Why we should measure backward, not forward
You know those days when you look at your goals, and they seem as distant as ever? When your dream gig - one that brings you joy and pays the bills - feels more like a mirage than a destination?
You know those days when you look at your goals, and they seem as distant as ever? When your dream gig - one that brings you joy and pays the bills - feels more like a mirage than a destination? Or what you are trying to achieve feels like moving away instead of getting closer.
Well, I had one of those weeks. After talking with some seasoned pros, who've been building communities for years and with deep pockets, I felt discouraged and intimidated. 😓 (Shoutout to Matteo for lending an understanding ear.)
But then I remembered a concept from James Clear: measuring backwards, not forward. 📐
Here’s what I mean…
What if we stop obsessing over how far we have to go, and instead look at how far we've come? Like, did you reach out to three new potential clients last week? That's awesome! How about making it four this week?
So here's my idea:
Celebrate your weekly wins: Find a few things you care about and keep track of how you're doing. It could be new conversations started with leads or making time for sport. I find it helpful to block out time in my calendar to reflect on my weekly wins.
Build on what works: If you managed to post twice last week, can you make it three times this week? Little steps build momentum.
Focus on small growth: Focus on achievable improvements. Maybe it's taking a 15-minute break to walk around the block, or drinking an extra glass of water instead of coffee.
But I know it's easy for good ideas to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. That's why I'm inviting you to our monthly reflection session. It's a chance for us to appreciate our progress and set our intentions for the next month.
👉Join us 👈
The shortcut
Ever found yourself struggling to put into words what you do and how you support your clients?
Let's break it down and make it easier. Here's a simple structure you can follow. Keep in mind, it's always a good idea to tweak it a bit based on who you're talking to.
Option 1
🎁 Service: What do you do that helps others? (I organise, I simplify, I facilitate, I design)
👩🏻💼 Market: Who do you usually work with? (Which industry, size or type of the organisation, or professional role)
💎 Result: What's the positive change or transformation they see? (They get..., they achieve..., enabling…, by reducing…, by increasing…)
Option 2
🤓 Expertise: What area of expertise or specialisation do you have? (I specialise in..., I am an expert in...)
🎁 Service: What is the main service you offer to clients?
👩🏻💼 Market: Who do you usually work with? (Which industry, size or type of the organisation, or professional role)
💎 Result: Whats their main problem, and what is the transformation and improvement they get from your services? (They struggle with… and gain..., benefit by..., they save...)
Interesting opportunities for you
I've been digging through job boards and Slack channels to save you some time. Here is a selection of freelance opportunities in the climate and social impact space just for you:
PR/Media/Account manager - Climate PR Agency
Freelance PR - ACT Climate Labs
Marketing and Client Support - ChangeLab
RFP - Gender Sensitive Communication Toolkit Update - European Institute for Gender Equality
Content Writer - Climatebase
Communications Consultant - Global Narrative Hive
Project Manager for an event - Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL)
Resource development coordinator - The International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF)
Fundraising consultant - World Cities Culture Forum
Facilitator & documentor - Lankelly Chase
Learning & development needs assessment - Kaleidoscope Trust
Data consultant - Ekō
Sustainable software design & build - Product for Net Zero
Full Stack Prototype Developer - My Climate Plan
Web Designer - Third Sector Design
Brand Designer, Product Designer - Build Change
Senior Product Designer - Projects by IF
Senior Product Designer - Dashboard.earth
UX Researcher - Bloom Works
Access the details here
👉 If you found an interesting opportunity and want to share it with the community, click here.
What's happening at IMMA?
🎬 A sneak peek at what's happening behind the scenes:
Thanks to everyone who has been giving feedback on the 'Design your offering' prototype. 🫶 It's coming together and I'll soon reveal more details about the pilot programme.
The photos from the shooting we made in May arrived and it will be cool to update the website over the coming weeks. Thanks, Mel for the support.
I started to work with Oluwaferanmi to figure out how we can partially automate the job board sifting, it usually takes at least 3 hours, so that would be a game changer 🤞🏼
I launched the 'Are you ready to freelance quiz'. I wrote how I felt about it here.
Over the coming weeks, I will need to start taking on more client work to be able to continue financing IMMA. I have very mixed feelings about this and how it will impact my life and progress. Some days I wish I would be rich. More on that soon.
What's happening next?
Join us for the next Impactful Connections event, your monthly dose of meaningful networking! Meet freelancers and solopreneurs, engage in valuable conversations, and expand your network.
Tuesday, 20th of June from 6-7pm CET
I will be in your inbox again Friday 30th of June 👋
Here's to celebrating each step we take, however small they may be.
Chat soon,
Lilli