Hey Freelancer 👋

Let’s get real for a second:

You’re constantly building. Your to-do list never ends. You're showing up for clients, pitching, learning, growing...

And underneath it all? You're tired.

Freelancing can be energizing—or exhausting.
This week, we’re talking about protecting your energy so you can stay consistent, sharp, and excited about your work… without running yourself into the ground.

1. Redefine Productivity

Not every hour needs to be billable. Not every task has to be optimized.

True productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.

• Start your day with ONE priority, not ten

• Block “focus time” without distractions

• Schedule breaks before you need them

👉 If you don’t plan for recovery, burnout becomes inevitable.

2. Protect Your YES

The fastest path to burnout? Saying yes to the wrong projects—or too many of the right ones.

• Take on only what aligns with your goals, not just your skills

• Build in buffer time (not every hour should be scheduled)

• Have a “minimum filter” for what you agree to—based on money, interest, or growth

👉 Every yes is a no to something else. Choose wisely.

3. Create Recharge Rituals

Motivation doesn’t always strike on cue. That’s why you need habits that restore your energy—before it crashes.

• Take walks or mid-day workouts to reset

• Start the day without tech—even 15 minutes can change your mindset

• Use journaling or reflection to reconnect with your “why”

👉 You don’t need a 3-hour morning routine. Just find one thing that brings you back to yourself.

4. Don’t Build Alone

Freelancing can feel like a solo sport—but connection keeps you going.

• Join a freelancer group, mastermind, or community

• Meet up virtually (or in person) with someone doing similar work

• Share your wins—and struggles—with people who get it

👉 Isolation drains energy. Belonging restores it.

5. Know When to Stop

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop.

• Stop taking projects that aren’t worth the stress

• Stop working through exhaustion

• Stop chasing every trend and focus on your lane

👉 You’re building a life—not just a business.

This Week’s Challenge

Audit your freelance life:

• Where are you spending energy that doesn’t come back to you?

• What can you say no to this week?

• What’s one new habit that could restore your energy daily?

📩 Want Freelance Friday in your inbox every week?
Subscribe here → https://freelancefridaynewsletter.com

Talk to you next Friday,
Michael Fleischner

Get FREE Stuff!

📩 Help us reach our goal of 10,000 subscribers! Refer 3 friends → Get our exclusive “Freelancer Pitch Guide”

• Refer 10 → Free 30-min freelancer coaching session

• Refer 25 → Featured in Freelance Friday + shoutout on LinkedIn