Discover Ways to Hustle Successfully

 

Discover ways to hustle successfully

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” - Abraham Lincoln

“Hustle” carries a distinct energy. It means different things to different people. I hustle every day only in pursuit of happiness. If you are hustling you are motivating, inspiring, and captivating. A lot of people hustle and burn out. They eventually stop hustling or making progress.

To get there, where you want, you need to hustle. If you like to be more successful, discover how to hustle with these ten habits.

1. Don’t half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing. Even if they are handling several long-term projects at a time, they devote time passionately to the tasks at hand.
2. Building a sustainable business is by caring for people and helping them by offering valuable and innovative solutions to relevant problems.
3. Eliminate distractions that serve no purpose. Highly effective hustlers know refreshing their Facebook feed will not help build their business. They identify time-wasting and least satisfying activity and eliminate them premeditatedly. This includes unsubscribing from unnecessary emails, disabling text notifications, silencing their phone, and watching television.
4. Don’t stress out about making mistakes. Highly effective hustlers know that failure teaches them to be successful. They can get ahead in spite of the occasional mistakes.
5. Strive to improve continuously every day. Personal growth is important to avoid the state of monotony as it stagnates progress. Monotony kills their passion and inspiration for their hustle.
6. Dream larger than life. Highly effective hustlers often pursue ideas bigger than themselves. They often remind themselves, “If it was meant to be easy, everybody would do it.” when they are stressed-out or doubt their judgment.
7. Build a solid network for success with at least one mentor willing to offer guidance. Mentors give an occasional push in the right direction. Their network comprising of like-minded friends helps share their ideas with other people in order to get feedback on it.
8. Be a strategist and foresee the outcome. Highly effective hustlers are outstanding strategists capable of foreseeing the outcome of their actions. They prepare themselves for everything that life throws at them.
9. Embrace total authenticity. They embrace everything about themselves, including the awkward or weird. Effective hustlers create a genuine, unique and special emotional connection with everyone they work with.
10. Do not quit or surrender. Highly effective hustlers follow the mantra, “You don’t lose until you quit, so don’t quit.” Success is not “quick” or “easy” and so they practice patience and let go of the need for instant gratification.

I hope you discover ways to hustle and achieve your goals successfully with these habits. Tell me which of these ways do you plan to put into practice. If you are thinking of a side hustle then here are a few lesser-known and well-known ideas(100+) Do you do anything differently? Happy hustling!

Recommendation
Read the book 'High Performance Habits' by Brendon Burchard. It is about the art and science of how to cultivate and practice these proven habits.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

5 Little-known Side-hustle Ideas

5 Little-known side hustle ideas

Are you looking for a way to make some extra cash? A side hustle is an asset that works for you. It allows you the flexibility to pursue what you’re passionate about like a chance to delve into fashion, shoes, or gaming without quitting your day job. In my previous post, I have shared more than 100 side hustle ideas (click to read).

In this post, I will share with you little-known side hustles ideas to help you make extra cash, especially if you have no ideas or sell-able skills. It does not require much of your time as they work for you all the time.

My first little-known side hustle is called service arbitrage. You can find freelance services in-demand that are offered at a low price on freelancing websites to individual freelancers. Market the services to businesses that need it. Once you are successful in getting a sale, hire the freelancers to deliver the work for you.

You will make money by quoting a higher price to your clients than your freelancers and pocket the price difference as your profit. This is a variant of freelancing. You are outsourcing the work to other freelancers instead of working yourself.

All you need is marketing skills or an expertise in an area to turn it into a service that you can offer yourself on the side to earn some extra cash. You can read about Service arbitrage business here. It shows a step-by-step system you can follow to launch your service arbitrage business.

Here is another one - Online Arbitrage via Amazon FBA. It is an online variant of the service arbitrage. You can easily take advantage of it. Simply find the products in demand like accessories on Amazon for a lower price at retailers such as Walmart, Target, etc and purchase them in bulk.

Sell them on Amazon; it will manage everything for you including customer inquiries, refunds, and returns for orders on Amazon marketplaces, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This simple flipping can earn you at least a 6-figure income. It’s simple and easier than a garage sale. Click here for a complete guide to Online Arbitrage by Nate McCallister that will help you make more money on Amazon.

