Here's the blog article:
Have you ever felt like you were running in place, always striving for the next big thing, the latest "must-have" skill, or the hottest marketing tactic? I spent a good portion of my freelance career in that frantic state. I felt this pressure to stay ahead of the curve, constantly learning new things, and trying to incorporate every trending technique into my work. It was exhausting. I was burnt out, my creativity felt stifled, and honestly, I wasn't even enjoying the work I was doing anymore. It felt more like a desperate scramble than a fulfilling career. Then something shifted. I started to question the relentless pursuit of "new" and began exploring a different path, one centered on simplicity and intentionality. It's a journey that’s brought unexpected peace and a renewed sense of purpose, not just in my work, but in my life as a whole.
Why I Stepped Off the Trend Treadmill
My shift towards a simpler approach started with a growing interest in minimalism. Not just in the aesthetic sense – the clean lines and uncluttered spaces – but in the broader philosophy of intentionally living with less. I began to declutter my physical space, donating items I no longer used or needed. This act of letting go had a surprisingly profound effect. It created a sense of calm and clarity that had been missing for a long time.
This then trickled into my digital life, and inevitably, my professional one. I started questioning why I was constantly chasing after the latest trends in the freelance world. Was it truly benefiting my clients, or was I just trying to impress others? Was I evengoodat all these new things I was trying to learn, or was I spreading myself too thin?
I realized that many of these trends were fleeting, often driven by algorithms and fleeting attention spans. They required constant adaptation and, frankly, a lot of wasted energy. It felt like I was building my house on sand, constantly fearing the next wave of change that would wash everything away. I started to crave something more solid, something more enduring.
One evening, I was particularly frustrated after spending hours trying to master a new social media advertising technique that just wasn’t clicking. I closed my laptop, went for a walk, and just… thought. I realized that what I really enjoyed was the core of my work – the creative writing, the problem-solving, the connection with my clients. The trends felt like distractions, noise drowning out the things I genuinely valued. That's when I decided to consciously shift my focus.
So, what did this shift actually look like in practice? It wasn’t a dramatic, overnight change, but a series of deliberate choices.
Key Changes and Lessons
Saying "No" More Often: This was a big one. I started politely declining projects that required me to learn a completely new skill set or jump on a trend that didn't align with my core expertise. It felt scary at first, like I was turning down opportunities, but it freed up so much time and energy to focus on what I wasalreadygood at.
Deepening Existing Skills: Instead of trying to learneverything, I chose a few key areas where I wanted to excel. I invested in courses, read books, and practiced diligently to become truly proficient in those areas. This approach allowed me to offer higher-quality work and charge accordingly.
Focusing on Evergreen Principles: I shifted my attention from fleeting trends to timeless principles of good writing, effective communication, and strong client relationships. These principles remain relevant regardless of the latest algorithm update or social media platform.
Cultivating Meaningful Connections: I started focusing on building genuine relationships with my clients, understanding their needs, and delivering value consistently. This resulted in repeat business, referrals, and a much more fulfilling work experience.
Setting Boundaries: Protecting my time and energy became paramount. I established clear working hours, learned to disconnect from work when I wasn't working, and prioritized self-care. This prevented burnout and allowed me to approach my work with renewed energy and creativity.
The Benefits of Simplifying My Approach
The benefits of simplifying my approach to freelancing have been numerous and profound.
Increased Creativity: Ironically, stepping away from the constant pressure to innovate actually sparkedmorecreativity. By freeing up mental space, I allowed myself to explore new ideas and approaches within the boundaries of my core skills.
Reduced Stress: The constant anxiety of keeping up with the latest trends vanished, replaced by a sense of calm and control. I felt more grounded and less reactive.
Improved Focus: By focusing on a smaller set of skills and principles, I was able to deepen my knowledge and become more efficient. This resulted in higher-quality work and faster turnaround times.
Greater Fulfillment: The most significant benefit has been the renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work. I'm no longer chasing after something external; I'm focusing on delivering value and building meaningful connections.
More Time for Life: Perhaps the greatest reward is the extra time I've gained to pursue my passions outside of work. I can now spend more time with loved ones, explore my hobbies, and simply relax and recharge.
People Also Ask
How do I know which trends to ignore?
This is a crucial question. It's not about completely ignoring everything new, but about being selective. Ask yourself: Does this trend truly align with my values and my clients' needs? Does it enhance the quality of my work, or is it just a shiny object? Is it sustainable in the long run, or will it be outdated in a few months? Research it. See if thought leaders you respect are backing it. Prioritize trends that build on your core skills and offer long-term value. Don't feel pressured to jump on every bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it.
What if clients expect me to use the latest trends?
Communication is key. Explain to your clients why you've chosen to focus on certain skills and principles, and how this approach benefits them. Highlight the value of your expertise and the consistent results you deliver. Often, clients are more interested in results than in trendy tactics. If a client insists on a specific trend that you're not comfortable with, consider referring them to another freelancer who specializes in that area. Saying "no" is okay, especially if it means maintaining your integrity and delivering high-quality work.
Isn’t focusing on ‘evergreen’ skills a bit…boring?
Not at all! Think of evergreen skills as the sturdy foundation of a house. You can always decorate the house with new furniture or paint it a different color (the trends), but the foundation needs to be solid. Mastering fundamental skills like clear communication, creative problem-solving, and effective storytelling provides a strong base for any type of project. Plus, you canalwaysfind new and creative ways to apply these core skills. It allows you to focus on thecraftrather than just the fleeting tactics.
The journey away from chasing trends hasn't been without its challenges. There have been moments of doubt, questioning whether I was missing out on opportunities. But ultimately, the peace of mind, increased focus, and renewed sense of purpose have made it all worthwhile. It's a continuous process of refinement and self-reflection, but I feel confident that I'm on a path that aligns with my values and allows me to thrive, both professionally and personally. Maybe this resonates with you, too. Perhaps it's time to step off that treadmill and discover the quiet power of simplicity in your own work.