WORTH READING 12 Sep 2006

Defeating Procrastination

The Procrastination Monster is stealing your time and will eventually
steal your future if you let it. But the good news is you can defeat
this foe by following these 9 easy tips:

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

Don't set goals so lofty that only a superstar could achieve them.
("Write 4 controls this year.") Instead, set a reasonable goal. ("Write
5 promotions this year.)

Break the goal into manageable objectives. After you achieve that goal,
set another one.

9. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

You will always find excuses why you can't write today, why tomorrow
will be better. This is a trap. Tomorrow is no different from today. If
you're able to write the day before your deadline, you can write just as
well two weeks before. You CAN do it today.

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