Now, if you are someone who likes doing nothing here is one more. Collect old, unwanted things from people, do the necessary patch-work and sell it at a higher rate. You do not need to shell a single penny for the product. Modify old and torn clothes to sell it online or offline. Most new trends are actually old trends (well, most of the time).

In an office, you must have noticed unused toner cartridges, imaging units, drum kits etc. piling up in the storage. You can choose to return them or sell toner cartridges for fast cash. They have quick service and the payout is up to $300 per toner.

Here is a fun side-hustle. You can be a game tester (click link) and earn $7 - $9 per game for your opinion. It only takes less than 30 minutes. Though it is not a massive amount of cash, it is fun.

If you love designing or drawing, then you will like this one. It is an online print-on-demand (POD) service, as on TeeSpring, Redbubble, and Merch (managed by Amazon). Simply upload your artwork, product type, and color, price it, and add a product description. amazon will create a product page for you and when a customer buys your product on Amazon, they handle the production, shipping, and customer service with no upfront costs.

Aren't these simply amazing and little-known side hustles? Keep visiting for more ideas, you never know what I will come up with. If you have any, share them with me. Until then you can read 100+ side hustle ideas.

65+ Amazing Side Hustle Ideas

Are you looking for ways to earn a few extra bucks with a side hustle? You'd likely encounter many strategies to mint money. Some sound like quick 'rich schemes'. But there is really no easy way out. You must hustle and bustle.

You may want to side hustle for various reasons:

• Get out of debt
• Pay bills
• Save for college
• Save for vacation
• Extra spending money
• Pay off student loans
• Pay off your mortgage faster

Today, you can leverage the internet to making money. It is no longer a constant and never-ending struggle. Most of these ideas here on the list don’t need a huge investment or a highly specialized skill-set. However, in your spare time, they have the potential to earn you some extra income. Anyone can do it.

If you have not come up with any ideas to side hustle. Here is a list of well-known side hustles - online and offline.

1. Affiliate marketing.
2. Baker.
3. Be a blogger.
4. Drive for a transportation network company like Ola or Uber.
5. Rent your space on Airbnb or any other online rental platform.
6. Beauty consultant with Jafra, MayKay, Oriflame.
7. Sell electronic parts and any used gadgets.
8. Be a local craft vendor or online.
9. Sell perishable goods like cookies, jams, and pickles.
10. Sell products on eBay or Etsy.
11. Be a magazine writer.
12. Run errands on TaskRabbit or Fiverr.com.
13. Be a virtual assistant.
14. Pet sitting (check Rover).
15. Babysitting.
16. Be a DJ if you love music.
17. Catering or a personal chef (join HireAChef).
18. Be a mystery shopper for stores.
19. Caregiving.
20. Product review writer.
21. Personal Shopper (like in the movie 'In Her Shoes').
22. Offer organizing/cleaning services.
23. Dog/Pet Trainer.
24. Write a business proposal.
25. Doula service.
26. Massage service.
27. Furniture making service.
28. Ghostwriting service.
29. Accounting/ Bookkeeping service for small businesses.
30. Build niche websites.
31. Junk hauling services (if you own a truck).
32. Medical transcription.
33. Modelling.
34. Online survey.
35. Click photographs and sell online.
36. Photography service.
37. Video making service.
38. Car wash service.
39. Car flipping service.
40. Proofreading.
41. Assemble a computer.
42. Computer tutoring.
43. Investment management services.
44. Create an e-learning course (Udemy or Teachable).
45. Tutor on Skype.
46. Sports umpire.
47. Teach a language.
48. Counsel on Skype.
49. Grooming services (people/pets).
50. Personal trainer (weight loss, fitness, grooming).
51. Resume writer.
52. Tour guide.
53. Start peer-to-peer lending service or join one like Lendingclub.
54. Teach driving/ music lessons/ yoga (anything you are good at).
55. Teach online or with pre-recorded lectures.
56. Web Designing/ Logo designing/ business card designing.
57. Food Taster (read here).
58. Deliver goods/products/drugs (medication).
59. Scriptwriter.
60. Social media manager for small businesses.
61. Part-time retail job.
62. Theme-party planner/manager.
63. Get paid to answer professional questions.
64. Do home renovations or decorating.
65. Real estate agent.
66. Intra-trade (requires you to invest and generate income).
67. Investing
68. Be a brand ambassador.

