It’s no secret that the digital industry is booming. From exciting startups to global brands, companies are reaching out to digital agencies, responding to the new possibilities available. However, the industry is fast becoming overcrowded, heaving with agencies offering similar services — on the surface, at least.
Producing creative, fresh projects is the key to standing out. Unique side projects are the best place to innovate, but balancing commercially and creatively lucrative work is tricky. So, this article looks at how to make side projects work and why they’re worthwhile, drawing on lessons learned from our development of the ux ompanion app.
People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all.
Producing creative, fresh projects is the key to standing out. Unique side projects are the best place to innovate, but balancing commercially and creatively lucrative work is tricky. So, this article looks at how to make side projects work and why they’re worthwhile, drawing on lessons learned from our development of the ux ompanion app.
Why Integrate Side Projects? Being creative within the constraints of client briefs, budgets and timelines is the norm for most agencies. However, investing in research and development as a true, creative outlet is a powerful addition. In these side projects alone, your team members can pool their expertise to create and shape their own vision — a powerful way to develop motivation, interdisciplinary skills and close relationships.
Building into the identity and culture of an agency can also lead to new client work. These projects act as a road map, showing clients exciting new technologies and ideas that will differentiate you from competitors. One of our earliest projects turned our website into a brochure, optimized for the first iPad’s touch interactions. By demonstrating the final product, we went on to win a project to create a similar product for a new client.
A significant shift in mindset is required to support either type of side project — weighing the longer-term, incremental benefits against committing what would otherwise be immediately billable time. Many agencies do this with a time-bound model of 80% client time versus 20% time, inspired by Google’s successes with Gmail and Google Reader which they have since (tellingly) phased out. I’d instead recommend the following guidelines.
If you’re looking to boost your attitude so you can write every day, then you’ve come to the right place.
The life of a writer can be challenging. Whether you work as a full- or part-time writer, it’s sometimes hard to muster up the courage, strength, and discipline to write every day.
And if all of that is not enough, most writers deal with invisible obstacles like doubt, fear, or negative thoughts.
If this is you, I know how you feel. But these obstacles, especially negative thoughts, are such a waste of time and energy. And let’s be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that.
I adopted the thing as part of my daily writing routine to boost my attitude to write every day: focus on the big picture.
I changed my focus from negative self-talk to the big picture goals I outlined for myself as a writer to boost my attitude. First, I revisit my vision board to see what I outlined for the year. Then, I focus on new ideas that help me write the story I want to tell.
So what steps do I take to focus so I can boost my attitude? In this post, I outline seven steps I take to boost my attitude for writing.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.
Here are 7 tips on how to boost your attitude to write every day
Tip #1 Sleep
I realize for some people, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. But, for me, all I needed was to make a few adjustments in my bedtime routine.
First, I try to go to bed at the same time every night, Sunday through Thursday (I stay up a little later on Fridays).
Second, I downloaded Calm, a relaxation app, which offers soothing music and bedtime stories to help me sleep.
Finally, I bought the Moonbow Bedphones, wireless sleep headphones that allow me to lay on my side without feeling the pain of an earbud in my ear.
Moonbow Bedphones
Tip #2 – Eating
Another crucial area that offers me an attitude adjustment is what I eat. Since adopting a Pescatarian diet six years ago, I feel much better. In addition, eating more fruits and vegetables has helped a lot.
As a result, reducing my sugar intake gives me more energy throughout the day to get more writing done.
Tip #3 – Physical activity
Even if I only have 30 minutes, I like to include a workout as part of my morning routine. Research shows exercise improves body image, self-esteem, and mental health. So after being inside writing for a long time, I go for a walk. The walk gives me a boost of energy and helps me reflect on my day or stir up ideas about my latest projects.
Tip #4 – Keep an idea notebook
Since I come up with ideas all day, I love keeping an idea notebook. It’s an excellent way for me to get my thoughts out of my head and on paper. I used to write my ideas everywhere – Post-it Notes, sheets of paper, and the back of napkins. Using a notebook helps me organize my thoughts. Any notebook will do the trick. This Bright Ideas Journal is full of color, but Kraft Paper Notebooks work just as well.
Tip #5 – Connect with other creatives
In addition to client meetings and coaching sessions, I love meeting with other creatives. The life of the solopreneur can be lonely. Meeting with other creatives – either in person or online – inspires me and helps me return to my writing projects with fresh ideas. A few weeks ago, I joined ProBlogger’s FREE 7-Day Content Sprint Course. It was great meeting Problogger Darren Rouse and other creatives each night for seven days. Not only was Darren gracious enough to share his knowledge about writing blog posts, but it was great to see comments from other bloggers. I came away from those sessions inspired and ready to write new content.
Tip #6 – Make time for play dates
Throughout my career in public relations and corporate communications, there have always been deadlines. Some days were more demanding than others. The same is still true now that I run my own business. I learned the hard way that all work and no play make me unfocused and uncreative. Sometimes giving my writing a boost means going for a bike ride or playing a game with family and friends.
Tip #7 – Unplug by not doing any writing
Sometimes the best thing I can do for my writing is to take a break from writing. On the days that I unplug, I don’t write or work. My laptop is off, and I move work out of my mind. The break allows me to rest and return to my writing refreshed.
For some, writing every day comes easily. But for me, I can remember days of not being in the mood to write.
In those moments, I readjust my mindset to focus on the big picture. I quickly ask myself, ‘Why am I writing? What’s the result of my work as a writer?’
Does it take effort? Yes. But it is so worth it.
How do you boost your attitude to write? Let me know in the comments.
If you found this post helpful, please share it with others. Thanks!
Updated October 2021
