Being a professional writer, I can’t wait around hoping that inspiration will strike. I’ve got to sit down and start writing. This takes discipline and I’m not always successful. There are so many other things that beckon me, calling me away from my work. Most days I hold firm and don’t give in to my lazy-ass self. I give myself a little pep talk; remind myself of all the good things coming my way and how they’ll keep coming if I keep writing. As I said, most days it works.
But there are some days when I can’t start a job. I’m unfocused, without energy, and I dodge past the big bundle of stuff that represents the present job… and then move on to something less demanding and more enjoyable.
This can go on for days. I keep busy, but on the wrong jobs. I do the jobs that I want to do. Trouble is, doing this can become a habit; and habits take time to break.
When I notice this happening I start to question my motives. Why am I delaying? 90% of the time, it’s because I haven’t done my homework. All that prep work that goes into a job. When I become aware of the problem, I try to fix it. So in these cases, I get back to the big pile of stuff the client has sent me and I begin searching for clues.
Writing great copy depends on great preparation. And many times, you have to let your ideas simmer away in the background; your mind percolating the brew of information into a dynamite promotion.
So procrastination isn’t always bad. You do need time to prepare and digest. The trick is knowing the difference between being under-prepared and putting it off. It’s through experience that you get to know the difference. Self-awareness can be a wonderful thing.
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Pete Godfrey, The Wizard of Words, from rebel without a clue to one of the most in demand and highest paid Copywriters and Sales Strategists in Australasia… all with the power of his emotionally charged words that sell… Discover the “Secret Weapon” to increasing your Sales and Profits CrocodileMarketing.com. While you're at it, follow Pete on Twitter
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this article. I agree 100%. A little bit of procrastination used in a useful way
can be very beneficial. This is way better than hearing just do it anyway, when your not prepared properly you can miss out on better results.
Warmly
Margaret Saunders
http://www.BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions.com.au
I like this one! Now I have a great credible excuse (the Aussie Wizard of Words said so) to sip a glass or two of red wine …relaxing my body while my mind is working overtime…”my mind is percolating the brew of information into a dynamite promotion”. Thanks Pete. Cheers!
Good point Pete. I like how you really covered how to ‘Get Prepared’ as a Copywriter before sitting down to write a single word at your Last Ever MasterClass, and then again at the Sales Letter Writing Workshop. Going through your 7-step process just smashes procrastination into oblivion.
Off to prepare now
Judd
Thank you very much for that big article