I’m so fortunate today to have a guest post from my friend Mary Anne from I Profit On Purpose. Her e-book has provided great guidance for me.
One of George’s recent posts provided a comprehensive list of potentially serious health hazards for writers. If you’re not giving good health top billing on your business-building “program,” go read his post right now!
In the spirit of that important article, I developed another list of hazards you need to avoid.
These hazards put your health at risk, too, but in a more subtle, insidious way than the items on George’s list.
And they can keep you from experiencing the wealth and happiness you’re seeking from your writing business:
7 Wealth and Happiness Hazards for Writers
1. WARNING: You’re not passionate about the subject matter of your projects.
What price are you paying to take on writing projects that don’t interest, move or excite you?
Taking on a broader range of topics and projects has its merits in the very early stages of your writing career.
But if you’ve been in business for more than six months and you’re still using this approach, it’ll be next to impossible for you to achieve the long-term success you desire.
If you don’t narrow your project topics to those you’re passionate about or at least interested in, how can you possibly do your best work for the client?
When you routinely take on assignments in which you have no emotional “investment,” you’re at high risk for professional burn out.
Become selective of the subject matter you write about. Project topics should fuel your interests and passions.
When your passions are ignited, imagination and creativity sparks fly.
And your physical, mental and emotional energy increase exponentially.
2. WARNING: You haven’t taken time to figure out what you are passionate about.
Do you know what stirs you at a soul level? And if you do, is your writing business built around that?
Unless you’ve devoted time, energy and conscious effort to uncovering your passions, chances are you’re off-target.
Most people assume they know what their true passions are. And you do… at a deep, subconscious level.
But your conscious mind is typically immersed in the so-called “logic” of conventional wisdom.
In other words, most of us are doing the things we’ve been taught we “have” to do to succeed-instead of doing the things that would actually help us succeed.
If you have no idea at all, or you’re the least bit uncertain about your passions, it’s critical that you identify them. Your long-term success and happiness depend upon it.
Don’t live another day of your life without knowing! This free guide will help you get started.
3. WARNING: You’re sacrificing all the wrong things on your path to success.
Are you running and trying to build your writing business with the belief that in order to succeed, you have to make certain undesirable trade-offs?
Most of us were taught to believe we have to sacrifice time for play and relaxation, quality or quantity of family time, a social life and some of life’s little “luxuries” in order to create a successful business.
This seriously-flawed thinking is also a byproduct of misguided conventional “wisdom.”
Some sacrifices do need to be made… but not the kind you’ve been led to believe.
You do need to let go of any thoughts, actions and behaviors that undermine your mental, physical and emotional well-being…
Things like smoking, extended periods of isolation, an unhealthy diet, an inconsistent-or non-existent-exercise routine, toxic relationships, or postponing the pleasures of living until after you’ve succeeded… instead of reveling in them NOW.
Most importantly, you must eliminate any mindsets and beliefs that you’re somehow undeserving or incapable of attaining everything you want.
These are the kind of trade-offs you must be willing to make if you intend to create a profitable, sustainable writing business that you love.
Are you willing?
4. WARNING: Your work space doesn’t bring you joy or inspire creativity.
How can you be at your creative or productive best if your work environment isn’t organized, attractive and carefully appointed with items that have special meaning for you?
Even if you’re living on a shoestring budget at the moment, this isn’t the place to skimp!
Create a space that’s visually and emotionally appealing to you and conducive to writing success-an office that’s clean, comfortable and orderly with personal effects that inspire and uplift you.
5. WARNING: You’re accepting clients as opposed to selecting them.
Do you say “yes” to every client who comes knocking on your virtual door?
This is one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs and small businesses make. Conventional wisdom has taught us that “any” client is better than “no” client.
Choosing the right clients is no different than choosing the right spouse or partner.
How can you build successful relationships (read: enjoyable and profitable for the long-term) if you haven’t clearly defined and developed a detailed profile of your ideal client?
Make a list of all the personal, professional and financial characteristics of the type of client you most want to work with. Then use it to carefully screen all of your prospects.
6. WARNING: You haven’t identified the big “why” behind your writing business.
The happiest, healthiest and wealthiest entrepreneurs throughout history are those who used their businesses to serve the highest good of all… not just themselves.
What’s the big “why” of your life? Why are you on this planet?
How can you use your unique gifts and talents to improve the lives of many, including your own?
There is no greater personal reward than living your life “on purpose.” And there’s no better vehicle than your business for helping you accomplish that.
7. WARNING: You haven’t developed a distinct personal brand.
How will prospects find you in today’s crowded marketplace? And if they do, why should they do business with you instead of another writer who offers the same or similar services?
When your business is built around your unique gifts, strengths, perspectives, passions and purpose, you make it very easy for prospects to find and want to do business with you.
And when your business is built around your uniqueness, competition doesn’t exist.
A successful writing business is one that is custom-tailored to and enhances the life experience of the unique individual behind it.
Design and develop a business that excites and inspires you… one that allows you to fully engage and express the authentic, “whole” you.
This is the fastest, most fulfilling and most practical means of achieving long-term health, wealth and happiness.
About the author: Mary Anne Fisher is the founder of
i Profit On Purpose and author of What Everybody Ought to Know About Making Money Online. Get more from Mary Anne on Twitter.
Thanks for the great post Mary Anne, you’ve given me a lot of food for thought. I’m currently in the process of defining my brand and I’ve learned a lot about what I really want to do and what I have to offer others.
Tracy O’Connor´s last blog post..How to explain that you’ve locked down your Facebook
Tracy,
You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you’re giving branding top priority.
