All i want is Peace

1. USE POSITIVE SELF-TALK

What you say to yourself has everything to do with your success. If you say “I can’t do it” … you won’t.

But telling yourself that you can accomplish your copywriting dreams is an extremely effective way to change your mindset and your actions … if you do it consistently.

Tell yourself that you’re a writer. Tell yourself that you are learning how to succeed … and you will.

The next time you’re tempted to put off submitting a spec because you’re afraid it won’t be chosen, say, “I’ve got nothing to lose … and it’s great practice anyway.”

2. DON’T EXPECT PERFECTION

Remind yourself that your copy doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be better than the current copy. And using the secrets you’re learning gives you that edge.

3. USE SUCCESSFUL COPYWRITERS AS MODELS

Every successful writer was once where you are. Even Michael Masterson. Remind yourself: “Somebody is going to become a well-paid writer this year. It may as well be me.”

4. SET UP A WORK SPACE THAT’S JUST FOR YOU

Tell your family that you’re not to be disturbed when you’re in your office … even if your “office” is a table in the corner.

5. SET A STRICT WORK SCHEDULE … AND STICK TO IT

If possible, build your schedule around the hours when you’re most productive. Usually, this is early in the morning. Don’t do ANYTHING not work-related in this
time period … including mopping floors, replacing carburetors, or straightening your desk. To keep yourself on track, use a “To-Do” list.

6. BREAK YOUR WORK INTO MANAGEABLE CHUNKS

Research shows that procrastinators have trouble facing the entire task. So you’ll have better success by breaking your work into small chunks that can be done in 15-minute increments.

On your To-Do list, don’t write “Do Chapter 7.” Instead, write “Spend 15 minutes on Chapter 7.” Chances are, if you delve into a project for a short period of time, you’ll get into it and keep on going after the 15 minutes have elapsed.

7. IDENTIFY TIME EATERS

The Internet and phones gobble up precious creative time. Check email only 3 times a day. Do forum chats and surf the Net ONLY after you’ve spent your allotted time
on your writing or your program study.

Get a phone with caller ID or a message machine so you can monitor calls. Answer only your business calls during work time.

8. SET REALISTIC GOALS

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter.

This is your house, he said, my gift to you.

The carpenter was shocked! What a shame!

If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we’d do it much differently. But we cannot go back.