July 6, 2025
In the dynamic world of gig leadership, success can often feel just out of reach. While passion and drive are essential, certain habits can unexpectedly sabotage even the best intentions. Are you finding yourself caught in patterns that stall your growth?
G-I-G L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P MethodTM
(G) Goals: Set clear goals.
(I) Improve: Improve time management.
(G) Guidance: Seek professional guidance.
(L) Learn: Learn from feedback.
(E) Enhance: Enhance your productivity.
(A) Ample: Give ample time to complete tasks.
(D) Deadlines: Set realistic deadlines.
(E) Evaluate: Evaluate yourself continuously.
(R) Replace: Replace negative habits with positive ones.
(S) Spend: Don’t waste time on low-priority tasks.
(H) Head-on: Address procrastination head-on.
(I) Improve: Identify areas to improve.
(P) Prioritize: Prioritize effectively.
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The G-I-G L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P MethodTM was developed by Lori Stith, The Stoicess, as a course for the Philosophy Leadership CoachTM. Lori Stith teaches the Gig Leadership Method. The Stoicess is Lori Stith’s personal brand, incorporating her coaching and leadership development work rooted in Stoic philosophy.
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As a gig leader, there are many pitfalls that await you. From micromanaging to resistance to feedback, these common pitfalls might seem harmless at first but can accumulate to create significant barriers in your journey. In this blog, we’ll uncover the ten most prevalent habits that can derail your success as a gig leader and provide actionable strategies to break free from them. By recognizing these behaviors and making conscious adjustments, you can cultivate a thriving gig business, enhance your productivity, and ultimately achieve the success you aspire to. Let’s dive into these habits and empower your journey towards lasting achievement!
In the pursuit of success, especially within the gig economy, habits can play a pivotal role. They shape our daily actions, our decision-making processes, and ultimately, our outcomes. Yet, not all habits are created equal. While positive habits can propel us forward, negative ones can hinder our progress, often without us even realizing it. Understanding the impact of these detrimental habits is crucial in recognizing why we might not be reaching our full potential.
Bad habits, like procrastination or poor time management, can create a cycle of inefficiency. When we delay tasks or fail to prioritize effectively, we not only waste time but also create unnecessary stress. This stress can then affect our overall performance, leading to a decline in the quality of our work. As gig leaders, where every project and client matters, this can be particularly damaging. The cumulative effect of these habits can result in missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and a tarnished reputation.
Moreover, bad habits can stifle growth and innovation. For instance, a resistance to feedback can prevent us from learning and improving, while a lack of networking can limit our exposure to new ideas and opportunities. Financial mismanagement can lead to instability, making it difficult to sustain and grow our ventures. By understanding these impacts, we can begin to see the importance of identifying and changing these habits. This awareness is the first step towards creating a more productive and successful gig career.
Procrastination is a common habit that many gig leaders struggle with. It often starts innocuously, with the belief that there is ample time to complete a task. However, as deadlines approach, the pressure mounts, leading to rushed work and subpar results. This habit not only affects the quality of the output but also increases stress levels, which can negatively impact overall well-being and productivity.
The consequences of procrastination are far-reaching. Missed deadlines can result in lost clients and damaged professional relationships. In the gig economy, where reputation is paramount, failing to deliver on time can have significant repercussions. Additionally, the stress associated with last-minute work can affect mental health, leading to burnout and decreased motivation. This creates a vicious cycle where the habit of procrastination becomes harder to break.
To combat procrastination, it is essential to understand its root causes. Often, it stems from fear of failure, perfectionism, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. By breaking projects into smaller, manageable tasks and setting realistic deadlines, gig leaders can make the work feel more achievable. Additionally, using productivity tools and techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, can help maintain focus and momentum. By addressing procrastination head-on, gig leaders can improve their efficiency and the quality of their work.
Time is one of the most valuable resources for gig leaders, yet poor time management is a common issue that can sabotage success. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get caught up in low-priority tasks or to spend too much time on a single project, neglecting other important responsibilities. This lack of structure can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities, ultimately hindering growth.
The effects of poor time management can be seen in various aspects of a gig leader’s career. For instance, failing to allocate time for marketing or networking can limit the potential for new clients and projects. Similarly, not setting aside time for administrative tasks can lead to disorganization and financial mismanagement. This disarray can create a stressful work environment, making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
To improve time management, gig leaders can start by setting clear goals and priorities. Creating a daily or weekly schedule that allocates specific time slots for different tasks can help ensure that all responsibilities are addressed. Using time-tracking tools can also provide insights into how time is being spent and identify areas for improvement. By becoming more intentional with their time, gig leaders can enhance their productivity and create a more balanced workflow.
Networking and collaboration are crucial components of success in the gig economy. However, many gig leaders fall into the habit of working in isolation, missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with others. This lack of interaction can limit access to new ideas, resources, and potential clients. It can also create a sense of isolation, which can affect motivation and creativity.
The consequences of not networking and collaborating can be significant. For instance, without a strong professional network, gig leaders may struggle to find new opportunities or to gain referrals. This can limit growth and make it challenging to sustain a steady stream of work. Additionally, working in isolation can lead to a narrow perspective, limiting creativity and innovation. Collaboration with others can provide fresh insights and help to overcome challenges more effectively.
To break this habit, gig leaders should make a conscious effort to engage with their professional community. Attending industry events, joining online forums, and participating in collaborative projects can help to build connections and expand networks. Additionally, seeking out mentorship or partnerships can provide valuable support and guidance. By embracing networking and collaboration, gig leaders can enhance their opportunities for growth and success.