Get more side hustle ideas here.

Recommendation:
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

Inspire yourself with these 10 real-world examples (in this book) of how regular people just like you and Nick Loper are earning side hustle income outside of traditional employment. Many have even turned these part-time ventures into full-time businesses.

Here is another book by Chris Gullibeau, with a detailed roadmap that will show you how to select, launch, refine, and make money from your side hustle in under a month. Read, What If It Does Work Out? by life coach and professional side-hustler Susie Moore, who offers expert tips and guidance to help you earn an extra source of income by doing something you love.

Some of the ideas have links you can visit to get more information. I intend to update this list often. Hope this helps.

If your idea is not here on this list, I encourage you to help me add yours. Leave a comment and get your creative juices flowing.

5 Things You Can Do In Your 10 Minute Pomodoro Break

If you have been wondering how to best utilize your break after a 25 minute Pomodoro session, here is a list of things you can do:

1.   Enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, snack, or a glass of water.

2.   You can invest the 10 minutes to a short session of desk exercise.

3.   A small session of meditation or a yoga Asan.

4.   Enjoy a hand or a neck massage.

5.   Clean up or perform a small organizational chore, something you do not dread or find cumbersome.

Leave your desk or work area, get up and walk around. Allow blood circulation. A short break will be refreshing and stimulates problem-solving creativity. Give your mind rest from tasks at hand. This will rejuvenate you for another Time management Pomodoro session. Let's Go!

I recommend you buy a Pomodoro timer with pre-set time (A perfect gifting idea too). It is available in other colors and different time intervals. You will not need to program it either. The timer has a loud alarm and a red light that will blink when the countdown is finished.

You can click the link provided to buy the timer, it will help me generate a small commission to run this blog page.

I hope you do follow the Pomodoro technique to be more efficient, creative, and make more time for yourself to relax. Let me know the way you use the break time and if it helped you.

Is The Time Management Pomodoro Technique for You?

What is Pomodoro Technique?

You must be wondering what is Pomodoro? The Pomodoro Technique is a well-known time management technique. It is easy to implement and can be used by anyone. You need just a timer, motivation and discipline to start using this technique.

The word ‘Pomodoro’ is Italian for ‘tomato’ even though it has nothing to do with tomatoes; the technique helps you focus on work, facilitates efficiency, inspiration, and productivity. In 1980’s, Francesco Cirillo developed this technique using a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato.

The technique focuses mainly on break times to increase productivity, efficiency, and focus. Consequently, you should include work tasks along with breaks in your daily work plan.

In this technique, every Pomodoro session is a 25-minute work session, followed by a 5-minute break. After you complete 4 Pomodoros or work sessions, you can take a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes. You can use it to break down larger work sessions into smaller chunks.

I recommend you use the Pomodoro timer (click to buy in another window) to time yourself. They are fun and functional kitchen timer with preset-times in the plastic finish. It is available in various designs. You can use them for cooking, baking or homework help. If you buy using the link provided, it will help me generate some income to run my blog.

What happens in the Pomodoro technique?

When the brain sees a timer ticking, it works with a sense of urgency and a challenge to complete the task within the duration is created, and a reward at the end of the session - a 5-minutes break.

The technique allows two 5-minute breaks with a one-hour duration. This way the brain is trained to work for short intervals and does not get distracted.

Once you begin employing the Pomodoro technique, you will see an increase in your productivity, efficiency, focus, and motivation. Mind and body do not get burned out in this technique.

Who will benefit? Who can implement this technique?

The Pomodoro technique is for everyone who wishes to be productive, including those who procrastinate, cannot work long hours, including those who find it difficult to concentrate or focus.

Everyone can train their mind to work only for 25 minutes and then play hard for the next 5 minutes. You can exercise, play ball, a quick shower, a snack, a cup of tea or coffee, you can even give a nice warm hug to your mum, child, partner or pet.

