How to be a successful introvert freelancer
Hey there, fellow fairy! I’m guessing you landed here because, like me, you’re a woman who craves both success and a life lived on your own terms. You’re a creative with a million ideas, an introvert female freelancer who thrives in your own space, and a bit of a maximalist – you want to do it all, and do it perfectly. But here’s the thing: that fire that burns so brightly can also leave you feeling burnt out and questioning if this whole „freelancer” or „business owner” thing is even for you.
Sound familiar? Let me tell you, you’re not alone. For years, I wrestled with this exact internal battle. Should I create content in Hungarian, where I felt most comfortable, or force myself into English to reach a wider audience? The pressure to be this „perfect” online persona was stifling my creativity. On top of that, anxiety and self-doubt were constant companions. There were days when building my dream felt impossible. But here’s the good news: I did break through those barriers. And I’m here to tell you that you can too.
Why the „Hustle Hard” Mantra Doesn’t Work for Us
The world of freelancing often glorifies the „hustle” mentality: constant networking, endless pitches, and a „go-go-go” attitude. But for introverted female freelancers, this approach can be a recipe for burnout. Here’s why:
- Energy Depletion: Networking events, while valuable, can leave introverts feeling drained. We crave quiet time to recharge and process information.
- Overstimulation: The constant barrage of emails, social media, and client calls can be overwhelming for introverts who thrive in focused solitude.
- Inauthenticity: The pressure to be a loud, extroverted personality online can feel inauthentic and in conflict with our natural introverted tendencies.
These factors can leave introverted female freelancers feeling like they’re constantly playing catch-up. The good news is, there’s a better way! We can leverage our unique strengths – deep thinking, focused work, and strong listening skills – to build a thriving freelance business on our own terms.
Here’s how to embrace your maximalist spirit, honor your nature, and finally achieve success on your own terms as an introvert female freelancer
Step 1: Listen to Your Inner Voice (Not the Fearful One)
We all have that inner voice, the one that whispers our deepest desires and guides us on the right path. But sometimes, it gets drowned out by the voice of fear and self-doubt. For me, the turning point came when I realized I was prioritizing the opinions of others over my own intuition.
Here’s how I did it: I carved out quiet time each day, just me and my journal. In that space, I wrote down my dreams, my fears, and everything in between. Slowly, a pattern emerged. The things that truly lit me up, the ideas that brought me joy, were all connected to creating content in Hungarian, sharing my unique perspective with the world.
Action Step: Schedule 15 minutes each morning (or evening, introverts!) for quiet reflection. Grab a pen and paper, and simply write down whatever comes to mind. Don’t judge, don’t censor – just let your thoughts flow freely. After a week, revisit your entries. Are there any recurring themes? Dreams? Fears? These insights will be your guideposts. As a freelancer you need to be really close to your own goals, because this will provide the only way to keep progressing even as an introvert female.
Step 2: Define Success on Your Terms (It’s Not About the Numbers)
As maximalists, we can easily get caught up in the follower count game or the ever-elusive dream of „going viral.” But trust me, true fulfillment comes from building something that aligns with your values and brings you joy.
Early on, I measured success by the number of email subscribers I had. But when those numbers stagnated, discouragement set in. Then, I remembered why I started – to connect with other women who, like me, craved authenticity. So, I shifted my focus. Instead of chasing numbers, I focused on creating content that resonated with my ideal audience. The shift was magical. The comments, the emails, the genuine connections I started making – that was true success for me.
Action Step: What truly matters to you? Do you crave deep connections with a small, engaged audience? Or is reaching a wider market more important? Write down your ideal definition of success. Visualize it. Make it your north star as you navigate the freelance or business owner journey.
Step 3: Embrace the Power of „Enough” (Because It’s Okay to Not Do It All)
Maximalists, this one’s for you: You don’t have to do it all, and you certainly don’t have to do it all perfectly. There will always be another course to take, another skill to learn. But the key to thriving as an introvert is to prioritize your energy and avoid burnout. For me, that meant setting realistic goals and saying „no” to projects that didn’t align with my vision.
Action Step: Make a list of all the things you think you „should” be doing to be successful. Now, be ruthless! Cross off anything that doesn’t spark joy or directly contribute to your definition of success (from Step 2). This streamlined list is your new roadmap.
Step 4: Find Your Tribe (Because You Don’t Have to Go It Alone)
Being an introvert doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. There’s a whole world of female freelancers and business owners out there who understand the struggles you face. Finding your tribe, your community of like-minded women, can be a game-changer.
Here’s how I found mine:
- Online communities: Facebook groups, online forums, and even platforms can be fantastic resources for connecting with other introverted, maximalist women.
- Industry events: Attending workshops, conferences, or even local meetups can help you connect with women in your field. (Bonus: Many of these events now have virtual options, perfect for introverts who prefer to avoid large crowds!)
- Masterminds or Co-working spaces: Consider joining a mastermind group or co-working space designed specifically for female entrepreneurs. The camaraderie, shared experiences, and brainstorming sessions can be invaluable.
Action Step: Do some research! Search online for Facebook groups or forums geared towards female freelancers or business owners in your industry. There are likely industry-specific events happening online or in your area. Take the plunge and connect with a few potential connections.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)
Maximalists can be so focused on the next big thing that they forget to celebrate their accomplishments. But taking the time to acknowledge your wins, big or small, is essential for staying motivated.
Here’s how I do it: At the end of each week, I take a few minutes to reflect on my progress. „Did I land a new client?” „Did I receive a positive comment on a piece of content?” „Did I simply stick to my schedule and avoid procrastination?” I celebrate each of these wins, no matter how small they may seem.
Action Step: Start a „win jar.” Every time you achieve a goal, big or small, write it down on a piece of paper and add it to the jar. When you’re feeling discouraged, revisit your win jar. Seeing that tangible record of your progress is a powerful motivator for my opinion.
Remember, fellow introvert female freelancer, you are not alone! There are countless women out there who are on the same journey as you. By embracing your unique strengths, prioritizing your well-being, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community, you can conquer the challenges of being a freelance or business owner and build a career that lights you up. Now go forth and create something amazing!