In an overcrowded writing marketplace, having a distinct “You” brand is the only way prospects will be able to “see” you and the gifts and talents that are unique to you.
Be sure to download the free guide. It will help you a lot.
Mary Anne
What an awesome guest post!
I’d say I definitely know what I’m passionate about – if only there were enough hours in the day to write about it all! LOL
As for #3… I do need to get out more. I’d much rather stay glued to my laptop instead of getting out and about. I also know why I write and I have turned down more than a few clients, so I’m good in those areas. And folks seem to think I’ve branded myself pretty well.
Excellent article here. I gave it a Stumble – and a Digg!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..Health Sites I Love
Michele,
Wow! Thank you!
Looks like you’re on top of things. Good for you!
Now all you need to conquer is getting out into and engaging with the non-virtual real world more often. Being the “nest” lover that you are, the most effect way to address this is by making a short list of specific activities or events that appeal to you.
Make it official by actually scheduling and recording them on your daily calandar/planner. Then make a promise and commitment to yourself that you’re going to keep your “getting out” appointments with yourself.
I really appreciate your comments and insights, Michele. And thanks so much for the stumble and digg!
Mary Anne
MaryAnne´s last blog post..Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of Self-Sabotage?
Mary Anne,
You’re most welcome, and thanks! I’m trying to be on top of things, that’s for sure.
I have been considering scheduling appointments for getting out. I’m glad you reminded me!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..Health Sites I Love
Hi Mary Anne,
Many of these things are easier said than done. #3 kind of hits home for me right now. I feel like I have been sacrificing a lot without getting much in return. And I think I am making the wrong sacrifices. Thanks for the food for thought.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Day´s last blog post..Group Writing Project: Creating Value
Mary Anne
I think your points on passion are the most important. If you don’t like writing then it’s just a job. But worse than that – given a choice, why would your ever take a job you didn’t like?
Looking forward to more posts like this.
Patrick
Follow the Herd
Very Evolved´s last blog post..Follow the Herd. How behavior and stories spread through online crowds
@ jeremy ,
You’re welcome!
“…easier said than done.” Isn’t THAT the truth?
Making the “right” sacrifices is oh so simple, but not always easy. If they were easy, we couldn’t [legitimately] call them sacrifices, could we?
The more we enjoy the journey/process as it unfolds, the faster we arrive at our desired destination… one of life’s little ironies. But having fun along the way is the only way to travel, yes?
Life is in the here and now. If we aren’t enjoying it now, there’s a high probability we won’t enjoy it anymore just because we have more money, status, etc.
Thanks!
@ Patrick ,
I totally agree with regard to passions. If we aren’t creating a business that we love, we’re just creating a job.
Thanks so much for your kind remarks.
Mary Anne
MaryAnne´s last blog post..Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of Self-Sabotage?
Mary Anne,
I wanted to take a minute and thank you for coming over with this great guest post. I know that I got a lot out of reading it, just as I’m sure the readership here at TM did.
I’d like to leave the post up for an extra day or two so that folks have an opportunity to look at it. Also, I’ll be proud to have this one in my archives!
Thanks again.
Cheers!
George
Hey George!
You’re truly welcome, my friend. It’s both an honor and a privilege to be here… and such bright, generous readers to boot!
I’m happy to be “on call” for replies for another day or so.
See ya’ on Twitter, buds!
MaryAnne´s last blog post..Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of Self-Sabotage?
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Wow, What a great post. How inspiring! I am almost lost for words. I subscribed before I finished reading. This post is certainly a lot to think about.
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..Change Your Thoughts
Great post.
I agree, that your writing career needs to be fulfilling. If you’re not enjoying the career path that you specifically sought out, then you might as well go do mindless busywork at a nine to five job.
@ Dee ,
Thank you! Inspiration, new perspectives and new behaviors are the seeds that enable growth and transformation.
@ Trey ,
Well said… thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Mary Anne
MaryAnne´s last blog post..Do You Recognize the 7 Early Warning Signs of Self-Sabotage?
Passion paired with a distict personal touch is a nice formula. Blog writers need to find an interesting voice for their passion. Especially in certainly niches. Mine finds people with different reason for loving to travel. The challenge is to unify their passion with the message of the posts.
Gennaro @ Enduring Wanderlust´s last blog post..Olympians Name Top Snowboarding Locations
Hey Gennaro!
Thanks so much for your comments. You’ve touched on a couple of critical points.
When it comes to passions, there are three big challenges… pinpointing them, aligning them with a profitable market and being true to them. Unless you’ve taken time to pinpoint your passions, it’s impossible to tap into your unique “voice.”
In all my years of working with students and coaching clients, I found that although the majority of people think they’re following their passions, most are not.
They typically have some awareness of them. But when we drill down just a bit, we quickly discover that they haven’t really zeroed in on them.
In most cases, it turns out they aren’t following their passions at all. Instead, they’ve somehow “modified” or “adapted” them, if not completely ignored them, and are doing what they think they have to do in order to make money.
Some success can be achieved this way, but it’s always limited. Over the long haul, you’re unable to achieve the highest levels of personal, professional and financial success because you run out of “fuel.”
This route dramatically increases the stresses and frustrations associated with entrepreneurism. And because it also causes unhappiness, it ultimately leads to professional burn out and a sense of emptiness.
For any readers who think you’re following your passions, take time to make sure. For those of you who don’t have any idea, start your journey to discovery today.
Your wealth, health and happiness literally hinge upon knowing and having the courage to follow them.