During the five minutes’ break, any kind of physical activity reduces the chances of obesity that occurs because of sitting. It takes you away from your workstation, takes your mind off work for a short duration which helps refresh and your mind begins to work with the same fervor.

If you are a Student, Parent, a Writer, Lawyer, Developer, Teacher, Director or even a Manager, we all need to work with time rather than against it. It helps eliminate burnout, create a better work-life balance, manage or reduce distractions to achieve the maximum.

With the Pomodoro technique, you will learn to achieve everything you need to each day and save time in the future. To learn more click here to get a book on 'The easy way to do more in less time'.

Oh nothing! Just Hustling in Pursuit of Happiness

Why side hustle?

What’s a Side Hustle?

Everyone hustles (well, almost everyone!), but side hustle? This is new, and not so new. A side hustle may be something you are passionate about or a way to start your future business until it grows. It is a secondary revenue generator for your day job. And, everyone must have a side hustle. 

On weekends, Shawn teaches fitness and build websites. Francis sells vintage video games, he also designs t-shirts. I work as a part-time freelance writer for the internet. Even senior executives in a corporate, side hustle. Today, many of them consider one side income stream while staying in their corporate jobs.

How does a side hustle help?

Irrespective of how much you make a side hustle helps:

• Reduce stress
• Gives a sense of freedom
• Make you happier (well in comparison to your job, I mean).
• Generate revenue - Anything can be a side hustle if you plan well; they may be low maintenance but high revenue generators.
• Hedge against uncertainties - Today, few jobs are available for an ever-growing population. Globally, the job competition is getting difficult and positions are harder to find. Side hustle works as a perfect backup plan.
• Learn a new skill - Most entrepreneurial side hustles are an effective way to learn new skills.
• Start and build a new network outside your existing network.
• Brings exposure to a newer range of ideas makes you resilient and valuable to others over a period.

It helps build a strong personal brand. People with a side hustle come are across as innovative and ambitious, a leadership quality.

What can you do for a side hustle?

You can do anything for a side hustle.

• Start and run a website, a blog site, social community, eBook etc.
• If you have a skill, make use of it and build something of your own.
• Consulting
• Coaching
• Creating a product or service
• Speaking

Start slow and small. Work on it little by little and it will grow into something significant. For that, you must actually do it. Many side hustles can never be full-time jobs or entrepreneurial ventures.

Oh yes! Do not quit your day job. You cannot lose the goose laying the golden egg, it is your main source of income. Not every side hustle may work out as a full-time entrepreneurial venture. While some experiments may take off.

For instance, Pat Flynn, a successful blogger, and podcaster wrote about his optimistic future after being laid off. He had something to fall back on; his first e-book was a hit and brought in $7900/- that month. 

Companies often restrict their employees to work outside their full-time job. This was the reason I never thought of a side hustle. Many workplaces have comparable stipulations. You must ensure you are not breaking any contracts or rules with your current employer.

Why you must side hustle?

Here are my reasons. When I lost my job in 2007, I had no options to fall back upon (come to think of it, nor did my dad when he lost too.) At work, the young and smart had diverse skill sets and a likely side hustle. I realize it’s good to have options, though you love your job. One colleague had a Great Dane with plans to set up dog breeding as a side hustle which could earn him at least $1000.

A side hustle inculcates some new skills and enhances your outlook. It will earn you financial independence through small business. If you don’t have a side hustle, take some time to yourself. One weekend, just do something you love. You can maintain it if you feel passionate week after week. Moreover, you don’t have to work on it every day or every week, just spend two hours on a Sunday. But just do it because it may teach you something about yourself and makes your life purposeful.

Recommendations:
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

If you really want to know more, I recommend you read this book on how a side hustle can change your life. Here is another good read to find the quest that will bring purpose to your life. Get it for yourself or as a gift for someone special and it helps me earn a small commission to run the blog.
So get going and start a side hustle in pursuit of happiness! If I can do it, so can you. Watch out for my next post on side hustle ideas. Good luck till then and tell me if you got a side hustle.

34+ Affordable & Thoughtful Gifts for this Festive Season

Affordable gifts for the festive season

We are approaching the holiday season and the focus is on gifts. Gifts are an expression of love. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Giving opens the doors to receiving; give love to receive happiness. 

