Contributed by: Ed Gandia, co-founder of TheWealthyFreelancer.com and co-author of The Wealthy Freelancer (Alpha Books) 

I caught up with a good friend recently. He’s someone I used to work with back when I was in sales. When I asked him how things were going (he still works with the same company), he wasn’t too cheerful.

“I’m miserable,” he said. “As a company, we no longer take
great care of our customers. And I’m no longer empowered to fix customer problems, which makes it extremely difficult when you’re working hard to build customer loyalty.”

I feel for him. Yet it’s these types of stories that remind me of how good I have it.

As a solo professional, I get to make the rules. I can provide excellent service and value to my clients. I don’t need to ask permission to make something wonderful happen.

I also set my own hours every week. I can work from my patio when the weather is nice. I can work out of a coffee shop if I need a change of atmosphere. And I don’t have to deal with a boss who discourages taking time off.

Yes, life is good when you’re a freelancer… and I’m thankful for that.

Coincidence? I Think Not!

In fact, I’ve come to the realization that the more thankful I am, the more great things I seem to attract.

Not sure how I discovered this. I only remember that one day I decided to add “gratitude” to my morning routine. Rather than focusing on the things I didn’t have, I began to focus on what I DID have.

A loving family. Good health. Freedom and liberty. A beautiful home. A wealth of opportunity.

Not long after that, my career took off. Things began falling into place. A few years later, I launched a freelance business. And I was able to leave my full-time job without missing a beat.

Those Guys Were on to Something

I’m not the only who believes in the power of gratitude. As I looked more into this, I found out that all the great thinkers, philosophers and prophets throughout history made gratitude one of the cornerstones of their teachings.

I realize that this may sound hokey to some. But I guarantee you that if you start making gratitude a way of life, things will only get better for you. You’ll attract more of what you really want.

And you’ll truly become a “wealthy” freelancer… in many more ways than just financially.

We all have much to be thankful for. So if you’re not doing so already, start expressing that deep sense of gratitude today and every day. And let me know how things improve for you.

Ed Gandia is a successful freelance copywriter, marketing consultant, speaker, coach and author.  An expert on the topic of successfully transitioning from employee to solo professional, he took his part-time freelance business from zero to a six-figure income in only 27 months — without sacrificing his paycheck or putting his family’s financial future at risk. 

Ed is the co-founder of TheWealthyFreelancer.com and co-author of The Wealthy Freelancer (Alpha Books).  He also recently established The International Freelancers Academy.