When most people think about freelancing, they focus on their “hard skills” —writing, customer service, marketing, or design for example. But while those are important, there’s another skill every successful freelancer needs: a strong, flexible mindset.
Robert & I have coached dozens of people through their freelance journeys, and again and again, we’ve seen that mindset is the real game-changer. Whether you’re just starting out, coming back from a break, or trying to increase your freelance income, how you think about your work will determine how far you go.
Fixed vs. Growth: The Mindset Showdown
The difference between fixed and growth mindsets can be subtle but powerful.
A fixed mindset says, “I’m not tech-savvy,” or “I’ve never freelanced before, so I probably won’t be good at it.” It assumes your abilities are set in stone, preventing you from trying new platforms, applying for jobs, or learning new skills.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, says, “I can figure this out,” or “I don’t know this yet—but I’m willing to learn.” That shift opens doors. Suddenly, sending a proposal or creating a profile becomes less intimidating. You begin to see challenges as part of the process, not as personal failures.
Common Mindset Blocks Freelancers Face
Let’s name the big ones—because once we name them, we can start shifting them:
- Fear of rejection: Not hearing back after a proposal doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it means you’re in the game.
- Imposter syndrome: That nagging voice that says, “Who do you think you are?” It’s common, but it’s not the truth.
- Comparison trap: Looking at other freelancers and feeling behind? Everyone starts somewhere.
- Scarcity mindset: Believing there’s not enough work out there keeps you from even trying. But guess what? There’s more than enough work—you just need to position yourself to find it.
Building a Freelance-Ready Mindset
This isn’t just about positive thinking—it’s about rewiring how you respond to the ups and downs of freelance life. Start here:
- Celebrate small wins. Sent your first proposal? Celebrate it. Got your first “no”? Celebrate that, too—it means you’re moving.
- Practice progress over perfection. The perfect profile, perfect pitch, or perfect timing doesn’t exist. Take action now and refine as you go.
- Create simple daily habits. Reflect on wins. Write down what you’re learning. Take five minutes each morning to reset your focus. These small actions build mindset muscle over time.
Our Clients Prove It Works
One of our coaching clients came from a long career in government and had zero freelance experience. She doubted she could be a successful freelancer. But after just a few months of shifting her mindset, she’s landing regular contracts and even turning jobs down because she has too much work! Another client didn’t think anyone would hire him for writing work—now he has multiple clients and the confidence to match.
What changed? Their mindset. And that’s something you can change, too.
Ready to Strengthen Your Freelance Mindset?
If this topic speaks to you, check out the Mindset Matters Book, where we offer a helpful PDF book that goes deeper into building a positive mindset for freelance success. It’s a great next step if you want to stay confident, focused, and thriving—no matter where you are on your journey.
Watch our latest YouTube video on this topic at: https://youtu.be/CQMrsDPLkY8
