Shifting ‘i’m behind’ mindset

Hi,
In my freelancing I had toned things down over the last 6 months ish – while doing a part time job at a magazine and working on a book proposal and first chapter. I started submitting this just before christmas, but had a few rejections / no replies – and realised that actually I wanted to invest in my income generating work again while I build up my audience online (based on feedback from an agent). This feels right to me! And not like I’m running away due to rejection, which I had been onto myself about.
Now that I’m starting to tone up the freelance pitches though, something that is coming up is: ‘I’m behind’ – because I haven’t been in touch with these people for a while. And think this has actually been stopping me submitting…
Then I thought about it and realised this is ridiculous. I know why I stepped back (to focus on book, which may be less visible work, but is important to me in the long-run) and ultimately I think people don’t care / think about me that much / won’t care if I’m submitting good ideas again.
I also reminded myself that before going freelance in journalism last year, I’d had 2 whole years out of the industry… while I took a 6 month career break to travel, then worked at a charity in between. And if THAT wasn’t too much time out to come back into it, then 6 months of working for a mag and on a book proposal surely cannot make me too behind to re-enter.
Any extra tips on shifting the I’m behind mindset to I’m right on time would be much appreciated.
Many thanks

 

 

Answer:

Everything here in the last paragraph sounds great. Do you believe what you’re telling yourself? How can you continue reminding yourself of all these things when the doubts creep in?

Keep being on to your brain. It always wants to take the easy way. Instead of being ridiculous, how does it make perfect sense?