Effective financial management is critical for the sustainability and growth of any gig business. However, many gig leaders neglect this aspect, focusing solely on their core work. This habit can lead to financial instability, making it difficult to plan for the future or to invest in growth opportunities. Without a clear understanding of their financial situation, gig leaders may find themselves facing unexpected challenges.
The impact of ignoring financial management can be severe. Without proper budgeting and financial planning, gig leaders may struggle to cover their expenses or to save for future needs. This can create a stressful and precarious situation, making it difficult to focus on work and to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, failing to track income and expenses can lead to disorganization and increased risk of financial mismanagement.
To improve financial management, gig leaders should start by setting clear financial goals and creating a budget. Tracking income and expenses regularly can provide valuable insights into spending patterns and help to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, seeking professional financial advice or using financial management tools can provide valuable support and guidance. By taking control of their finances, gig leaders can create a more stable and sustainable business.
Feedback is an essential component of growth and improvement, yet many gig leaders are resistant to it. This resistance can stem from a fear of criticism or a belief that they know best. However, this habit can limit opportunities for learning and development, ultimately hindering success. Without feedback, it can be difficult to identify areas for improvement or to gain new insights.
The consequences of resisting feedback can be significant. Without a willingness to learn and grow, gig leaders may find themselves falling behind in a competitive market. Additionally, a resistance to feedback can create a negative work environment, damaging professional relationships and limiting opportunities for collaboration. This can create a cycle of stagnation, making it difficult to achieve long-term success.
To overcome resistance to feedback, gig leaders should embrace a growth mindset and view feedback as an opportunity for improvement. Seeking out feedback from clients, colleagues, and mentors can provide valuable insights and help to identify areas for development. Additionally, being open to constructive criticism and using it to make positive changes can enhance performance and create a more positive work environment. By embracing feedback and growth, gig leaders can continuously improve and achieve greater success.
In the gig economy, the temptation to take on as much work as possible can be strong. However, overcommitting can lead to burnout, which can have serious consequences for both personal well-being and professional success. When gig leaders take on too much, they may struggle to meet deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can create a cycle of stress and exhaustion, ultimately hindering productivity and growth.
The impact of overcommitting and burnout can be severe. Physical and mental exhaustion can lead to decreased motivation, reduced creativity, and impaired decision-making. This can affect the quality of work and the ability to meet client expectations. Additionally, burnout can lead to health issues, further exacerbating the problem and making it difficult to sustain a successful gig career.
To avoid overcommitting and burnout, gig leaders should set clear boundaries and prioritize self-care. Learning to say no to additional projects or requests when already at capacity is essential. Additionally, scheduling regular breaks and time off can help to maintain energy levels and prevent exhaustion. By creating a balanced workload and prioritizing well-being, gig leaders can sustain their productivity and achieve long-term success.
Breaking bad habits requires awareness, commitment, and a strategic approach. The first step in this process is to acknowledge the habits that are holding you back and to understand their impact on your success. Once you have identified these habits, you can begin to implement strategies to change them. This process may take time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
One effective strategy for breaking bad habits is to replace them with positive ones. For example, if procrastination is an issue, setting specific deadlines and using productivity techniques can help to create a sense of urgency and focus. Similarly, if poor time management is a problem, creating a detailed schedule and using time-tracking tools can help to ensure that all tasks are prioritized and completed on time. By replacing negative habits with positive ones, you can create a more productive and efficient workflow.
Another important strategy is to seek support and accountability. Sharing your goals with others and seeking feedback can provide valuable insights and motivation. Additionally, working with a mentor or coach can provide guidance and support as you work to change your habits. By surrounding yourself with a supportive network, you can create a positive environment that fosters growth and success.
Finally, it is important to be patient and persistent. Changing habits takes time and effort, and there will likely be setbacks along the way. However, by staying committed to your goals and continuously working to improve, you can create lasting positive change. By embracing these strategies and making a conscious effort to break bad habits, you can achieve greater success and fulfillment in your gig career.
In the dynamic world of gig leadership, success is often determined by the habits we cultivate. While passion and drive are essential, certain habits can unexpectedly sabotage our efforts. Procrastination, poor time management, lack of networking, ignoring financial management, resistance to feedback, and overcommitting are common pitfalls that can derail our progress. However, by recognizing these habits and implementing strategies to break them, we can create a more productive and successful gig career.
Understanding the impact of these habits is the first step toward change. By acknowledging the ways in which these habits hinder our success, we can begin to take action to address them. Replacing negative habits with positive ones, seeking support and accountability, and being patient and persistent are key strategies for creating lasting change. By making a conscious effort to break these habits and embrace positive change, we can enhance our productivity, improve our work quality, and achieve the success we aspire to.
As gig leaders, it is essential to continuously evaluate and improve our habits. By doing so, we can create a thriving gig business, enhance our professional relationships, and achieve our long-term goals. Embracing positive change is not always easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By committing to this journey, we can create a more fulfilling and successful gig career, ultimately achieving the success we deserve.
Let’s Chat? Call me….
“1-833-My Stoicess”
(1-833-697-8642)
to schedule an “At My Expense” initial No-Obligation Zoom meeting.
Weekend and evening appointments available.
Lori Stith, The Stoicess,
Christian Leadership, Career, & Life Coach
Stoicmatchmaker.com
July 28, 2025
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