Why “Perfect” is Overrated
There’s a common mentality I keep seeing among new and aspiring copywriters.
And that is this:
The desire to be perfect.
What do I mean?
I mean that most copywriters starting out want to be “A+” superstar copywriters right out the gate … even before taking on their first client.
And while this is an admirable goal, it’s a tad bit unrealistic. Worse yet, it puts WAY too much pressure on you.
The end result is what we all call analysis paralysis.
That’s when you’re so stuck in fear of what may be that you don’t take any action at all. And if you do take action, it’s to read more about copywriting or practice some more.
If you can relate to this, then there’s a simple solution I’d like to share with you.
Strive for progress, not perfection.
Think about it: what else is there to look forward to if you’re perfect? That’s why I think that setting a goal to be a perfect copywriter (or perfect at anything else in life) is overrated.
Heck, even the superstar copywriters you read about all the time aren’t “perfect.” That’s why they’re ALWAYS learning honing their craft.
And knowing that should let you breathe a sigh of relief … because you don’t have to be “perfect” to succeed and live YOUR version of the writer’s life.
Instead of trying to know everything there is about copywriting and marketing before landing your first client, shoot for progress.
For you, maybe that’s taking the scary step of contacting 10 potential clients. Maybe it’s getting a critique of your work by a respected peer … maybe it’s submitting a spec assignment …
Or, maybe you have been writing copy for a few clients but it’s time to take your skills to the next level. If that’s the case, then upgrade your skills by attending the 2011 FastTrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp to learn the deeper, more advanced principles of persuasion.
So long as you’re moving forward and making progress, you will get to your goal despite all the bumps and bruises you are sure to endure.
Think of it like this (credit goes to Tony Robbins for this wonderful analogy): Expecting to be a perfect copywriter before you even get started is like having a baby and expecting it to walk without a hitch on his or her first try.
What’s that you say? That’s ludicrous? I thought so.
How long would you give your child to walk? How many attempts at walking would you let him or her make before you threw in the towel and said, “Ah, what’s the use? This kid will never learn to walk!”
It’s really no different with you and your copywriting career.
You don’t have to be perfect at it. So don’t be afraid to try and fail. Just pick yourself back up and keep going. So long as you’re moving forward, you’ll get there.
And if you’re having trouble making that steady, daily progress – make sure to read the article I’ve written here. I cover one of the biggest reasons why we sabotage ourselves from making progress in the first place.
Also a quick reminder …
Later today, Nick Usborne is going to show you clients who are STARVING for social media expertise. So whether you’re looking to promote your social media services, or you’re looking for a new opportunity that can get you to the writers’ life, definitely check it out.
Until May 30th: Enrollment Open for Circle of Success
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I would like to take the time to share a excerpt from The Forbidden Book Of Getting What You Want By Dantalion Jones. This comes under the chapter called Excellence Vs. Perfection. If you do have this book it is worth re-reading this chapter again.
"Perfection is static but improvement is dynamic. There is no failure only feedback."
Shana Jahsinta Walters – March 9, 2011 at 9:06 am