May no gift be too small, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness, and tied with love. – L.O. Baird

Wouldn’t it be better if you give something that did not come from a store? A DIY gift sounds perfect; crafted with love and care. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Wrap fresh homemade or baked items like cookies/ fudge/ jam/ truffles/ granola bars/ chocolate/ pretzels.

2. Donate time/ products/ services to those in need.

3. Wood/ marble serving board/ spice rack/ coasters.

4. Knit/ fabric/ ceramic tile coasters.

5. Handmade fabric scrap keychains or bookmarkers; embellish them with buttons or sequins.

6. Homemade scented candles by recycling graphics designed tea tins.

7. Design a photo book or a decorative photo collage (curate photos from social media).

8. Gift ornaments add colour to brown paper packages.

9. Design a family tree.

10. Honey-sugar face scrub.

11. Create designer hand warmers.

12. Create a life-changing journal/ notebook (De-stress, plan, and manage life).

13. Unique tea/coffee wreath/ Christmas tree.

14. Rock/ Marbles/ Pebbles doormat.

15. Make a crochet scarf.

16. Patchwork throw blankets.

17. Polish old jewellery.

18. Compile a cookbook of their (and your) favourite recipes.

19. Handmade fabric/ felt cell phone holders.

20. Splash neon paint/embroider on a dull umbrella and brighten up the day.

21. Turn a funky placemat into a clutch.

22. Handmade pack of affirmation cards to uplift their spirit.

23. Wellness goodies compile one with bath salts, handmade soap, body butter, and tea.

24. Adorn a leather belt or a classic purse with souvenir pins.

25. Decorate a handbag or a tote bag with charms, fabric tea roses, or decorative rivets.

26. Turn a fancy button or earring into unique jewellery (rings).

27. Stitch a reversible apron.

28. Ornamental bottle stoppers/ Corkscrews (Click the link for ideas).

29. Nail art kit.

30. Designer table runner, you can use any fabric (Click the link).

31. Embroider motifs or phrases on handkerchiefs/ tote bags (Click the link).

32. Beads/ thimble necklace.

33. Print designs/ old photographs on printer friendly fabric to design cushions/pillows (Read here how to print).

34. Design kitchen magnets using vintage brooches (Click the link to see how).

Other Ideas (updated 9 January 2018)
35. Happiness Jar (Read how to make Happiness Jar)

36. Nursery pillow

37. Applique work 

38. Make a poncho.

Bonus Tip:
Convert these ideas into a side hustle. Read my post on 65 side hustle ideas and unknown side hustles too.

Recommendation
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

Supplies you may buy to make the gifts:
Mason Jar (for cookies, happiness jar)
Beads
Cotton tote bags (pack of 6)
Corks and bottle stoppers (pack of 30)
Thimble (pack of 10)

Table runner fabric


Charms


Printable fabric

Jewellery Making Kit


River Rocks


These ideas are affordable and guaranteed to please your loved ones. The ideas are endless, so get cracking and shower them with your love.

If you haven't thought of anything yet, these work perfectly as last-minute gifts. I will be updating this list often with more ideas. Which one is your favourite? Any other ideas, share them with me. Enjoy the festive season with loved ones.

Color(s) of the Year 2018 - Let's Paint!

Color of the year 2018

Colors speak louder than words. As we are close to the end of 2017, the ‘green’ mood lingers (the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year). There are many colors to match the general mood – black, burgundy, tan orange, even soot grey. The verdict for the year 2018 is here.

Pantone’s 2018 color of the year: Ultra Violet

The color corresponds to originality, visionary thinking, and wellness. It represents the future, the imagination, and dreams, while spiritually calming the emotions. Ultraviolet color often relates to the fantasy world with the need to escape from the practicalities of life.

Benjamin Moore sees a warm, seductive tone, and enveloping hue of red, ‘Caliente’ to be precise. As a vibrant, charismatic shade of red, Caliente is strong, radiant and full of energy.

Dulux Colour of the Year 2018: Heart Wood

A beautiful warm pink. You can transform the feel of your home with Heart Wood in different ways. It can be calm or cozy, energetic or relaxed.

