Steve WoodsonWhile eating lunch today I made a random connection. My pursuit of full time freelance has some commonalities with my love of spicy foods.
I know, what? But hear me out!
🔥 Both lead to meaningful personal connections
There's something about spicy food that fosters connection. Splitting an extra hot pepper with a brave friend, sharing homemade sauces, going overboard with the Carolina Reaper. All memorable moments shared together.
Similarly, sharing more of myself and my process has led to some wonderful conversations with other freelancers. They've been generous with their time and advice, and I've been able to help them too. Memorable moments shared together.
🔥 Both require building up a tolerance
I now enjoy hot sauces containing some of the hottest peppers in the world. I wasn't always that way, but I liked trying something a bit hotter than I was used to and over time I got used to it. I built up a tolerance.
Working as a freelancer requires a tolerance for rejection and uncertainty. I'm still early in my journey, but I know I'll get there the same way. A little bit at a time, I'll build up a tolerance.
🔥 Both are notorious for their highs and lows
The Capsaicin leads to a pain response in the form of endorphins, so if you eat something spicy enough you literally feel a high as a result. If you go a little overboard, you're going to have some lows to deal with later.
There's no greater high than to land a project based on your merits, work the way you work best, and deliver an exceptional end product of which everyone is proud. Nothing quite like pursuing an opportunity and not getting it.
It could be the spicy ramen high, but I think the connection works.
Are you into spicy food and hot sauces too? I'd love to hear what your favorites are lately!