If you’ve been following this blog for some time, you know that I’ve recently increased my rates. In fact, this is The Savvy Freelancer’s January 2010 challenge.

I’ve been increasing my rates every few months for the last year or so. And the results have always been positive, bringing a stream of new, higher-quality clients.

Despite knowing on a logical level that this move is good, the decision to increase my fees created a lot of anxiety in me. You see, I didn’t raise my fees by 10%, 20% or even 30%. I raised them by 84%!

Doing something bold and scary like this is one way to dig up one’s emotional baggages. Immediately, I was besieged by feelings of inadequacy (“I don’t deserve this), fear of poverty (“Nobody will ever hire me again”) and lack of trust in divine providence (“I’m on my own now).

On one hand, this is good. I’ve learned a lot about myself recently, and I’m seeking (and receiving) support from my different networks. On the other hand, it makes for stressful times.

I promised myself many years ago never to make decisions based on fear. So I didn’t allow all the negative feelings I’ve dug up to stop myself. In fact, I used them to challenge myself even more, if only to see if my fears are warranted.

And it’s paid off. Check this out:

• I pitched a guest post in a very successful, very busy blog. Scared the heck out of me, but guess what – my guest post is going to be published soon! I don’t want to jinx it by announcing it already, but I’ll definitely let you know when.
• In the last quotation I submitted, I would have been perfectly happy to do the task at my old rate (it’s for a favorite client), but instead I used my new rates as a basis. A bit of haggling ensued, but in the end, we still agreed on a fee that’s 20% higher than what I would have “settled” for.
• I’ve decided to embrace an even narrower niche in copywriting and online marketing (you can read all about it at my copywriting blog). Just when I did, I discovered individuals and networks of people who share my marketing/business principles and beliefs.

Am I still scared? You bet.

But I’m also excited. I’m finding that the more I value myself, the more others value me.

More good things are to come.

What are your thoughts? Do share in the comments below.

photo credit: Swamibu