Freelancing isn’t just about managing projects or taking up work constantly. Sure, that’s part of it, but it’s also about mastering your mind and bringing about a balance between your career and life. The mindset you bring to your freelance business will separate you from those who are just getting by and those who are thriving.
The number of self-employed workers has been on the rise in the UK since 2001 and they now account for around 15% of the working population. But of the 4.2 million individuals who operate as solo self-employed in the UK, it has risen by just 889 from 2023. This is largely due to the chaos of deadlines, client demands and managing work and life. But here’s the thing, successful freelancers have something in common, they share a growth mindset that sets them apart from amateur freelancers.
At Work Your Way, we’re all about giving freelancers the tools, mentorship and support they need to grow, both personally and professionally. So, let’s take a look at five key mindset shifts that will help you step up your game.
1. Ownership: Take Control of Your Freelance Career
Freelancing isn’t a job, It’s your business. If you’re still thinking of freelancing as just a way to “make money on the side” it’s a problem and it’s time to shift that mindset. When you start seeing your freelance career as a business, everything changes.
Freelancers who take proactive control of their careers, whether it’s by improving their skills, developing a personal brand, or learning how to market themselves have a higher earning potential.
Pro tip: Start thinking about your freelance business the way an entrepreneur would. Clay and Preston’s Podcast – Freelance to Founder has some useful pointers to start your journey. What are your long-term goals? What’s your plan for getting there? By answering these questions, you’ll start treating every project as an opportunity to grow your brand. And if you are looking for more insights on how to set up your company, check out our guide on Sole Trader vs Limited Company: What’s Right for UK Freelancers in 2025?
2. Resilience: Bouncing Back Stronger After Setbacks
Freelancing isn’t for the faint hearted, it comes with its fair share of challenges. There will be slow months, tough clients, missed deadlines, setbacks and project cancellations. But what really sets successful freelancers apart is resilience – the ability to bounce back when things don’t go according to plan.
70% of successful freelancers say that mental resilience is one of the key factors in their long-term success. It’s easy to get discouraged when things aren’t going well, but if you can build mental resilience and learn to recover from setbacks, you’ll be miles ahead of those who give up at the first setback.
Pro tip: Stronger by George Everly Jr. is a good read to build your resilience by focusing on small, achievable goals. Even if you only take one step forward today, it’s a step in the right direction. Also, make sure to take care of your mental health. Exercise, meditation, or just taking a few minutes to step away from your work can do wonders for your mindset.
3. Confidence: Recognise Your Value and Own It
If you don’t believe in yourself, neither will your clients. Confidence is key to freelancing. It enables you to ask the right rates, handle tough negotiations and build strong relationships. But it’s not about pretending to be something you’re not; it’s about knowing your value and not being afraid to ask for it.
Confidence matters as much as competence to succeed. Freelancers who lack self-confidence actually earn 30% less than those who have faith in their skills. It all comes down to the mindset shift of truly believing that what you offer is worth paying for.
Pro tip: Start by recognising your strengths. What makes you stand out? What feedback have you received from clients that shows the value you bring? The more you remind yourself of your worth, the more others will too. And don’t forget, confidence comes from experience. One way to stand out from the competition is to develop new (multiple) skills.
If you’re unsure where to begin, Work Your Way can help you grow your business with confidence.
4. Boundaries: Protect Your Time and Energy
Freelancing gives you freedom, but if you don’t set boundaries, you’ll end up overwhelmed and burnt out. Freelancers tend to have a tough time saying “no” especially to clients, as they think they’ll lose clients or miss out on opportunities. But without boundaries, you’re just setting yourself up for burnout and exhaustion.
Pro tip: Establish your work hours and stick to them. Be clear about your availability with clients and don’t be afraid to turn down work if it doesn’t align with your goals or if it’s too much. Setting boundaries ensures that you have time to recharge, which makes you more productive in the long run.
5. Self-Discipline: Stay Consistent and Productive
Freelancing requires a lot of self-discipline. You have the freedom to set your schedule, but that also means you have to be responsible for your own productivity. Without self-discipline, it’s easy to let projects pile up or fall behind on deadlines.
Self-discipline is the biggest barrier to growth. It’s a big challenge, but one that you can tackle by creating a routine and sticking to it. Without discipline, freelancers may struggle to manage time, stay focused, and meet deadlines, which are essential for long-term success.
Pro tip: Create a daily schedule and treat your freelance work like a regular job. Use time management tools like Clockify to stay on top of your projects. And most importantly, hold yourself accountable. Being disciplined doesn’t mean working longer hours, but working smarter and sticking to a routine.
Conclusion: Transforming Your Freelance Career with the Right Mindset
Making these five mindset shifts – ownership, resilience, confidence, boundaries, and self-discipline, will set you on the path to becoming a professional. Freelancing isn’t easy, but by adjusting your mindset, you can unlock your full potential. The more you develop these psychological habits, the more success will follow. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. For more info, you can try The Freelance Mindset.
If you’re ready to take your freelance career to the next level, Work Your Way is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s grow together.
