I wrote a post a few weeks back about 3 Quick Tips on How to Stop Burnout in the Ministry Freelance Space and I thought I’d share a few tips on how I choose the right freelance jobs in the ministry space.
This, of course, directly impacts my ability to not feel burnout! I hope you can apply these 3 instantly in your situation so as to save you from an early martyrdom…
Just kidding…
1. Learn to Say No
This is a lesson I apparently can’t learn and that I’m working on every single day of my life.
I’m naturally a people-pleaser so I want so badly to say “Yes” when I really need to say “No.” The fact is that whenever you’re saying “No” to something you’re saying “Yes” to the things that you’ve already committed to doing.
Things like family and your mental health.
How this helps you select the right clients to take on is that it frees you up to say “Yes” to the right ones. It’ll also help you prioritize your time so that you can say “Yes”. Saying “No” is a valuable part of the selection process.
2. Keep the Interest Level High
I’ve found that I simply need to accept projects that have a high level of personal interest. This helps me not accept jobs based solely on the financial value of the contract and helps me long term stay interested and engaged.
The fact is that the more the projects and clients align with your personal interests the more motivated you’ll be to perform well and to do well for them. This, of course, will help you keep your energy high and to keep you in good spirits.
3. The “Do I Like This Person” Test
As blunt (and harsh) as this may sound this particular tip has helped me in countless situations. Here’s the point to consider: Do you actually like the client as people? Do you get along with them?
I’ve found that although the projects themselves might be really cool and that the Mission and Vision of the organization are spot-on, the people running the show could be less-than-fitting for me, personally.
I’ve found that my best work is done with people that I enjoy working with and who’s character is attractive besides their project. And, I’ve found it to be ok to say “No” to a client after learning more about them and by just being honest that, relationally, this project might not have the impact or outcome because of our ability to “connect.”
oschurch says
Hmm. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t disagree with you more on the “Do I Like This Person” test. If you’re looking to maintain the status quo and just keep doing what you’re doing, then maybe that’s fine. However, I find the people that I don’t agree with sometimes and am different from (these are somehow always related to the people I “don’t like” 😉 ) are the ones that I end up learning the most from. While that one project may not be my best work, I usually end up learning invaluable lessons that a lot of my best work comes from in the future. Those people push my horizons and challenge my assumptions. Hanging around those that are different from us is the best way to keep your work moving forward and not getting stagnant. Going through the learning process isn’t always comfortable or easy, but comfort and ease isn’t what helps us grow creatively, professionally or personally.
Kevin
http://opensourcechurch.com
John Saddington says
Kevin,
Good point but I think I wasn’t as clear as I was hoping on that point. Certainly you can learn a lot from those that you don’t agree with and get a long with but in terms of being a good steward of our time and being effective, productive with all that we have to do I’d rather pass. There’s enough help to go around and there’s tons of work to be done.
good point and good reminder though. definitely agree on your point as well!
Marcus Williamson says
4. Learn to say “No”
Can never say it enough. Tough stuff though.
John Saddington says
🙂
PhillipGibb says
The “Do I Like This Person” Test; so long as your First Impressions are not fallible 😉
John Saddington says
yikes!