Behr’s Color of the Year: In The Moment

It is a cool, tranquil, spruce blue inspired by nature. The versatile ‘In the Moment’ is a soothing, restorative combination of blue, gray and green. The color is perfect for interiors and exteriors. In the moment seems the ultimate for traditional, modern, coastal and global decor.

Glidden Paints by PPG names Color of the Year 2018: Deep Onyx

Deep Onyx is a classic and timeless staple. It is a no-fuss shade of black; encourages a “less is more” approach to décor color. You can use it on an accent wall or as an alternative to white paint on doors, trim and cabinets.

Let me know which is your favorite!

Bag Lucrative Freelance Jobs: Hone Your Writing Skills

Hone Your Writing Skills

Freelancing is making its way as a desirable job for obvious reasons. It offers perks one cannot expect from a regular job. And, presents new avenues for those in need of the exposure.

Budding writers need to struggle for a rewarding freelance writing job. One that showcases and improves their writing abilities while attracting a good pay.

In the beginning, I stumbled upon avenues like online academic writing. I realized ghostwriting, web content writing, press releases are promising options.

Today, I learn every day and inch towards being the best. I look for ways to improve my writing skills by reading. I believe I have a foolproof way to improve writing skills. Here is a step-by-step process, I follow and hope you will find it helpful.

1. Brush Up Your Basics

“Brush up your basics like you do your hair.”

You need to understand the basics of grammar and spelling. Your grammar may be perfect, but it helps if you go back to the basics every now and then.
• Learn to write good sentences
• Choose flavored words
• Write in active voice, avoid passive voice
• Avoid fillers, adverbs, and prepositions
• Compose smooth transitions and flow

Create a writing structure; it helps organize and channelize creativity. It makes your writing more systematic and comprehensible. You will find, it often helps to create a “zero draft” or ‘brain dump’ before you draft your work.

I agree it will be a terrible piece of work. However, having a draft in the mind is not good enough. Pen it on paper and build a good piece upon it. Edit it to make your piece perfect. It will help de-clutter your brain, lets creativity flow, and enhances your writing.

Online resources like Grammar Girl and Merriam Webster are helpful. If you think a workshop will be helpful, join one. Click the links or search for online workshops or writing workshops near you.

2. Read and Research

“If you don’t have the time to read, then you don’t have the time (or tools) to write. Simple as that.”- Stephen King (American author)

Today, in my free time I read all that I can lay my hands on including books, blogs, and social media posts. Reading adds fuel to fire, nurtures perceptions and gets the creative juices flowing. When I began as an article writer, I did research on relevant topics. Because of my passion for in-depth study, I got academic writing offers by clients.

Research and reading sprees help me when I face difficult or unknown topics. It keeps me updated, introduces me to new writing techniques, styles, and methods. This brings lucrative options and offers to take my writing career forward.

3. Write Regularly

“Write regularly, whether you feel like writing or not, and whether you think what you’re writing is good or not.”- Anne Lamott (American novelist)

Write every day, maybe a blog, a diary, or scribble something even if it looks ‘shit’. You must learn to pour your thoughts on paper and make it a habit. Initially, I found it straining, as I had to force myself to pen a few lines. Sometimes it was difficult when I would search for words and phrases to express myself. This could be due to low vocabulary or because I was not clear headed.

Today, I am incomplete without writing. It has become a habit. Now, I notice an improvement in my writing. Sorry, but there is no shortcut as ‘practice makes man perfect’.

4. Keep Pace with the Times

“Keep pace with the present. Take a trip to the moon. Envision the future.”- Uta Hagen (American actress)

Stay apprise on the current affairs to polish your writing skills. Keep track of what is happening around. Everybody wants to hire someone who is familiar with the trends. ‘Old is gold’, however, if you are not aware of the trends, your content will not be original or innovative.
Update your skills, implement them, and add value. Once you improve your writing skills your content will come across fresh. Learn different writing styles and presentation techniques.

It helps keep track of what the readers like and are likely to accept. You can change your style to attract readers as a freelance writer. People will follow you ‘only’ because of your writing style, your tone, and fresh interesting way of delivering a message.

