What if?

And the simple cure… [The Writer’ s Life]( January 18, 2021 Ever have a case of the "what ifs," {NAME}? "What if this takes longer than expected?" "What if this doesn't work out?" "What if it DOES work out?!?" I catch it happening to me all the time. All … the … time. But once I'm aware I'm using those two words (what if) … I remind myself the only way to know for sure is to press on. After all, focusing on the "what ifs" only delays things. May as well find out! When you're starting out in the world of paid writing, the "what ifs" are inevitable … This is NEW for you! And there can be so many uncertainties and unknowns in your mind. What if you're not a good enough writer (you will be) … What if you can't find clients (we'll help) … What if you end up succeeding, and actually achieve the life you're dreaming of right now!?! In the end, the underlying root of all "what ifs" is fear. And there's only one way to stop fear from getting in the way of you and what you really want … Move through it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's easy to move through fear … But I speak from experience when I say that some of the best things I've achieved in life required me to do just that. And the bigger the potential gain … like say, the freedom you'll enjoy from a well-paid writing career? The bigger the fear. So how do you move through it? The first step is identifying — and acknowledging — the fear itself. Take a minute to write down your "what if" … and then name (and write down) the underlying fear behind it. Next, ask yourself what's truly at risk. Our Chief Success Officer, Ted Capshaw, calls this going to WAR with yourself … Ask yourself what's at risk if you move forward? (Failure? Wasted time?) And what's at risk if you don't? (Like staying exactly where you are.) Once again, write this out. I find getting it "on paper" and out of my own head helps bring clarity. It makes the "monster under the bed" look a lot less scary. Next, visualize the outcome of moving through your fear … what's on the other side? What will your writer's life look like? Where will you live? What time will you get up in the morning? How will you structure your day? Be as detailed as possible … and yes, I recommend you write it down. 😉 And finally, make a plan … This is probably the most important step, so let me give you some resources based on some common "what if" scenarios I hear from writers: What if I don't know where to find clients? Check out our free tutorial [26 Ways to Find Freelance Writing Clients](. There are numerous ways to find clients … and we'll show you what they are and how to pick the "right" methods for you. What if prospective clients want to see samples? The classic chicken/egg, right? How do you get samples without clients? And how do you get clients without samples? We have the solution here: [How to Create a Winning Portfolio of Samples If You're Just Starting a Freelance Writing Career (Even If You've Never Had Any Clients!)](. What if a potential client reaches out to me! What then?! First, take a breath … that elation/panic moment happens to everyone! And then check out our tutorial, [A Potential Writing Client Contacted Me. Now What?!?]( We'll show you how to handle those first client conversations with ease. What if I don't know what steps to take? Check out this [step-by-step tutorial on putting together a roadmap]( that will guarantee your success as a writer, and ensure the straightest route to where you want to go. What if I don't have the writing skills clients need? Assuming you've got a foundation in persuasion from AWAI, you'll be just fine. Say "Yes!," go to our [catalog](, and grab the training you need to do the assignment. Or if you don't yet have a foundation in persuasive writing, join Katie and me starting next week for [The Confident Copywriter: 10 Weeks to Becoming a Ready-to-Write PRO](. We'll work with you to ensure you not only have the skills, but the confidence and samples to prove it. We only do this live once a year … so if you'd like to work with us, make sure you [sign up now](! Just remember, when you hear the words "what if" pop up in your head … Think of them as a cue you're on to something you really want. Address the underlying fear that's trying to hold you back. Make a plan, and take action. And then be sure to share your success story with me when you move through that fear and reach the other side. And "what if" is holding you back? [Share with us in the comments]( so we can point you to more resources. If You're Struggling to Learn Copywriting on Your Own … Let Rebecca and me take you by the hand and walk you step-by-step through mastering the skills and gaining the confidence to land your first paying clients. We'll meet once a week for 10 weeks. You'll get hands-on experience via writing assignments. And you'll get feedback on your writing. By the end, you'll emerge a ready-to-write pro who feels confident and eager to take on clients for great fees. This is the ONLY time this year we are doing this LIVE. Participation is limited. [Learn More Here.]( TODAY: You Get it All for Just $249 $49!!! The biggest hurdle to becoming a professional, paid writer is simply getting started. This is the answer: It's a vast arsenal of our very best writing and business-building resources … to help you set up your writing business FAST … Like over the course of a weekend fast! It includes all the tools, templates, resource lists, guides, and fee schedules you'll need to launch and run a successful writing business. [Grab The Writer's Starter Kit Now!]( Full Access for Just $1 Full Access for Just $1 This free blueprint shows you how to make $2,500 to $8,000 a month as a writer. And for just a buck, you'll gain access to every resource you'll need to execute that blueprint. All the roadmaps … All the articles … All the how-to videos … All 320+ training webinars … The member forum, the job board, the tutorials, the tools … All of it! [Check it Out Now.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2021 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? 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