Copywriting Q&A: How Do You Find the Confidence to Get Started?

Even when you want something very badly—a new career, for example—it’s not always enough to get you to take the steps to begin. Today we’re going to talk about confidence, and where to find it. Read on…

Today’s question is from Marisol P., who asks, “I’m interested in getting into copywriting but I’m scared. How do I get myself to get over it and get started?”

I wish I could tell you that there was some magical incantation or elixir that would instantly give you confidence. There just isn’t.

But there are two things that, when combined, can help carry you through even when you’re not feeling confident.

First, you need to know your “Big Why.” Why do you want to become a copywriter? What about your life are you trying to change?

I’ve heard a lot of answers to this question. Things like, “I finally want to make good money as a writer” or “I want to actually enjoy what I do for a living” or “I need to do something creative every day, or I’ll regret it later.”

You need to come up with your own big, compelling reason why you want to do this. Without that “Big Why,” it’s much harder to get started and much easier to quit.

Second, you need to map out the steps you’ll need to take—and then break them down into incredibly tiny, easy little steps.

For example, don’t put “Set up a portfolio website” on your To Do list. That’s a big task that’s just going to overwhelm you. Instead, break it down into the smallest, easiest possible tasks you can. Things like, “Visit squarespace.com.” “Read squarespace.com’s features page.” “Visit Wix.com” “Read Wix.com features page” and so on.

Yes, they’re crazy-easy…but that also means that your To Do list won’t intimidate you and keep you from accomplishing things.

Any time you look at your To Do list, and you find yourself avoiding doing something, it’s likely it’s because it’s intimidating in some way. Break that task down into super-tiny tasks, and you won’t feel nearly as daunted.

You can’t find confidence—but you can build it by taking action. And you can take action by breaking steps down into itty bitty, smaller steps. And you can keep taking action by reminding yourself of the “Big Why.”

As long as you keep doing these things—and reminding yourself that sometimes feeling insecure or unsure doesn’t mean you’re not meant to do it—you’ll be able to get started. I promise. 🙂

Your turn! Do you have any other tips for helping yourself build confidence? Let us know in the comments below!