On one hand, I feel like if someone else has already achieved success... If they've reached the point where I WANT to be... then I should listen to them, follow in their footsteps... and take their course/class/program.
Then on the other hand, I feel like I know, deep inside, what I need to do, and what's right for me. And I will succeed by listening to that voice.
It's just hard because the voices of the world can be so much louder than our own voices.
"Take my class... I guarantee you'll make $XXX,XXX in one year!"
"Sign up for my program... You'll be rewarded with _______ in just a few weeks!"
"Follow THIS proven path to a wealthy life!"
Does any of it really work?
So far I've taken several classes and programs and have yet to receive the paychecks they promise.
Everyone wants to "help." But to get their FULL help, it comes with a fee.
Lately I've been feeling like I need to tune OUT the rest of the world and tune more INTO myself.
What do I want to do? What do I want to write? What kind of clients do I want to work with?
Since "becoming a writer" I've changed my course several times. I've been swayed by promises of more success, more money, an easier way.
I've let myself get pulled around, down different avenues.
I believe that is the real cause of my feeling so confused, overwhelmed, and sad lately.
It's scary though.
Scary to watch my savings decrease more and more each month, with each bill I pay.
I need an income.
That's why I'm looking for how to get where I want to be.
I'm looking for secrets, tips, tricks, and short-cuts.
I'm feeling the pressure of needing money and I've been letting that pull me.... in directions that may not be me.
I read an article today about "The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship."
It was very nice to have someone "say it." To know I'm not alone. To know what I've been feeling and thinking is rather quite common among those of us who dare go out on our own... do it "our" way.
I recommend checking out the article, though the link above. If you're any kind of entrepreneur... and yes, we writers are entrepreneurs... I think you'll relate.
So ok... It's scary. I'm not alone. I need to tune into my intuition. (To sum up.)
Before I go, I'd like to write the words I want to write. Say what I want to be able to say.
I have money. I have an abundant income, finally! I make more than enough money, doing what I love! Life is truly beautiful, awesome, and abundant!
I've heard/read/believed that our words have power. If we continually speak with words that denote lack, we'll draw more lack to us.
How to balance speaking the truth (sharing our reality as it is right now)... versus speaking what we desire, I'm not sure yet.
Time for gratitude!
Time to raise my expectations!
And keep dreaming!
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteBrutal honesty. That's what this post shows, and I respect you for it.
It took me awhile when I was first starting out - and even to this day at times - to realize there is no course, training, workshop, or other fee-required source that will get you the clients or projects you desire.
Sure, there is some great information in these "promises." Not all of them, but some of them yes. And not all are genuine, but some are yes.
But, as you know, there comes a time when you know enough to not rely on these promises and products and programs and to use your own intuitions, smarts, knowledge, and fortitude to achieve your goals.
We could keep buying these until infinity.
It seems the information never ends. There's so much of it! We don't have time to make a living because we're too busy trying to learn how to make a living.
Did you ever notice how you may have read/listened/saw the same thing in one product after the next?
It's like a wheel spinning. That's because it is! We're spinning our wheels as they say.
Most of these programs are good for continuing education, once you have the money flowing and can invest in them later on. But until then...
And money pressures don't help. I understand as you watch account balances shrink over time, the pressure is on to find that quick cure, the quick fix.
It doesn't exist. I'm sorry to say.
Another thing I realized along this journey. These programs and promises? They are other copywriters' and marketers' information products. This is where all copywriters and marketers eventually head as they move beyond the client/project model.
Whether it's in the form of books, workshops, retreats, boot camps, presentations, DVDs, etc...they are somebody's information product to earn an income.
After being at the mercy of clients who either made changes to their copy, didn't pay their bills owed to the freelancer, having some crazy demands, and other typical business problems...the information product is where freelance copywriters/marketers can create something based on our knowledge, provide value to those who are seeking it, and create it with little overhead and maximum profit.
There's nothing wrong with that.
We are providing value and earning a profit at the same time. Win-win.
But for the newbies, a few of these are okay to start with, especially if you know nothing about copywriting or marketing.
But then it's time to pull up the boots, roll up our sleeves, and make it happen.
Ignore the next product or program that guarantees you success. Ignore the next quick fix or magic pill. Save the money that could still be in your savings rather than someone else's pocket for information you already know.
Success is not there. Success is in the mirror looking back at you. And the only way to reach it is to reach within and make it happen on your own ideas, your own style, and your own way.
Take charge and keep going. I'm rooting for you.
Rock Capuano
Rock,
DeleteThank you for the heartfelt response. I appreciate it. You're definitely right about reaching the point of knowing what you need to know, and it's time to stop spending money on someone else's take and what THEY have learned.
Thanks!
Sarah