Lyden's Lab for Strategic Copywriters: Motivation

Motivation

12/13/2011

3 Strategies for Writers to Combat Fear of Failure

In yesterday's post, Feel the Fear But Do It Anyway, I wrote about how thoughts of fear and doubt still afflict me, despite 15 years as a professional writer. During that time, I've learned strategies to combat the fear of failure and channel it into constructive action that propels me toward my goals.

Here are three strategies I employ:

1. Take charge of your thoughts by keeping them positive.

Develop and repeat affirmations that work for you. A few that are effective for me include:

I have everything I need to succeed.
I follow through on all my commitments.
I will complete and send this [brochure/article/blog post/Web copy] by [time and day] -- win, lose or draw.
No excuses! I can write anytime, anywhere, under any circumstance.
I can break through ANY obstacle.

2. Visualize yourself successfully completing the project.

Imagine the client reviewing your deliverable, impressed and delighted with your work. The more you can get your mind to envision the finished product, all the way to the client's hands, the greater confidence you'll gain in your ability to follow through successfully.

This approach is the exact opposite of what happens naturally. When fear arises, an endless loop of worst-case-scenrio images tends to flood your mind, eroding your confidence and sabotaging your project.

Switch those mental images to positive pictures of desired outcomes and you'll displace the fear that blocking your creativity.

3. Focus on one section of the project at a time.

Block out everything else. Each section you successfully complete, the more confidence you gain as you move on to the next section. This way, you build momentum, finding yourself writing quicker and easier.

The Bottom Line

To be candid, none of these strategies are intended to be a cure for fear. Instead, they are a means to manage it, daily, to keep me on the path toward my writing dreams.

What are your strategies to combat fear and doubt?

About the Author: Sean M. Lyden is a nationally recognized feature writer and columnist on sales, marketing, automotive and technology topics. As a ghostwriter and copywriter, Sean has served clients such as General Motors, SunTrust Service Corporation, Morgan Stanley, Embedded Linux Consortium and Shaw Industries. He’s also co-author of the book How to Succeed and Make Money on Your First Rental House (Wiley, 2003). Follow Sean on Twitter.

Posted at 04:35 PM in Motivation, Productivity, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: business of writing, copywriting, freelancing, motivation, professional writing

12/12/2011

Feel the Fear But Do It Anyway

Every morning that I get ready to write, especially when projects are due that day, I'm filled with fear and doubt. I'm overwhelmed with balancing my writing workload and all my family responsibilities (I homeschool our 6th and 8th grade daughters). I put in 40-50+ hours per week writing, along with several hours homeschooling, taking kids to activities and preparing meals. I'm stretched, physically and emotionally, with seemingly little energy to face each project.

So when I sit at a table at my local Starbucks "office," I think to myself, Is this the project that takes me down? Is the project I fail to fulfill for the client? Do I really have what it takes? I find myself tempted by procrastination activities, wanting to divert my attention to doing more research, more business planning, more social media, or anything else but tackling the projects that need to get done TODAY.

I've been writing professionally since 1997, and full-time freelance since 2008. You'd think these feelings would go away.

They don't. At least for me, they don't.

Perhaps you experience similar feelings of fear, doubt, anxiety or whatever you want to call those knots in the stomach as you approach crunch time with writing projects.

How do you push through it?

What I do: Feel the fear but do it anyway.

I've made my peace with the fact that fear will accompany me every day. It's just the way it is. That's because every project brings with it the risk of failure. I've come to realize that greatness can only be attained when we push ourselves to the edge of failure.

In other words, if we're not pursuing projects that stretch us, that position us to directly confront our weaknesses and the prospect of failure, can we truly achieve greatness in our profession?

I've changed my perception of that fear. I've made it my friend and choose to harness its energy to help me succeed. Those knots in my stomach? They represent the "butterflies" that come with anticipation of pulling off the impossible project - and blowing away my clients' expectations.

Posted at 05:34 AM in Motivation, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: freelancing, motivation, work-life balance

12/07/2011

Pro Writers: 5 Questions to Jumpstart a Productive Day

As professional writers, we often encounter days that we don't feel like writing. But if we surrender to that feeling, we risk missing deadlines, which can erode our client relationships and, eventually, our cash-flow.

We write, even when we don't want to, because we must. It is our commitment to our clients. That why we are professional writers, not hobbyists. So, how do we make sure each day is as productive as possible, no matter what emotions may afflict us?

Below are questions I use every morning to help me get into the right frame of mind to seize the day. I record my answers in daily entries in Evernote (which is one of the best productivity tools I've encountered all year!) so that I have a goldmine of all the ideas I'm generating. Perhaps these questions can be useful to you, as well.

1. What am I thankful for today?

No matter what challenges you're experiencing that may discourage you, this question helps put your mind in a positive, resourceful state.

2. How did I do yesterday -- and how can I improve?

This question could be worth thousands of dollars to you. How? Your answers could lead you to the one idea that, if you follow through on it, would take your writing business to the next level.

3. What is my single highest leverage task today? (In other words, what will I absolutely commit to getting done today that would make the greatest positive impact on my business?)

