4 Things to ask yourself every day

If you're a freelancer your life depends on being successful at your chosen profession. If you have a "regular job" these four questions apply to you also.

It seems that all the great truths in life are simple. I've always believed that if I get up every morning and go to work, be diligent and do what I'm supposed to do I'll always be okay. True enough, but there's more to it to be successful and not just okay. After 21 years of being self employed, it comes down to four simple questions.

Here's what you need to ask yourself every day:

1) What did I do to earn money today?
2) What did I do to get more business today?
3) What did I do to improve myself today?
4) What did I do to build goodwill and friendships today?

That's it, simple. If you can give a good answer to these four questions every day you'll not only be okay, you'll prosper.

This has to be done every day except weekends and you must make yourself accountable. I recommend putting it in writing. There's something about writing that makes things more real because it makes things measurable. It's even better if you have someone else who can hold you accountable. Here are mine for today:

1) What did I do to earn money today? I got caught up on my billing.
2) What did I do to get more business today? I went on a sales call.
3) What did I do to improve myself today? I read some blogs that pertain to my industry.
4) What did I do to build goodwill and friendships today? I called some of my best evangelists just to touch base and see how they're doing.

Sure, I don't have answers for all four every day, but I try to. I know the better and more often I can answer these the better off I'll be.

The answers to these four questions = food, shelter, clothes, etc.

I wish you well in your career!

Chuck Vosburgh

How are you making sure you stay on track? Tell us in the comments below: