It’s exhausting cranking out all these words with the expectation that you and your client are going to make a bundle.
Talk about
stress!
If you want to write copy as long as I have, it's crucial to stay inspired, motivated, and productive—without it taking a toll on your health and your family.
Here are five effective ways I kept from burning out.
1. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Life is no fun when you are working all the time.
The “experts” would tell you to “take regular breaks, set boundaries, and maintain a schedule that allows for personal time.”
Yeah, easier said than done for most. For me, it was easy. I was a marathoner and would run every morning. That got me hyped for the day. At lunch, I would go to jiu-jitsu and battle young guys.
Let me tell you, nothing can be more relaxing than some guy trying to choke you out. You are NOT thinking about work at all.
You will come back home totally relaxed. It worked for me.
2. Build Yourself a Supportive and Collaborative Environment
To be sure, working from
home can be quite isolating. But it can be empowering. Which is why I formed relationships with other copywriters (often behind the backs of the publishers we worked for). We could then get comments on copy from each other or share the nitty-gritty on who was cool to work for, who paid on time, and who was a real jerk.
These weren’t everyday
calls, but they did come at the right time and formed a feeling of a greater community.
What’s more, every Wednesday night I would run with my running friends. On Saturdays we would all go to breakfast after our runs. More laughs…
3. Look for Opportunities for Professional Growth
I used to go to Toastmasters at lunch. This got me out of the office and helped me learn to speak on my feet—which was essential for growing my business and selling to other clients.
By the way, I would always win the impromptu speech contest. The best compliment I ever received was the time I did not give a speech. The winner thanked me for not giving a speech. (By the way, I share my secret in my Million Dollar Speech Framework!)
4. Reward Your Own Efforts
Don’t wait for a pat on the back for a winning promotion. The check should be enough.
But to build your own morale, take yourself out for lunch or dinner. That was my personal recognition program.
My lunch of choice: Gyro with hummus, tabouli, and baba ghanoush! Mmm.
5. Find Someone to Talk To
By reaching
out to others in your business, you can share the difficulties you may be facing. They can give you insights into solving problems.
The Bottom Line
Preventing burnout is not just about managing workloads; it's about creating an environment where you feel valued, supported, and inspired.
Unless you take action to form a healthy work-life balance, foster a collaborative environment, and provide growth opportunities, you are going to get burned out.
In closing, I hope you take my ideas to heart. When you do, you will see your productivity and happiness soar!
Now go have some fun!
All good wishes,
Doug D’Anna
P.S. Need someone to talk to?
Keep in mind that I am always here for you.
My monthly mentorship program was not only designed to help raise your copy skills, but also to be there to mentor you on your copywriting journey.
As a seasoned direct response copywriter, Doug has created hundreds of profitable direct mail packages, emails, and video sales letters for the world's largest specialized information publishers—generating over $100 million in direct sales.
