Let’s be honest.

Your mindset plays a HUGE role as to whether or not you make it as a creative freelancer or solopreneur.

Success generally refers to accomplishing one’s goals, achieving a desired outcome, or reaching a level of excellence in a certain area of life. It can be difficult to attain without making some changes in your life.

And while there’s no one-size-fits-all definition to success, there are some sacrifices, trade-offs, and things to let go of to help you stop getting in your own way.

That said, here are some of the top Things You Must Give Up if You Want to be Successful:

• Short-Term Mindset—Don’t just think about what is right in front of you right now. Think big picture. Think 5 … 10 years down the road. Remind yourself what’s really important to you. Who you are today is not at all who you have to be tomorrow.

• Playing Small—Do you find yourself avoiding risks and actions that might make you feel uncomfortable? Don’t be motivated by fear or insecurity. You have the ability to unleash your true potential! Get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s where the magic happens.

• Making Excuses—This is what those who are afraid do … or those who self-doubt or lack confidence. Yet, doing so limits and prevents you from growing. If you want to make a positive change in your business, quit with the excuses and take charge of your life.

• Your Need for Approval—Don’t give other people that kind of power. You don’t need their approval. And if they don’t like you? Screw ‘em! You be true to yourself and authentic in your ways, and keep moving forward. You’ll attract your people.

• Toxic People—If someone is negative, manipulative, bullying, narcissistic, or destructive in any sense of the word, it’s imperative to implement boundaries and keep your distance. Those who we spend the most time with have the greatest impact on us. So, choose wisely.

• Fear of Failure—Don’t let fear stop you in your tracks. It’s okay to fail. Many people do … and all the time. So what if you fail?? At least you can say you tried. And that’s so much more than many others can say. Go, be brave!

• Inaction—It’s hard to take action sometimes, whether it’s due to fear, worry, hopelessness, or even sheer laziness. However, every step forward, no matter how big or small, is still a step forward. You’ve just gotta start. You can do it!

• Resistance to Change—A hallmark of a fixed mindset, resistance isn’t always productive. Learn to be open and flexible. Adopt a learning mindset. And see all the upsides and how you can benefit simply by being open-minded, willing, and adapting to change.

• Unhealthy Lifestyle—Pay attention to how you treat your body. It needs a well-balanced diet, plenty of sleep, movement, good hygiene, and moderate alcohol (or whatever your vice) intake. When you feel good, you do good. So, ensure you’re giving your body some love!

• Perfectionism—If you waited until everything was perfect, you’d be waiting forever! Stop being so picky. Take imperfect action. Get that website up, that social media post made, that brand developed. Whatever you’re waiting on, power forward!

• Saying Yes to Everything—You can’t possibly do it all … and do it well. Cut your losses early. Choose the things you’re good at and that you actually want to do. Give yourself permission to say no. And reclaim your time, your peace, and your energy.

Oftentimes, you don’t need to add more things to be successful in your freelance business … to become that individual you were meant to be. Instead, you need to give some up.

Start small. Give up the easiest things first, then start making headway through the rest. You can give up some of these things today … and others tomorrow, or next week, or next month, or even next year.

Whatever you do, get out of your own way. Be Bold. Brave. And completely Badass!

Sound off: What’s holding you back from becoming the successful solopreneur you wish to be?

And remember, I’m here to help if you need it!