5. Write a Journal

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”- William Wordsworth(Poet)

Yes, keep a ‘writing journal’. Maintain a ‘list of writing topics or ideas’. These can-do wonders to improve your writing skills. Journals are effective means of channeling your thoughts when they clutter your head. You can look back at them when you face a writer's block or are contemplating thoughts and concepts.

Flip through it time and again; it will bring your attention to mistakes and helps you avoid them. List your to-do tasks or references for topics and words to organize your mind. It helps you focus on important tasks.

6. Originality and Innovation

“You were born original, don’t die a copy”- Ben Mikaelsen (Bolivian American writer of children's literature, Touching Spirit Bear)

No content on the internet is 100% original. You may come across content that looks like a copy of something you read elsewhere. The key is to develop your thoughts and ideas. Challenging! Yes, it is. Coming up with fresh and original content is rewarding. This will help you in gaining a good reader base. At the same time, it will land you some lucrative freelance writing jobs.

7. Study the Masters

“Most chess players know, thanks to the study of master games, that two bishops are stronger than two knights or than bishop and knight, though very few know the reason for this advantage and how to turn it to account.”- Richard Reti (Austro-Hungarian, later Czechoslovak chess grandmaster and chess author)

You can learn to write by studying the masters and stealing proven style and technique. Study the magazines and learn to write attention-grabbing headlines. Read children’s books to learn to talk about difficult topics using simple words. Pay attention to words used in reports, reviews, and novels and make a note of them in your journal.

You can also study direct mail and sales copy to polish your persuasive writing skills. Practice empathy in your content by adding some live examples. You can include rich details or borrow authority by including quotes (like I did) and stats. Share information nuggets your readers will love. Nourish your content with ideas, advice, comfort and some inspiration.

8. Expressive Style

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”- Rachel Zoe (Fashion designer and editor)

As time flies by you will develop your own unique style. If you follow the golden rules to write better:
• Use short and simple sentences for better clarity in writing.
• Use simple phrases as it grabs the interest of your reader.
• Avoid long and elaborate sentences.
• Use words and phrases anyone can recount.
• Do not use difficult and flowery (ornamental) words.

Readers find it difficult to comprehend ornamental words. Impress them with short and crisp passage related to the topic. You will create an engaging narrative by telling the reader what you want to tell.

9. Do Not Oversee Editing
“Read more, write less.”

This is the mantra. For that, you must proofread and edit your content. This will polish and sharpen your writing skills and your piece. You can choose a partner to edit and proofread. A fresh pair of eyes will do good. They can help weed out unnecessary words and phrases that clutter your writing.

You can use Hemingway editor to check the readability score. It helps take care of the passive voice, clear away hard to read sentences and make your writing simpler.

If you can describe something in 20 words instead of 100, do it. Proofread as you write; it is effective in forming sentences. It helps structure your writing better. However, do not forget to edit and proofread after you finish writing. Look for other errors in punctuation or grammar.

If you do not have someone to read, use tools like Grammarly, Ginger, and Slickwrite to double check your content. Have a friend or kid read it to check the flow of your content.

10. Read Out Loud What You Write

Reading what you write will improve your writing skills. "Will Strunk (The Elements of Style) got out of this predicament by a simple trick: he uttered every sentence three times."  This helps in many ways:
• Determines whether you have been able to convey your message.
• Omit needless words, proofread, and edit content.
• Learn to express yourself in a better way.
• Identify areas that need improvement.

You will find your content straying and the first draft is very different from the final copy. Reading will help you to identify where you lost track.

Here is the masterly Strunkian elaboration on the nature and beauty of brevity:

Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.

These are all tried and tested methods to hone your writing skills. Hope you found something for yourself to improve upon. If you follow these ten secret techniques, you will see a marked difference in your work. You have the talent, so get behind your desk and inspire your readers.

Recommendations
You can read these books (click the link for pdf) and diligently apply the lessons you learn from these books.
• The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. (Click here to buy)
• Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.
• The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century by Stephen Pinker.
• The Getaway Car: A Practical Memoir About Writing and Life by Ann Patchett

Have you got any other techniques to hone writing skills? Your thoughts and comments matter.