Another important habit mentioned in the book 7 Habits of highly effective people is being proactive : Be Proactive — Take Ownership of Your Freelance Journey This habit teaches that your success begins the moment you take responsibility for your actions, your skills, your growth, and your results. In freelancing, being proactive means you don’t wait for opportunities — you create them. Instead of relying on luck or waiting for clients to discover you, you actively improve your portfolio, sharpen your skills, send proposals, network, and deliver excellence every time. Stephen Covey explains that proactive people operate within their Circle of Influence — the things they can control, like their attitude, effort, and skill-building. Reactive people, on the other hand, focus on problems they cannot control, which only leads to frustration and stagnation. For freelancers, this habit is a game-changer: When you consistently focus on what you can control, you grow faster, attract better clients, and build long-term freedom.