As an independent contractor, you have no guarantees beyond the commitments you have in place right now. Your broader sense of freedom – compared to someone who works in an office – means you can dictate where your efforts will be spent each day. But it also means you have an ongoing responsibility to your bottom line and self-preservation. Your challenge is to find ways to not just get by today, but to thrive for years to come.

Every freelancer needs to be highly attuned to the health of their professional existence, as any long-term success depends on knowing what you’re working on next and when money is coming in.

Establishing that long-term success begins with mastering your short-term professional outlook. This is achievable through filling your calendar with productive tasks, limiting projects with undetermined benefits and fighting off your fear of missing out.