day - shit I've lost count

So some time has past after the start of this journey, and I've made progress.  Happy customers, nice results, and money coming in the door.  It's certainly better going than in 2008 when I first tried to go freelance.  I often stop and look back to see the achievements I've made in the business to remind me how far I've come.  It's important to do this, because the path ahead can seem very daunting.  I'm a driven person, I have high goals and it's hard to be patient!

It's a big thing to think you can make it, however it's hard for anyone running a small business, especially one person operations or sole traders to keep up your spirits.  It can get hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you're hanging out for the 20th of the month and your clients to pay.  So there's a bit of pressure on, those bills don't go away.

So what's on my mind?  My mind state to be honest.  I guess this is partly why I started this blog. Writing down the things as I go through them is part of me making sure that I keep on the straight and level.  There's a bit of stress to be dealt with, running a business is never easy, and like anything that brings stress making it go is not an easy thing.

But I've been thinking about all those techniques I learnt in my time in the RNZAF, exercise, planning, doing things you like doing.  During my sergeants qualifying course we talked lot about identifying stressed staff and how to help them through.  It's easier to see it in others than see it in yourself.  Getting to know yourself is the key.  To see the triggers that set you off down one path or another.  Good friends and family also help.  As I posted before, you've got to keep taking pictures, or creating the things you love to create.  It's the "go juice" that keeps you on top of your game, the creativity flowing, and a sense of accomplishment that you can hang your hat on and be proud of.

This has come to the fore again for me today as I realised I hadn't picked up the camera to shoot for a while when I did a location scout this afternoon.  The feel of the tools in hand really did feel good.   Time and time again I rediscover this about myself, however I get distracted and diverted by other things in life.  So make the time, it's worth it to help keep you sane.  We all need a bit of sanity in this world.

There's some resources out there that you can really help.  Depression NZ is excellent.

Am I suffering depression?  A little, at times, but not for the most.  Like all of us I go through ups and downs.  Several friends have often talked about how hard it is to make it in the freelance work, however the word depression is not used.  Still it does effect a lot of people.