Many good companies have significantly lowered their high turn-over rates by
simply offering rewards and incentives to their employees. It's no secret that
getting noticed for good work feels great. Anyone would want to be recognized
for a job well done. As a freelance writer, you are your boss. So, why wouldn't
you treat yourself the way you would want an employer to treat you?
Go ahead, be your own cheerleader!
Don't Forget About Yourself!
Sometimes we can get a little caught up in the work, and forget that we may
need incentives once in a while. Do you even know how or when to reward
yourself?
Think about congratulating yourself anytime you meet a goal, get published,
complete a manuscript, etc. Do it with activities you enjoy. Take a bath, go to
the park, take a day off, go fishing, etc. What do you like to do just for
relaxation?
Save Praise
In the meantime, let others inspire you. Save any compliments you receive
from other writers or editors. Do something creative with them, such as keeping
them in a scrapbook, tacking them to a bulletin board, or scribbling them on
post-its. Find inspiring writer's success stories, and keep them available to
read once in a while.
You can also find other things to reward yourself, or keep you inspired. Buy
some writer's merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, journals, etc. Take a day
off, and go shopping just for you. Go to your nearest office supply store, and
search for some new notebooks, pens, and anything else for your home office.
As a writer, you are creative, so be imaginative with your
rewards. Give yourself a much-needed pat on the back when you reach your goals!