This keeps you from getting bogged down by urgent, but not necessarily important work, ensuring you're laser-beam focused on the activities that will benefit your business the most.

4. WHY do I believe I can achieve [insert income goal] per month?

When you're discouraged, you can come up with myriad reasons why you CAN'T do something, essentially selling yourself on your deficiencies. Turn the tables on that thinking! Sell yourself on your assets and abilities. This is your personal pep talk time!

5. Where can I find incremental (0.5% to 1.0%) improvement in my time/ production today?

You don't have to make huge changes to significantly boost productivity. Look for small ways each day to make better use of your time. Some of the things I've come up with over the past few weeks include: cutting down on TV time, scheduling time to return calls/ emails (instead of doing those tasks immediately, which may distract me during a project), and honing my writing processes to keep me focused.

How do you get focused?

Posted at 06:14 AM in Motivation, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: freelance writing, motivation, productivity

11/29/2011

7 Steps to Break Through Writer's Block

Your deadline is in the morning, and yet the project doesn't seem be coming together. Thoughts of doubt and anxiety overwhelm your creative abilities, grinding your project to a halt. How am I going to get this done on time? Is this my time to fail? How will I explain this to my client (or editor)?

You're stuck.

What now? How do you break through writer's block to get your mind - and project - back on track? Here are seven steps:

1. Don't panic.

Remind yourself that there is a solution, IF you persist in finding it.

2. Focus.

How can I simplify this project to make it less intimidating? One strategy is to break up the project into separate components and then focus on one component (or section) at a time. Your confidence - and, as a result, creativity - will increase as you conquer each section.

3. Assess.

What do I need? Am I lacking research that will help this project come together? Should I take a break?

4. Connect.

Tap into the reader's pain/pleasure points. What will make this relevant, valuable, must-read info to the reader? (See post: 6 Questions that Help You Blast Through Writer's Block.)

5. Re-prioritize.

Is there another project forward that you can complete quicker and easier? Starting working on that project. This will help you use the time productively and give you a sense of momentum that may help you get unstuck with the more challenging project.

6. Persevere.

Commit to keep going till you "break through."

7. Recall.

Think about all the instances where you faced similar challenges that seemed insurmountable at the time but you overcame them. Draw strength and encouragement from those memories and move forward!

What about You?

What steps do you take to break through writer's block? What techniques work best for you?

Related Posts

Posted at 05:16 AM in Copywriting, Motivation, Productivity, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

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11/26/2011

Do You BELIEVE in What You're Selling?

If not, your sales copy will most likely fail to connect with your reader. Your power to persuade in writing begins with a wholehearted belief in your product or service that spills over with infectious passion and enthusiasm.

Napoleon Hill says it best in this quote:

"I do not believe that I can afford to try to deceive anyone, about anything, but I know that I cannot afford to try to deceive myself. To do so would destroy the power of my pen and render my words ineffective. It is only when I write with the fire of enthusiasm burning in my heart that my writing impresses others favorably; and it is only when I speak from a heart that is bursting with belief in my message, that I can move my audience to accept that message."

Before you write, tap into this power of belief. Imagine yourself experiencing the benefits your (or your client's) offering brings to the customer. From that state of mind, allow the words to flow.

Posted at 05:15 AM in Copywriting, Motivation, Sales | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: copywriting, persuasive writing, sales

05/09/2011

What's the Price for Squandered Time?

You're tempted to sleep an extra 30 minutes. But before you hit the snooze button, count the cost. What's the price to pay for just 30 minutes more sleep?

The math: 30 minutes per day for 365 days is 182.5 hours. This translates into over 4.5 40-hour work weeks.

How much could you accomplish with this extra month per year of productive time? How many more projects could you take on -- and complete? How many more prospects could you contact to grow your pipeline? How much more writing income could you generate?

The price is steep for squandered time. Therefore, seize each moment and take advantage of your extra month per year!

Posted at 06:08 AM in Motivation, Productivity, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: business of writing, productivity, time management for writers

03/24/2011

What 90-Day Impact Are You Creating TODAY?

In a previous post, I wrote about the 3 Lessons Competitive Distance Running Has Taught Me About the Business of Writing. The first lesson, “every day counts,” is where we’ll delve deeper today.

In the professional writing business, as with most other types of ventures, initiatives typically take 90 days before results manifest – with new accounts secured, projects completed, invoices paid, and so forth. So, when you’re tempted to procrastinate on attending a networking event, reaching out to new prospects, completing a project, or following through on a commitment today, think in terms of 90-day impact.

How will it impact your sales, income, and project pipeline 90 days from now? Failing to act today on a high-value task will steal income from you (and your family) three months from now – and may put your business in jeopardy.

Remember, you are where you are today because of decisions you’ve made…especially 90 days ago. Therefore, begin each day by asking yourself: “What activities should I ‘sow’ today to reap success on ______(the date 90 days from now)? This question will help keep you focused on completing your highest priority tasks that will take you to your goals.

