9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Did you ever doubt yourself?

by beanietoes
7 replies
Hi all,

This may not be the right place to pose this issue, but I would be much obliged to anyone with advice...

I have been passionate about writing my entire life and discovered an interest in copywriting during college. I'll be graduating in a few months, and 3 weeks ago I began working as a copywriting intern for a local ad agency.

Since my first few copywriting assignments, I've become very depressed and insecure with both my writing and my creativity (something that's never happened before - at least to this degree).

I have always been a very slow, meticulous writer who requires complete solitude (no distractions, etc) to produce quality work. Unfortunately, the agency where I work gets very noisy, and the short deadlines (i.e. a couple hours) compound to the pressure. As a result, my work has been suffering. When my work suffers, my confidence suffers, and when my confidence suffers, my work suffers. It's a vicious cycle!

However, I understand that in advertising, you are often given short deadlines in chaotic environments...I want to learn to adapt to these situations, but right now I'm really struggling.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? I've never second guessed my writing before, and it really sucks...

Thanks.
#doubt
  • Profile picture of the author brightmarketing
    I think you're not alone in doubting yourself or your writing. It's pretty common among writers - especially copywriters.

    I remember listening to Carline Anglade-Cole (super star, million-dollar copywriter) saying in an interview that every time she starts a project, she gets a little voice that says "Will I be able to do a good job on this? Am I Just a fraud?"

    All you can do is acknowledge that it happens - and keep writing.

    As for the noisiness in your office... get some noise cancelling headphones. Put some relaxing music if it's not too distracting.

    Finally, remember that copywriting (at least the kind that gets real results) is not so much about the writing itself, but rather the ideas and concepts behind the copy.

    A great idea or concept for an awesome product with copy written "so-so" will perform better than the most eloquent copy that's been written with lousy ideas and concepts supporting it.

    Something to think about...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5493210].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Yes, headphones or earplugs. The cheap >-shaped orange ones work well. Don't get the ones that look like a tube...you want ones that taper.

    I use earplugs all the time for the peace and quiet I need. Especially for sleeping.

    Haven't thought about noise-cancelling headphones. But even if they're pricey, consider this: we're talking about your source of income here. Do what you have to do to protect it!

    The evidence seems to point to nearly all copywriters thinking to themselves, "This time I'll screw it up" or "I'm a fraud, aren't I?" every so often. Try to remember that:

    a) this is what you do for a living
    b) you're aware of this little voice (it's the Lizard Brain, by the way)
    c) you're better at copywriting than 99.9% of the people on the planet...who don't do it at all.

    You're not alone in feeling this way once in awhile, and it's not limited to the copywriting profession.
    Signature
    >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

    >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5494226].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    Originally Posted by beanietoes View Post

    Has anyone else experienced this problem? I've never second guessed my writing before, and it really sucks...Thanks.
    Every stinking day!

    I take the act of helping people achieve their dreams very sincerely.

    At the end of the day...

    ...I either allow the pressure to shrink my creative flow...

    OR

    I rise up to the unique challenges I've CHOSEN to take on!

    And while the process of self-doubting is TOTALLY normal for ANYONE, you must have a mantra that reminds you of WHO YOU REALLY ARE and what you're capable of manifesting.

    ALWAYS WRITE FROM A PLACE OF CONFIDENCE!

    That's my take anyway....

    Mark
    Signature

    Do you want a 9 figure copywriter and biz owner to Write With You? I'll work with you, on zoom, to help write your copy or client copy... while you learn from one of the few copywriters to legit hit 9 figures in gross sales! Discover More

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5494834].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ross Bowring
    Are there other creatives you work alongside who use the kinetic energy of the place to produce great work?

    If so, I'd talk to them about how they do it... or jusy try to observe and then model what seems to work for them.

    --- Ross
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5494978].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CreativeFlair
    Listening to music without words or in a foreign language helps me - I find actual songs too distracting whilst I'm trying to write.

    Such short deadlines is always going to be a pressure-filled job, and with your description of your writing style it sounds like it might not be right for you. If that's the case it's just time to accept it and move somewhere where you're working more flexibly in-house rather than at an agency.
    Signature

    Professional SEO, blogger and social media expert | Personal site: Blossom.nu

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5495035].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NickN
    Sounds-of-nature albums might work. They can replicate what a "normal" writing environment would be -- just you sitting and writing at a computer, no sounds except for chirping birds or the pitter-patter of raindrops.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5495083].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HaroonRiaz
    For creative writing, write just what interests you. I mean, really interest you. Something that gets the hormones moving in your body. For advertising, well, do the time. But try putting in the passion and the flow.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5521693].message }}

Trending Topics