Anyone who knows me knows that I care a great deal about the legacy I will someday leave behind. For me, it’s never been about how much wealth I leave behind to my children’s children’s children(although that is important to me) but it’s more about leaving behind a legacy that impacts the world in such a way that people are inspired to move forward even when I’m no longer here to push them. I am a firm believer that Martin Luther King Jr. did just that. While I never had the opportunity to meet him or even lay eyes on him(except in history books) he was a man who’s life AND legacy still impacts the world today. Imagine that. A dead man is still changing the world. That’s a powerful legacy to carry on.

Today, in honor of the nationally celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. day, I want to share 5 lessons Martin Luther King Jr has personally taught me about freelance writing:

“Whatever your life’s work is, do it well”

If you have been following my blog for any length of time now you know first hand that I was propelled by life to hop into freelance writing full time. Now that I am in this journey full time, I have realized that this is literally my life’s work. To inspire others through my writing. Martin Luther King’s advice on doing your life’s work well is what inspires me every single day to never settle for mediocrity and to never rest until my work is done, well.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

When most people lose their jobs they lose their identities, their peace and since of pride. When I lost my job before I became a full time freelancer, I gained so much more including: faith, peace and purpose. I would have never been able to gain any of that had this happened years ago but MLK remind me that the ultimate measure of a person is who they are during challenges. What does your reaction to life say about you and who you REALLY are?

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

As a freelancer life will come at you FAST and despite how fast it comes, you still have to keep moving forward. It might hurt and times may get harder before they get easier but if we all learn how to stay the course, a great reward awaits us all.

A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.”

I’ve had so many conversations with freelance writers about how they often feel as if they are being taken advantage of by businesses who don’t pay them what they are worth. As a rookie in this “full time game” I have come to realize that no one can take advantage of you unless you let them or unless your back is bent. Learn to straighten your back and say no when necessary.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”

As a freelancer it’s so hard to get so caught up in chasing your next gig, your next opportunity and even your next client and sometimes you simply need to stop and ask “what are you doing for others?”

Me personally? I created a micro job platform that’s created to help African American women freelancers connect with companies, individuals and brands across the world. It is also a platform that helps companies struggling to hire diverse and competent freelancers.

What lessons has Martin Luther King taught you as a freelancer? Leave your comments below.