Yesterday marked 1 year since I officially started working for myself after quitting my job. The goal was simple: Embark on my own journey as a website designer, work from home, and live a stress free life.
Today I pulled up an ambitious calendar I’d planned for myself over 12 months ago. I’ve completely lost my way from this plan, and maybe I shouldn’t have. Maybe I had it right in the beginning:
MONDAY:
Networking (Basically this means spend time talking to potential clients)
Exercise
Meditate
Yoga
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY:
Design Work for Clients
Friday:
Exercise
Meditate
—-
What a brilliant plan. Only 3 full days of work, and a little networking on Monday. The other 2 days involved self improvement and rejuvenation. Saturday and Sunday weren’t even on the calendar, because I wanted those to be spontaneous.
How did I go wrong? I planned this out perfectly so that I could make a reasonable amount of income by just working this easy schedule. I wouldn’t be filthy rich, but that’s okay. I would be happy, and that was my whole reason for quitting my job in the first place.
But my real schedule is quite different from this one I planned. I work every day. I enjoy the work, I like the clients… but come on… I can’t go one day without thinking about my projects or checking my e-mail. The silly part is that most people aren’t even in a rush. If I didn’t check my e-mail one day, nobody would even notice or care. So why do I push myself?
Now that I’ve come full circle and survived the first year, I’m going to re-consider trying this plan I originally set for myself. I believe it can be done. Anything can be done if you put your mind to it!
I might have to stray just a little bit. I might have to respond to a few e-mails on a Friday, or do a little light work on a Monday. But that’s okay. I still think I should re-consider living life by the plan I set for myself. I should exercise, meditate, read more books. I should relax.
We’re responsible for our own futures. Nobody else can be blamed if life doesn’t turn out the way we planned. Don’t get me wrong… I’m very happy. But when I look at this schedule… that’s a pretty sweet life, you have to admit.
I can do it, I will.