You Can’t Grow Without Friction. Lean Into It.
Look, I’m going to tell you something that might sting a little — but you need to hear it.
That feeling of discomfort you’re experiencing right now?
The one that makes you question whether you’re cut out for this freelance game?
That’s not a sign you’re doing it wrong.
It’s proof you’re doing it right.
When I was building my content writing business, I used to think success meant avoiding problems.
Man, was I wrong. Dead wrong.
Every single time I leveled up — from my first $1K month to breaking $100K — it wasn’t because things got easier. It was because I got stronger.
Here’s the truth: Success doesn’t come from avoiding friction. It comes from becoming the type of person who eats friction for breakfast.
Three Types of Friction You Need to Embrace
1. Pricing Friction
Stop charging what makes you comfortable. Start charging what makes you uncomfortable. Then add 20%. If your potential clients aren’t occasionally gasping at your rates, you’re playing too small.
Every time you quote a price that makes your stomach turn, you’re growing. Every time a prospect says “eh… that’s a bit out of our budget,” you’re expanding what’s possible.
Plus, if you’re the best in your field, they’ll pay for you.
2. Delivery Friction
You know that project that scares the hell out of you?
The one where you’re not 100% sure you can pull it off?
That’s your next big breakthrough waiting to happen.
I once took on a bigtime project when I had no business doing so.
I guess I was just really good at talking myself up to the client.
Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Did I lose sleep? You bet.
Did I figure it out and deliver? Of course.
Because that’s what professionals do. It’s what you do.
3. Identity Friction
This is the big one. The one nobody talks about.
Your identity — the story you tell yourself about who you are and what you’re capable of — is like a rubber band. It needs to be stretched to grow.
When you start charging premium rates, landing bigger clients, and delivering higher-value work, your old identity will fight back.
It will tell you you’re an impostor. That you’re not ready. That’s not a red flag — that’s a green light.
Million-Dollar Math
Let me break this down into simple math:
- Comfort = Current Income
- Discomfort × Action = Growth
- Growth + Time = New Normal
- New Normal = 2–3x Current Income
This isn’t some motivational stuff (though it can help there too.)
This is the actual equation for leveling up your business.
Your Action Plan for this Week
- Double your rates for your next three proposals
- Reach out to 5 clients who you think are “out of your league” (they aren’t, and they’re plagued by the same insecurities as you)
- Document every moment of discomfort in a paper or digital pen
- At the end of each day, ask yourself: “Where did I play it too safe today?”
Comfort is Temporary
You know what’s funny about comfort? It’s temporary. Markets change.
Client needs evolve.
Skills become commoditized.
The only constant is change.
So here’s my question to you: If you’re going to feel uncomfortable either way, wouldn’t you rather feel uncomfortable while growing?
The Last Word
Stop seeing friction as your enemy. It’s your personal trainer. Your growth catalyst. Your secret weapon.
The freelancers who make it aren’t the ones who avoid friction. They’re the ones who learn to love it.
Who seek it out.
Who understand that every moment of discomfort is a deposit in their future success bank account.
So tomorrow morning, when you wake up and feel that knot in your stomach? Smile. That’s not anxiety you’re feeling.
That’s your business growing.
Now go make friction your best friend.
Remember: The gap between where you are and where you want to be is filled with uncomfortable actions. Start filling it.
