Ten Reasons to Focus on the Journey

"The best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible today."
— Charles W. Eliot, Former President of Harvard University

In Issue #187

Editor’s Note: Here’s a quick note from Connie Werner Reichert, who wrote the guest essay called “Live Rich as a Writer” that was featured in CP Issue #184. Connie’s note is in response to Rich Bachus’ insights on paying taxes on bartered services (see CP Issue #186):

“I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Bachus. When you barter and trade, you MUST report ALL activity with your CPA. It is fair business practice and legally required. That said, the point I most wanted to share with CP readers is to make the most of your career, be creative in how you run your business, and don’t be afraid to live your life to the fullest. There are many ways to "Live Rich as a Writer!"

–Connie Werner Reichert

Main Essay: Ten Reasons to Focus on the Journey by Krista Jones

There’s a popular dictum in self-help and spiritual circles that encourages you to …

Detach from the outcome.

In The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra writes, “In order to create anything in the physical universe, you have to relinquish your attachment to it. This doesn’t mean you give up the intention to create your desire. You give up your attachment to the result.”

Detaching from outcomes doesn’t mean you shouldn’t establish goals. It just means that between the starting point and the destination you’re alert for other opportunities.

So, the question becomes what’s the benefit of detaching from outcomes? Particularly when your income is directly tied to the number or dollar amount of sales you make, or the number of leads you bring in.

It seems careless for copywriters, marketers, and salespeople, for instance, to detach from outcomes, right?

Yep, it sure does.

Still, I’ve done by best to worry less about how many sales my copy will make and focus more on the process of writing the copy.

And now, after years of practice (although I still haven’t mastered this principle), I’ve had firsthand experience of the following ten benefits.

When you detach from the outcome …

  1. You free yourself from past conditioning.
  2. You believe in and trust yourself more.
  3. You are less apprehensive.
  4. You produce better quality work.
  5. You enjoy each step of the process, not just accomplishing the goal.
  6. You are more spontaneous and creative.
  7. You don’t feel compelled to force a solution.
  8. Your authenticity shines through.
  9. You are more alert.
  10. You open the experience to infinite possibilities.

To sum this all up, when I’m just as motivated by the process as I am the results, I feel less anxious and experience more joy. What’s more, I get better results.

So, don’t write (or whatever you do) because you want to earn six figures, to get known, or to get approval. Those are all outcomes.

I’m not saying those things are bad. I’m simply suggesting that you make sure you’re also paying close attention to the means, not just the end.

Therefore, here’s your challenge: focus on process, not product, not results.

Focus on now, not later. Pursuit, not attainment. This step, not ten steps from now.

That will keep the mystery, the excitement, and the adventure alive. And who knows? You just might end up with an outcome that’s even better than the one you originally imagined.

Resource Referral: CP Mentoring Program Resumes the Week of August 18th

As Monica mentioned in the last issue of CP, we’re bringing the Copy Protégé Mentoring Program back in mid-August after a short summer hiatus.

If you’re interested in working with one of us, let us know. Entrance will be first by application, and second, on a first come, first serve basis. We’ve already heard from several people, but we still have a few slots open. If you want to apply for the program, send a writing sample (no more than 2 pages) and your goals for the next six months toadmin@copyprotege.com as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you!

Quick Copy Tip: Good News for Lefties by Krista Jones

I’m not talking about being left-handed here; I’m referring to people who are left-brain dominant…as well as anyone who’s just starting out in copywriting.

In the past, I’ve written that being an analytical person can really slow you down as a copywriter because it might take you longer than others to digest facts or draft copy. This can be a drag in the early stages of your career because it means you have to put in more hours than say a right-brain dominant copywriter.

Well, the good news is, it does get better. Just like anything else, if you continue to flex your copywriting muscle, you’ll get stronger—and faster. I’ve reduced the time it takes me to complete many of the projects I work on by 50 percent (sometimes more) over the years. So hang in there and keep practicing.