Freelance Switch

Need Fresh Inspiration? Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 05:00 AM PDT

Credit: Rodrigo Comisarenco on sxc.hu

Most freelancers maintain their success by moving forward: meeting a new client, landing your next big assignment, embracing the latest technology. But sometimes, the best way to gain momentum is to pause and look at what you've already accomplished.

Next time you're faced with a slow day or need fresh inspiration, take a break to see what you can learn from your past.

Review Old Work

Pull out some work you did a year or more ago. Critique it: would you do it the exact same way today? What would you change? What editorial changes took place after you were finished with it?

But don't stop there; go ahead and admire projects you're proud of. Pinpoint what you liked about it or what compliments you received at the time. Apply those traits to some of your current work.

Your old work can also serve as a springboard for new. Consider the sources of some of your old jobs, or how you met some of your previous clients. Brainstorm how you could apply your past ideas to today's markets.

Backup Day

While you're reviewing your past work, make sure everything is safely stored. Find new ways to store bulky projects – scan or photograph them, pack them up to store off-site, or shop around for new methods of backup.

With your projects fresh in your mind, update your portfolio or web site with current samples.

Study Your Records

Everyone has their own method for tracking work delivered and payments received. Peruse your records from previous years. You may spot a client you've drifted away from, or industry trends worth pursing. Where did most of your income come from five years ago? How different is that from today?

Look for problems that slowed down your progress: clients that are notoriously slow payers, deadlines that kept getting bumped, or other lessons learned.

Forgotten Goals

No one likes to admit it, but everyone has goals that went by the wayside. Pour a cup of coffee and take a hard look at some of your past ambitions. Is anything worth re-visiting? Perhaps with the experience you have today you could tackle a goal that you let go of a year or two ago.

Clean Hard to Reach Areas

Cleaning your work area is a great way to make use of down time, but don't just clean the surface. Dig into those drawers that are overflowing with ’stuff,’ or those piles that you've pushed farther and farther into the corner. Pull up the forgotten files or ancient emails hogging space on your computer.

You'll end up with (obviously) a cleaner workspace, but likely some projects or ideas that still have some mileage in them.

Looking back at your own experiences can be a great way to grow. Next time you're not chomping at the bit to move forward, take a step back and see where that leads you!

Photo credit: Some rights reserved by Rodrigo Comisarenco.