So we’re all ready to tackle our next project. We are organizing schedules. Movement and mindfulness are present in everything we do. But one thing we cannot forget is to stay open. Open to change, opportunity, new experiences, and obstacles. 

Just recently I received a text asking if I could meet with a potential client the day of, by the early afternoon. Immediately I began to think of why this last-minute meeting was a bad idea. I did not have time to prepare, my headache was getting worse, and I had other errands I need to run. 

Then I remembered it’s important to stay open. I really wanted to work with this client, so showing them I am flexible was a good sign. I re-prioritized the things I had to do. Took some vitamins and medicine to help me power through the meeting. 

While I haven’t heard back yet from my potential client, I honestly think the meeting went well. Most importantly, I am proud of myself for staying open to the varying schedule and opportunity. 

4 Tips for Staying Open

That scenario was a wake-up call for me. So timely for it to happen as my last little test before I go into the rest of my quarter blazing! I want to be prepared for the next time I have the chance to experience something new or different: 

• Leave openings in your schedule

  As a freelancer, it’s easy to want to book everything on a specific day but you will soon learn the importance of giving yourself breathing room. It’s important to also apply that principle to your everyday life. Don’t book back to back meetings if you don’t have to. Allow yourself 1 hour and 30-minute breaks to squeeze in a last minute opportunity if necessary. 

• Tackle smaller task early

  This will allow you to cross more things off your list. You will feel better about taking on more tasks because you’ve gotten so much completed. It will also allow better estimating times of when you will get remaining projects done before you schedule something new. 

• Delegate when possible

  I get that you want to do everything to make sure it’s done right and the way you want it. I share that sentiment, but some tasks will get done no matter who does it, so let someone do it if it’ll help you do more of the important things that you love. 

• Always expect opportunity

  If you know there is a chance something may come up just because you want it to, then believe it will and plan for it. If it doesn’t, then you’ve left space for other opportunities. When it does come to fruition you will be open. Content courtesy of  Amanda Reese, Founder of  Blueprint Concepts, an experience-focused marketing firm that provides growth strategy to entrepreneurs and creatives.

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  Contributing Author, Amanda Reese

  As Blueprint Concept’s chief consultant, Amanda does more than drumming on a keyboard. With more than 6+ years of experience in marketing and branding, she’s obsessed with new innovative storytelling and curating experiences to go along with them. When she’s not empowering women and small businesses to be differentiators, she is exploring health and wellness (or watching reruns of The Office). Throughout her career, Amanda has worked with many industries including — education to entertainment, and sports to nonprofits.

  Amanda also writes for the So Selfish Blog, and you can follow her @theamandacheri @theblueprintconcepts and check her out her Facebook & Twitter.