I have a friend who’s a personal trainer.

We meet every few months to catch up. Our chats are often inspired.

She said something during our last get together that stuck with me.

“I prefer coaching people who are coming back from an injury.” She lifts her pint and takes a long sip. “Those who just want to ‘lose weight’ or ‘get ripped’ don’t take training as seriously.”

It made me think about why some can make or break habits and achieve goals easier than others.

Because there’s a greater purpose at play.

When there’s more on the line

Guess that’s why I’ve struggled to start freelancing again.

At first, it was about following the dream of being a professional writer. About switching careers from a six-day-a-week slog to a proper nine-to-five.

And it worked.

For 18 months, I worked as a freelance writer while acting as a Jack Of All Trades for a family-run paddlesports business. A job I held for nearly eight years—until I got hired as a full-time copywriter by a client in 2020.

I’ve been with Alphabet® since. But I stopped freelancing the day I joined the agency.

I told myself I’d start again once I got into the swing of things. Then I said I was too busy.

I haven’t taken on a client to this day.

When you look for an excuse, you find one

To be fair, working full-time, nurturing relationships, indulging in hobbies, and taking care of my well-being takes a lot of energy.

But still…I’ve been itching to take on a client or two. What’s lacking is that big-picture purpose.

I could use the extra cash. Unfortunately, money isn’t a big motivator for me. Never has been. (Good thing retirement doesn’t exist for the middle class, amirite?)

I wouldn’t mind working with different clients than I do at Alphabet®. Brands in industries I’m more passionate about, like fishing or music.

So why don’t I take action? What’s holding me back?

I tell myself I don’t have enough time. Or enough gusto. Let’s call it what it is: an excuse.

I could wake up earlier, put an hour in here and there. I could go to bed earlier, exercise more, and eat better to prevent burnout.

Shoulda, coulda, woulda. But don’t.

It boils down to lack of desire, which stems from purpose.

“What pain do you want in your life? What are you willing to struggle for?”
– Mark Manson

You see, the difference is want versus desire.

I want to start freelancing again. I want the cash and the cool clients. I don’t desire the work it takes to make that happen.

And that’s okay.

At least, I’m starting to accept that fact. Because I work to live; I don’t live to work.

What suits them may not suit you

Everything must be monetized. If you listen to the hustle bros and guru girls online, that is.

No hobby is a hobby anymore. I blame social media and incentivized platforms. If you do something well, don’t do it for free, right?

That’s a lot of pressure. That’s a lot less fun.

Maybe that’s the purpose I’ve been searching for. Maybe freelancing is something I can do just for fun. 

Not saying I won’t charge a client if I get one. But the planning and prospecting doesn’t have to be about the work. It can be about the joy of creativity, falling in love with the process.

It can be about making something for myself instead of earning a living. 

And really, that’s what mends my mind. That’s what makes it worth the weight—the kind of effort that feels good.

The reason I’ve stuck with The Davis Daily so long isn’t because of the traffic to the blog or the likes and comments from readers.

It’s about how it helps me become a better writer and thinker, how it helps me live better. Which is a lot like rehabbing an injury.

Maybe all I need is a different perspective.

Maybe that’s all you need, too.