Put Joy in Your Heart and Cash in Your Wallet
Last week, I told you about the kind of copywriting success that nourishes your heart and wallet. Now, here are three steps for you to reach exactly that.
Step #1 – Breathe
Matt Furey delivered the most useful tip I got at AWAI’s 2007 Bootcamp when he advised his audience of aspiring copywriters to breathe.
But we all breathe, right? So, what does that mean in the context of your professional success?
It means looking inward to learn about your essence. Here’s what you do:
Take about 10 minutes to sit with yourself quietly. Close your eyes. Direct your attention from your thoughts to the center of your chest. Every time you breathe in, feel warm air going into that spot. This will be your anchor as you go on exploring.
Pay attention to what emotions and thoughts arise. Don’t judge or cling to them. Remember they’re not who you are. They pass through you. For instance, sometimes you feel sad; sometimes, you feel happy. However, you are not a sad or a happy person. You’re someone who experiences an array of thoughts and feelings.
When your mind tries to pull you away from the practice, move your attention back to the breathing you started with. Stay there until you regain focus.
This simple practice gives you a stable mind. It eventually promotes a deep shift within you. Then you’ll see what you really value and care about in this life.
I can’t tell you how the process works. But I can offer you my experience. For three years, I have engaged in mindfulness practices—from daily meditation in my living room to formal weeklong silent retreats.
As a result, I’ve become someone different, content, not because life is better. But because I began to trust that the path I believe is the right one for me truly is. I’ve gone from being frustrated, scared and unfulfilled about my work—and personal—life to taking concrete steps to start living as a copywriter.
Once you start paying attention to what’s going on inside you, I have no doubts that you, too, will experience a calmness about your career path and a certainty about your choice that will only push you forward.
Step #2 – Express Yourself Through Your Business
Your business earns you an income but it’s also your outlet for sharing your unique gifts. As an introvert, I know it’s sometimes hard to let others see your essence. But when you have a fresh idea, for instance, make sure you let your client hear it.
What’s the worst that can happen? That’s right: your client will say she doesn’t like it. So, you go back to your writing pad. No biggie.
On the other hand, there’s always the possibility your client will use your proposal, and that it will still be changing minds decades later.
Ultimately, a business that satisfies you personally and financially has to be built as an expression of who you are.
Step #3 – Let It Rip
Your business ceiling could go as high as the roof of your house, or as the sky or as far as the next galaxy.
Keep going back to the foundation you started with: Sit quietly and breathe. Ask yourself what you want. Ask the universe for guidance.
Consider how much money you’d like. Choose a lifestyle. Decide your schedule.
Don’t put up any barriers. Let your business evolve in various directions. As a Web copywriter, you can easily do that. You can create content for others; you can start your own online business; you can go solo; you can partner with a peer; and you can publish other people’s works or your own.
Decide where you want to place that ceiling. The best thing is that it’s moveable. You can push it up or bring it down any time you want.
In essence, be true to yourself, believe, and commit, and you’ll reach your financial and heart goals.
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I've never gotten too much into meditation, but I have used the meditation technique of deliberate breathing.
It's very calming and allows you to focus your attention on exactly what you want. That can be so powerful in a world that has too many options.
Whenever I get overwhelmed, deliberate breathing is one tool I consistently use to bring me back down to ground.
Bernardo
Bernardo – May 13, 2009 at 11:04 am
Bernardo, I'm glad you take time to get centered. Meditation is just one way. It works for me, but what is important is to find that one thing that takes you inward. It could be writing, walking, drawing. Once you know what it is, cultivate it. This practice will help you to experience more moments of calmness than not.
Thanks for your comment!
Isabel – May 13, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Great tips - thanks for the insight!
Mindy – May 16, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Thank you, Joy! I'm glad you thought this post was helpful. Let me know if you need clarification on anything.
Isabel
Isabel – May 18, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Hi Isabel,
I love the way you express yourself. I can feel your calm confident energy and know you are going "to the galaxy" and beyond.
All the best, Karen
Karen Hilstad – May 19, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Karen!
That's so kind. Thank you, thank you!
The best to you, too.
Isabel
Isabel – May 20, 2009 at 4:28 pm