We’re back talking business and intuition. The first step in learning how your intuition can help you in your career or business is noticing those gut feelings that come along with making decisions. Unsurprisingly, some of the biggest decisions you make as a creative freelancer have to do with the projects you choose to take on. And with great power, comes great responsibility—while it’s a pretty incredible freedom to ultimately get to choose your assignments as a business owner, it can be a journey to get them aligned with your own desires and values.
how to use your intuition as a freelancer
Take time in between projects to revisit your values
Your core values are ideals you hold near to your heart. They are something you incorporate in everything you do, without even noticing. When you’re not aligned with them, such as taking on work that doesn’t sit quite right (for me that’s working for large companies pushing mass produced goods or agencies churning out content just to sell ads), you feel it… Even if it takes some deeper reflection to notice. If you’ve never done a values exercise, it will help you find clarity in all parts of life. I mean, ideally what we spend 8+ hours a day working on fit in nicely with our values. Some examples that ring true for my life and business: creative exploration, meaningful connection, personal growth, and a positive contribution to the world. In fact, the reason so many of us freelancers pave our own way is because of our desire to align with them.
Look out for similar feelings
Pay attention to the feeling you get when you first hear about an opportunity. Those first impressions. It’s not always black and white. Most times, you are intrigued or excited by some aspect, put off by another. But after a while you start to recognize the more subtle signs. One sign I’ve picked up on is when I have an uneasy feeling (my intuition) that I’m trying to reason with and make excuses for why I must be wrong. I have to listen hard to distinguish general nerves that will pass and red flags that will take me out of alignment.
Take advantage of your friends’ intuition
If they understand you on an intuitive level (really, GET you), your closest friends or even colleagues may have the correct answer before you do. Often it’s difficult to listen to our intuition because our egos are out there in front trying to protect us in their own flawed ways, saying “don’t take on this project, it’s risky!” or “do this even though you don’t like it, you need the money” etc. Your friends can tell it to you straight without this doubtful inner voice, just like you would for them. Of course, your decisions are ultimately your decisions, so don’t rely on others to have the final say… Trust yourself and your ability to make the right choice.