Posted at 06:32 AM in Motivation, Productivity, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: copywriting, freelance writing, freelancing, motivational topics, the business of writing, writing productivity

03/23/2011

3 Lessons Competitive Distance Running Has Taught Me About the Business of Writing

Lesson #1

Every day counts. Blow off a workout today, you’ll pay for it the next race. Procrastinate on a writing project today, you’ll risk a cash crunch next month. Tomorrow’s results – and writing income – are determined by today’s effort and intensity. Carpe diem.

Lesson #2

Success rarely goes to the most talented, but to the most disciplined, driven and determined.

Lesson #3

The moment you’re ready to quit (from exhaustion and doubt about your abilities) is precisely when you must create your defining moment! Dig deep and push the pace, despite everything in you and around you seeming to tell you to STOP! Then, and only then, will you experience a “second wind” that propels you toward your goals.

Posted at 06:49 AM in Motivation, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: copywriting, freelance writing, freelance writing business, The business of writing

01/27/2011

What's the Downside to Being Your Own Boss?

It’s too easy to give yourself a pass.

There’s no immediate sting to putting off a project, calling a prospect, writing a blog post, or attending that networking event. (Although you will feel the pain of an empty project pipeline and cash-flow crunch a few weeks later.)

There’s no boss to report to, looking over your shoulder, holding you accountable to do the things you need to succeed – TODAY.

The mentor who showed me the ropes on how to succeed in freelance writing, during my early days in the business nearly 16 years ago, would tell me two things whenever I complained about how much hard work is really required to push through your insecurities, your excuses, your fatigue, to make it as a professional writer.

“Sean, think of the toughest, meanest, task master boss you can possibly imagine. Be 10X tougher on yourself.”
“Sean, that feeling you have is normal. If you haven’t pushed yourself as a writer to the point where you’re really uncomfortable, overwhelmed and want to quit, you haven’t pushed hard enough.”

What kind of boss are you...to yourself?

Posted at 05:54 AM in Copywriting, Motivation, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

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01/25/2011

How to Regain Your Focus When You're Frazzled

“Stuff” happens.

You’re three hours from deadline on a copywriting project for a new client, when …

…your spouse calls. The car broke down.

…you receive a bank notice in today’s mail. A $2,000 check from a client bounced – and you’ve already paid bills from that money.

…your daughter’s school calls. She has a 102-degree fever.

Panic.

“I’ve got to deliver on this project! I can’t make a flaky first impression on a new client!”

Conflict.

“Yet, I need to handle the [car breakdown/ stranded spouse, bounced check, or sick daughter] crisis RIGHT NOW.”

You’re frazzled, frozen.

“What do I do? How do I solve this problem and get my wits about me to focus and write to complete this project?”

When you still must perform – to think creatively, write and meet deadlines – in the midst of crisis, how do you cope? How do you regain your focus when you’re completely frazzled? Here’s a four-step strategy to get back in stride.

1. Quiet your mind.

When tempted to panic, tell yourself, STOP! Affirm that there is a solution to every problem – and this situation is no different. Use deep breathing techniques to put yourself in a calmer state.

(For example, a technique that works well for me is to inhale for five seconds, exhale slowly for 10 seconds, counting down from 10, for as many times as I need to feel a sense of calm. Sounds hokey, I know. My wife makes fun of me for it. But deep breathing/ relaxation techniques were part of my training and success as a elite-level collegiate distance runner – and I use them today to win the “mind games” you typically deal with as a professional writer and solo entrepreneur.)

2. List everything you need to do that’s clamoring for your attention.

Write everything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about putting them in order. Just write them out. The process of putting everything down on paper will go a long way in diffusing the stress and clearing your mind to think of creative solutions to your problem.

3. Prioritize your list.

Number each task in order of importance. You’ll hear your mind protest, “But, they’re all important!” Yes, they may all be crucial, but if you’re going to manage this situation successfully, you must focus on one thing at a time. One question that helps me: What is my most important task right now?

Perhaps you need to contact the client to give her a “heads up” about what happened and offer a revised ETA. Or, you may discover that, despite the crisis, you still have time to finish the project. For example, you could call the tow truck to take the vehicle to the shop, make arrangements for a rental (if necessary), and pick up your spouse – and the whole process may take only 45 minutes to an hour. The key here is to come up with an action plan.

4. Begin with task number one and stay with it till completion.

Then move on to task #2, and so forth.

With each task you cross off your list, you feel a greater sense of control over your situation, infusing you with the energy and confidence you need to tackle the remaining tasks – including your copywriting project – without being stressed out.

What about you?

How do you regain your focus when you’re frazzled, yet still need to deliver on a challenging writing project? What strategies work for you?

About the Author: Sean M. Lyden is a nationally recognized feature writer and columnist on sales, marketing, automotive and technology topics. As a ghostwriter and copywriter, Sean has served clients such as General Motors, SunTrust Service Corporation, Morgan Stanley, Embedded Linux Consortium and Shaw Industries. He’s also co-author of the book How to Succeed and Make Money on Your First Rental House (Wiley, 2003). Follow Sean on Twitter.

Posted at 02:10 PM in Motivation, Productivity, The Business of Writing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Technorati Tags: copywriting, motivation, professional writing, the business of writing

Lyden's Lab for Strategic Copywriters

Uncovering the Principles, Processes and Psychology to Writing Persuasive Copy