Over the past couple of days, I’ve published several blog posts about how freelance writers can manage the fear surrounding COVID-19. I explained why now is the perfect time to start freelance writing and how freelancers can deal with uncertainty and continue moving forward.

Today, I want to talk about the mindset you need to have to get ahead as a freelance writer. Because it is entirely possible for you to use this time as an opportunity to thrive in your business, not just scrape by.

How to Thrive as a Freelancer During COVID-19

Finding success as a freelance writer is just as possible now as it was last month. But there are three big mindset shifts you’re going to need to make that happen.

1. Don’t buy into the media narrative

When I decided to write this blog series, I did some Google research to see what other people are saying about opportunities for freelancers. And guys, most people are not optimistic.

I read numerous articles that talked about how freelancers are struggling right now. One article said that it’ll be hard for most freelancer writers to find new work since businesses aren’t prioritizing marketing right now.

It’s hard for me to even put into words what complete and total BS I think this is. The idea that businesses will stop spending money on marketing is absurd to me.

If anything, I think freelancers will be even more in-demand because we’re a lot cheaper than hiring a full-time employee.

I’m not suggesting that you stick your head in the sand and ignore the reality of the situation. But just understand that the media wants to sell you more bad news so you’ll tune in. So just be very careful about the narratives you’re buying into.

2. Don’t complain about how bad things are

I’ve talked a lot about how I believe freelance writers should network with other freelancers. And one of the best ways to do this is through Facebook groups.

However, there is one big downside you need to watch out for. When things are going bad, most freelancers tend to flock to these groups to complain.

Over the past week, I’ve witnessed many freelancers complain about losing clients or big projects. One freelance writer said that a client asked her to significantly lower her rates since they couldn’t afford to pay her standard rate anymore.

Could you possibly lose a client because they get freaked out over the coronavirus and think they need to save every last dime? Yes, that could happen.

But there is literally no benefit to complaining about it. The problem is that when you focus on everything that’s going wrong, you’re not looking for new opportunities.

So no matter what, I want you to decide that you’re not going to start talking about how hard it is to make money right now. Don’t go into Facebook groups and commiserate with other freelancers about how you’re losing all your clients.

Don’t tell people about how no one is spending money right now, and you’ll just have to wait this thing out. Do not buy into the narrative, and definitely don’t spread it to other people.

3. Decide to go all-in on your business

Finally, I want you to decide that no matter what happens in the coming year, you’re going to go all-in on freelance writing. This means you’re committed to sticking with it and making it work no matter what.

See, most freelance writers are dabblers. They do it here and there over a long period of time, but never really commit to it. And that’s totally fine because the great thing about freelancing is that you can do it as much or as little as you want.

But freelance writers that make six-figures or multiple six-figures don’t dabble. They don’t have a backup plan in case things don’t work out, and they don’t periodically “take breaks” from freelancing.

They’re committed and they made the decision to go all-in.

Final Thoughts

The biggest thing I want to impress upon you is that it is entirely possible for you to use this time to get ahead in your freelancing business.

Don’t buy into the narrative that nobody is spending money right now or that it’s tacky to be marketing your service in the middle of the pandemic.

If anything, what we need right now are creative and highly motivated people who can get out there and provide value. If you need help getting started, be sure to download the Freelance Writer’s Starter Guide.

This free guide will give you step-by-step instructions for how to get started and first your first few writing clients.