a CV audit.

Full info at freelancefeels.com/freelancefire

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