We often think that work has to be HARD. We think that's how we'll know when we're doing it right...if it's hard, if we're grinding, if we're hustling, then that's how we'll find success. 

So when we start to do work that is aligned with who we are and that really speaks to our strengths, there are two things that come up frequently:

1. It's actually easy and enjoyable work for us, so we don't value it and we feel weird about charging for it.
2. We keep believing it has to be hard, so we MAKE it hard by following other models or overcomplicating it, instead of doing the work the way it serves us. 

Let me explain. 

Misconception #1: If it's easy, it's probably not "work"

When we first join the workforce, it is usually not a dreamy situation. I know very few people who started working and right off the bat they're in a job that is PERFECT for them. Most of the time it takes us a little while to figure out what we're really good at and where our strengths lie. 

Coupled with the fact that we're taught that work is hard (from society, our parents, our experiences), we're prone to expecting things to be difficult. That's how you EARN a living--it ain't free, right?

So, when we finally find the thing that we LOVE doing--and it comes EASY for us, and we'd do all day regardless of whether we're getting paid--charging for our work becomes a challenge. We just figure since it wasn't that hard (time intensive perhaps, but not "hard"), it probably doesn't count as "real work" and therefore, how can it be that valuable?

Misconception #2: I'll do what is expected because that's "how it works"

The second point is that because we think it needs to feel hard, we overcomplicate the shit out of it. We look to see what others are doing and copy that. We give customers anything and everything that they want, instead of figuring out what structures support us in doing our best work (and therefore delivering more value to clients). 

For instance, you may find yourself: 

• Taking on custom art work even though you really don't like the process of trying to create work based on someone else's vision
• Charging hourly rates even though you despise tracking your time
• Creating packages that go on for months and months when in fact you prefer to do short, intensive projects
• Feeling like you need lots of "bells and whistles" to make your deliverable worth it, when they just end up being more of a headache and taking away valuable time to the core of your work/product

The problem here is that suddenly things start feeling REALLY hard. And when it FEELS hard, your motivation goes away fast. 

Solutions, please!

So what are you supposed to do about it? 

First, figure out what you're telling yourself about what "work" is supposed to look like.

What stories do you have about earning a paycheck? Just because something comes easily to you, doesn't mean it's not valuable. In fact, because you are good at it, I'd argue that often times the end result is MORE valuable. Spend a little time getting clear on what stories you need to let go of.

Then go out into the world and look for evidence of talented people doing work they love AND earning great money for it. See what you can find. I'd say that it's all around (oh hey, Beyonce). 

Second, spend time brainstorming how you do your best work.

Are you motivated by bringing someone else's idea to life, or do you prefer to create your own ideas from scratch? Do you like to work with people over a long period of time to let ideas really develop, or do you enjoy the intensity that comes with short projects?

Get clear on what the ideal scenario is for you to do your best work and then remember that YOU'RE IN CHARGE. 

• If you don't like to do custom orders, don't do them.
• If you don't like tracking your time, don't charge hourly rates.
• If you don't like working with people for long periods of time, don't make that an option. 

I know, I know, it seems simple, but I find that people are constantly doing things that they don't like because "that's how it's done" or "that's what people want." But you don't have to. You just need to restructure how YOU do things. You might worry that some new or unexpected process will push people away, but if you're clear about what your process/structure it helps everyone out. 

If nothing else, remember: 

• Just because you're good at something and it feels easy and fun, that doesn't mean it's not valuable. Stop undercharging for your good work. 
• You didn't get into working for yourself to be a slave to a process or system that doesn't serve you. You can change how you operate so you do your best work. 

Want a few tips on how to streamline your systems? Grab the PDF here: