#117: Caught in the Wake

“I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me”
–Charles Fillmore, Founder Unity School of Christianity

In This Issue:

Editor’s Note: I have not read Monica’s last issue (CP Issue # 116). Why? I assumed she would be inspired to write about her experiences at Bootcamp, and if so, I didn’t want Monica’s views to influence mine. So if there are any redundancies in today’s issue, it was not intentional—just two very different people on similar wavelengths. That said, I hope you enjoy today’s issue. As for me, I’m off to read CP Issue #116!

Caught In The Wake
by Krista Jones

I’m excited!

Yes, it’s a result of Bootcamp. I’ve been to several of these things, and I can still always count on riding a wave of inspiration long after my feet touch the ground in Atlanta. There’s just something about being around highly successful people, feeling their vibe, and being exposed to a trail of valuable ideas.

Each year that I’ve attended the event, something special happens. This year I walked away with a nearly overwhelming sense of gratitude and anticipation.

I’ve got it so bad that as I prepared to write this essay, I felt very much like I did when I wrote the very first Copy Protégé issue—a powerful mixture of nervousness and excitement.

With nearly 60 issues under my belt, what would dredge up those feelings now? Clarity of thought.

Truth be told, I’m thinking more clearly now than I have in over a year. I see big changes and challenges on the horizon. Bigger even than the challenge of having to “speak” to thousands in my own voice and from my own heart each week.

What I’m feeling is best described by the word Dharma—a Sanskrit word that means “purpose.” Today, I have a greater sense of dharma than ever before. A story I read recently illustrates what I’m talking about very well:

A young man graduating from law school walked over to his proud parents, who were waiting to congratulate him. After thanking them for their support, he handed them his diploma and explained with a lovable grin, “This is actually for you…now I’m going to become a fireman, just as I’ve known I would since I was five years old!”

Can you imagine doing something like that?

The thought of it makes me—as Charles Fillmore put it so eloquently in the quote above—“sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm.”

Still I often find myself conceding to self-imposed expectations. Thank goodness I have people in my life like Monica and special events like Bootcamp to help me break out of my complacency. They help me take my place in this world.

I could tell you about all the passions Bootcamp ignited in me, but one thing I’ve learned from copywriting is to show, not tell. I will share this much though…

It re-ignited my commitment to Copy Protégé. It helped me see that this e-letter is one of the best services I can provide at this point in my life.

As for the rest that’s churning inside, let’s just say I’m not content to rest on my laurels. For the first time in years, I can no longer shrink from the sharp edges of truth.

Whether you made it to Bootcamp or not, if there are any deep desires or callings that you are shying away from, here’s a quote that helps me go for my dreams. I hope it will help you too.

“Following our dharma requires that we relinquish the belief that at some future time we will be more capable or have more time or resources than we now have. Indeed, it is by choice, not chance, that our destiny unfolds. When we blend our unique gifts with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our spirit.”

And that is the ultimate goal of all goals.

Resource Referral: Discover Your Passions

These days we hear quite a bit about living a purpose-driven life or following our passions. But what if you don’t know what your passions are?

Over the past few months, I’ve followed the work of Janet and Chris Attwood, experts at helping people find their passions. Their book, The Passion Test – The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Destiny, is currently No. 1 on Amazon and it provides a simple, powerful way to get clear on who you are so you can finally know what you want.

The Passion Test is easy to read and it can profoundly change the way you live your life. I highly recommend it if you want to discover your passion: Click here for more information.

Quick Copy Tip: People Will Talk!

Last week, my sister called her attorney with a complaint. Long story short, the attorney hung up on her.

Whoa! I couldn’t believe it when she told me about it. My sister was not pleased.

I’m sure this goes without saying, but no matter how bad things might get while you’re on the phone with a client or potential client, don’t ever respond in an unprofessional manner.

I say that for several reasons, not the least of which is that clients talk about us just as much as we talk about them. That tip comes straight from the mouth of a big name marketing manager who spoke at Bootcamp.

So while you might think clients circulate your name only when your copy produces great results, the truth is, they also let their colleagues know when you do “bad” things. If you are unprofessional, consistently miss deadlines, or do other things that tick clients off, you can bet there’s a good chance that, sooner or later, people around the industry will know about it.