Comments on: Why Being An ‘Average’ Freelancer Might Just Be Enough

By: Matthew Cornell

Matthew Cornell — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:13:22 +0000

A well-said article on a topic that is not PC. A book that (surprisingly) is very supportive of this is Patricia Madson’s “Improv wisdom.” Lowering our standards (in a productive way) is one concept. More here, FYI:

Matt’s Idea Blog: Great time management ideas from the world of improv wisdom
http://ideamatt.blogspot.com/2006/07/great-time-management-ideas-from-world.html

On perfectionism: The author spurs us to boldly lower our standards (!), a notion that I initially rebelled against, but which started making sense. Too often I worry about doing the best job in the world - really “nuking” a task - when I could get by with less. If this sounds like a cop out, don’t sweat; what she’s really telling us is to listen to ourselves. She notes that the idea of “thinking outside the box” really means seeing what is really obvious, but, up until then, unseen. In other words, trust yourself - the “easy” solution is most likely a great one!

By: Bryan’s Blog » Blog Archive » Average Is Exceptional

Bryan’s Blog » Blog Archive » Average Is Exceptional — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:57:44 +0000

[…] about me, if you’re interested. Thanks for visiting!Lea Woodward, over at Freelance Switch, lays out why average can become exceptional. It’s a topic I’ve considered for a long time, especially during my recent […]

By: Karen J Lloyd’s Storyboard Blog » Some Suggested Reading While I’m In Hell Week

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:46:37 +0000

[…] Why Being An ‘Average’ Freelancer Might Be Enough […]

By: Nickie

Nickie — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:47:03 +0000

Just what I’ve been needing to hear for a while. Thank you for your wise words.

By: Rachelle Matherne - Five by Five PR

Rachelle Matherne - Five by Five PR — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:40:14 +0000

I love this post, Lea, and I totally get what you’re saying. I especially related to the list at the end. Being in PR means having to be at peace with not being the center of attention. That works for me, because I prefer being behind the scenes. Anyone reading a book review/interview/etc. with one of my clients would never know that it happened because of me…but I do, and the client knows, and that’s what matters.

By the very nature of our jobs, freelancers are not traditional. So it would seem traditional measures of success wouldn’t be sole indicators for us. I feel like a huge success already because I broke out of the machine of working in a dimly lit, 3×3 grey cubicle for someone else, confined to the hours of 9 to 5. (Ok, that doesn’t descibe my most recent job, but still.)

Plus, if I need to go get my tire fixed in the middle of the day, I can. If I want to take my favorite aunt out for a two-hour lunch, I don’t have to get permission from someone else. If I want to make a healthy lunch for myself instead of grabbing something greasy on the go, I can.

Sure, I’ll have to work later in the evening to get caught up, but I don’t mind at all. I’m doing what I love, and on (mostly) my terms, so that, to me, is success.

By: Trevor Davis | Blog | Weekly Link Round-Up #17

Trevor Davis | Blog | Weekly Link Round-Up #17 — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:51:18 +0000

[…] Why Being An ‘Average’ Freelancer Might Just Be Enough […]

By: IttyBiz » When Fine Is Plenty

IttyBiz » When Fine Is Plenty — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:03:09 +0000

[…] Lea Woodward, who I love. Lea writes for Location Independent Living, which rules. Her post, titled “Why Being An ‘Average’ Freelancer Might Just Be Enough” was totally awesome and should be required reading for everyone above the age of 15, freelancers or […]

By: Lea Woodward

Lea Woodward — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:37:21 +0000

Ah sorry for my absence everyone - internet issues here in South Africa!

Thank you all for the very thought-provoking comments and good discussion. To clarify my view…the article was not to encourage “settling”, nor being “mediocre”…although it’s all relative and I guess how you read this article depends upon what your definition of the word “average” is.

By it’s nature, it’s a comparative word which means that if you’re average, you need to define what you’re comparing yourself with…if it’s Pulitzer prize-winning writers, then being “average” might be ok. If it’s 5th graders, then perhaps it’s not - particularly if you’re hoping people will pay for your skill!

Ultimately if you’re doing your best and always striving to fulfill your potential then take time out to appreciate that - don’t look around and wonder why it’s still not “good enough”…your “average” could well be someone else’s “exceptional”!

By: em

em — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:08:47 +0000

The question is what determine your exceptional - your dna (touch of god, bla bla etc.) or things you really do to improve your skills?
I say that there are 1% of exceptional designers and 99% of average (roughly speaking).

By: Matthew Hunt

Matthew Hunt — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:04:02 +0000

I think the message is clear after a view comments. Strive for greatness and add that greatness to the rest of the world. But by no means allow it to consume you. If this is happening, the feeling of success may never come, even if your income and recognition proves it. I think people at this level have grown enough to know that they are good at what they do. These people also are smart enough to know that there will always be someone better. But when you are at the bottom it is a depressing situation. The way I battle this is to think of it in a different perspective. My work is a means to a happy life, not a depressing one. Work your hardest, but don’t let it get in the way of happiness.