The Rundown
January is my least favorite month of the year. By this point, I’ve gotten everything I need out of winter and am ready for spring…and yet spring is still so far away. I love growth, new beginnings, reinventions, and pushing things forward. Periods of time dedicated to silent release and reflection are pretty uncomfortable, which means I need to be focusing on them more. I’m trying to lean into the winter vibes by taking this month and next month to ideate, review, and think about the year without planning for it or taking action. We’ll see how that goes.
Here’s your rundown for January.
What I’m Reading
Books
I just finished Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink. Many of the insights in this book reinforce all of the reasons why I work for myself (and why I think working for oneself is inherently better than working for other people).
We are much more motivated by intrinsic vs. extrinsic rewards. You have to be incredibly intrinsically motivated to go out on your own and continue to make it work when there are so many easier ways to make a living.
Autonomy is one of the most important things to build into a work environment for intrinsic motivation. Who is more autonomous than solopreneurs?
The need for “managers” runs counter to innate human nature. We are naturally self-directed beings; it is only when we are forced to do work that runs counter to our true purpose and desires that we need to be “managed.”
Autonomy is not independence. We can be autonomous and not only still work with others but work better with others because of the skills we learned by being autonomous.
I’ve heard about this book for years and am so glad I finally read it.
“Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.”
- Daniel Pink
Other Stuff
The Future of Work: 11 Trends and Tactics that Matter in 2023
The pandemic has led to a surge of ‘productivity paranoia.’ Here’s how to fight it
Me, Out In the Wild
Project Freelance Podcast: Tips on How to Hustle Smarter with Sarah Duran
Work at Home Rockstart Podcast: How to Turn Your Ideas Into Action with Coach and CEO Sarah Duran
Resources
[Article] 3 easy tips to make your online meetings more effective
[Article] Laid off? This is your blueprint for starting your own business
[Free workshop] Become a Badass Connector. Relationships Are the #1 Key to Your Success!
[Free workshop] Charge More, Make More - It’s All About Your Relationship with Money.
Hustlers in the News
The In-Demand Freelance Skills Where Earnings Are Growing The Fastest
5 Irritating Problems Freelancers Face (and How to Deal With Them)
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© Sarah Duran 2022
Find out more about me and my company, Fruition Initiatives, here.
Image by Fabrice Villard from Unsplash
The Obvious Disclaimers…
This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional advice. What you decide to do with this information is up to you and all repercussions are on you.