Weekly digest #47 of 2025

• When a Client Pushes Back on Price, by Austin L. Church — When clients try to talk you down on price, don’t negotiate your rate. Reframe the conversation, Austin suggests. Trim the scope instead of the price, offer a different payment structure, or simply step back and leave the door open for later.
• The Lost Art of Long Thinking — In this podcast episode, Cal Newport explores the skill we’re increasingly losing: long thinking. He explains why it’s essential for producing meaningful ideas and living a deep life, and shares a simple strategy to regain it.
• 6 Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Year of Freelancing, by Jack Nolan — In your first year of freelancing, chaos is normal, but a few mistakes make it harder than it has to be. Don’t treat freelancing like a hobby, don’t underprice, and don’t wait to start marketing until work dries up. Build a buffer for slow months, stop trying to do everything alone, and accept that clarity comes from doing, not planning.
• Breaking the “Nice Girl” Mold in Business — Sara Gibson argues that the “nice girl” mindset leads women in business to over-apologize, undercharge, and soften their communication. She shows how small shifts build confidence without losing kindness. The goal isn’t to stop being nice, but to be clear, grounded, and assertive.
• What I’ve Learned From 20 Years of Goal-Setting — Tiago Forte reflects on 20 years of goal-setting and how small early goals shaped his career, business, and family life. Many ambitions took far longer than expected, some failed, but all taught him who he is. His main lesson: long-term goals reveal your true path and potential.
• How To Handle a Career Identity Crisis — Jenny Holliday explores what a career identity crisis feels like—especially when you do more than one thing or are pivoting. She argues it’s normal, not a failure, and suggests practical steps: define your values, practice saying what you do, update your bios, use mind maps to clarify roles, and seek professional support. Instead of forcing one label, she encourages embracing a blended career identity.

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