Personal Interlude: A Project Awesome update
Filed Under: creativity, personal
When I’m too busy to write a nice, well-thought out blog post ahead of time, then things are actually going pretty well.
Project Awesome launched a month and a day ago. Since then, I have had no more success in finding a job than before, but everything else has improved dramatically. Freelancing is going very well, with enough work to cover a couple of months, and I haven’t even marketed myself.
Rule #1 has been good. I have lost my temper a couple of times and shared it online, mostly dealing with computer failure. For the most part, I believe my attitude portrayed online has improved very much–you’ll have to let me know if you don’t think so too. I don’t always feel great, but I keep it to myself., which leads me to rule #2.
Rule #2 has probably had the most amazing impact on me out of everything. When I start to feel down, I remember this rule and push onward. In no time, I go from faking feeling good to actually feeling good. My writing has improved and my design skills have improved because I have decided to pretend I am great even if I don’t think I am.
Rule #3– I don’t think I’ve broken this rule. Nobody owes me anything, except my clients, and I take paypal :)
Rule #4– definitely. As I experiment with different topics for posts on this blog, I’ve failed at generating interest with some. But I take it as a learning experience, and it’s helping me tailor where I want to go next.
Rule #5 & 6– sharpening my talent is pretty much my driving goal in everything right now. I’m seeing fantastic results, I think.
I do like working. Even without a job, I find work. Things are fine.
All the rest, I think have been moderately successful as well.
To summarize, I feel much better, and I feel like I’m making real progress in my life goals thanks to Project Awesome. Opportunities keep coming, despite the dire situation of being laid off. Right now, I don’t miss the grind of an office job at all. My stress levels are lower than ever.
If it weren’t for the insurance issue (which I have yet to resolve), I could do this indefinitely.
I hope you’ve been enjoying the blog. I will get back on track with regularly scheduled high-quality posts tomorrow and over the weekend.
Comments
05-14-2009
I’m so pleased to see you both embarking on it and you’re already seeing results.
My project awesome was thrust on me, but I use some of the same rules you do.
I’m not religious or spiritual, but I’ve noticed that throwing positive energy and attitude outward results in it coming back to you. I think it’s because humans are communal, interlinked, so distance ourselves from negative/depressed peeps. It’s shown by research that depressed people are actually reading their situation more accurately, but in terms of affecting people who can help you find gigs, want to see you succeed, or think positively about you and what you are doing, excited, enthused, and positive to many equals someone they are willing to vouch for, recommend, trust, engage with, want to do business with.
The last 4 months of my life, coming near death a few times and spending all that time in the hospital, was a dark time. I’ve reserved those emotions for the fiction, but have been upbeat and positive about surviving and carrying on with people around me while being just factual as I can about the events (or having fun twittering/taking photos of me with leads on)…
So kudos. It ain’t easy, but the benefits make it easier and easier.
As for insurance, keep trying to find a solution and hang in there. Freelancers and small business owners are screwed over by the state of insurance…
05-14-2009
Thanks Tobias. You’re one of those people who always strikes me as upbeat. It does seem to be true that when you’re being positive, good things happen. I too am not religious, but it’s an interesting phenomenon and I think your theory about it being due to our social structure is probably on the nose.
As far as insurance, I keep hoping that nationally something is going to happen here, but I am trying not to pin my future on what politicians manage to do.
And don’t die on us, man. We need your assault rifle skills in L4D. And more books!
05-14-2009
I’m glad it is going to plan. Stick with it. It’s an inspirational project.
05-14-2009
Thank you, Gareth. I will.
05-14-2009
Heh, I’ll do my best!
re: insurance, as I’ve twittered, the solution in Mass. looks to be the best way in the US to bolt one on on top of the existing system.
05-14-2009
I am so glad that the results of “Project Awesome” has been exceptional for you. I really need to apply some of these rules to myself, I haven’t been in a good frame of mind for some time now. Thank you for the inspiration; it is reassuring to read about the struggle and successes of someone you identify closely with.
05-15-2009
That’s so strange, because a few months ago I decided that my goal for this year was to be AWESOME. (You have to write it in all-caps like that.)
I frequently catch myself and ask, “What would an AWESOME person do at this point?” It has been surprisingly helpful.
I have health insurance through Assurant. It’s short-term, 6 months, and kinda pricey, but there just aren’t many options for those of us who don’t have a proper employer.
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