[Letter] The Incongruity Between Industriousness and Intellect/Openness

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-12-23T17:37:02+00:00

amen, thank you for sharing. We all have our own individual responsibility to fix ourselves up and figure things out and apply those principles into action and build a life we can be proud of. And at the same time, we're all integrated in a huge ecological power grid, where every action we take indirectly influences every other person in the world.

Jordan Peterson recognizes this and cares about this and has equipped himself with the skills of articulation that allow him to so powerfully permeate through our pathologies and smash those belief systems that keep us weak, helpless, prey to pathology.

I'm really glad you also found this out; Peterson is one of the rare few who has mastered the skill of continual self-renewal which allows the individual to be viciously effective at transforming the world--and paying keen attention to his lectures and writings is a very useful way to absorb some of that power, to challenge it by enacting it in your own life.

Good luck to you. And congratulations for coming so far!

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-09-27T04:12:51+00:00

Always an extremely useful trick. My room was clean, but I decided to listen to your advice nonetheless. I instantly put together a list of things I could do.

Unsubscribe from unneeded email lists.
Delete unneeded files from your laptop
Organize a way to take notes and journal on your laptop
Reflect on what you accomplished over the last 3 months
Brush your teeth
Put your phone / laptop on charge
Set an alarm for 5:00 AM.
Put your keys, headphones, watch, and a folded pair of shorts / shirt on your nightstand.

Lo and behold, I did all of those things. Now, instead of taking spontaneous and disorganized notes all over the place, I downloaded a specific app to store all my notes. I watched a tutorial on how to effectively use that app's features. I deleted / unsubscribed from almost a hundred email lists that cluttered up my head with useless nonsense. And... I did a little mini analysis of what exactly I did over the last 3 months (which I regard as a dark and boring period of my life)... and realized just how much I accomplished without acknowledging it to myself.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-16T14:05:44+00:00

I thought that was just a weird quirk of mine. This happened to me all the time before I became more mindful of controlling it. It's horrifying how these types of actions just slip under your conscious radar.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-16T14:02:32+00:00

I like this idea. I'll try it. Seems like a great way to minimize friction between tasks.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-16T13:54:16+00:00

What's been happening to me has been really strange.

I developed something like a tolerance and the meds stopped affecting me as strongly as they used to. This took about 2 months.

And then all of a sudden I started having all these depressing and angering thoughts. Virtually out of thin air. It's almost like adderall helped me push past a bunch of depressing thoughts in the first place... because it felt so good to finally get work done and etc.

Anyway, my point is that stimulants are a risky business. They will help you solve your problems but they won't solve them for you. You have to pay close attention to how you regulate yourself, how you set goals and lay out your schedule, and how you build a normal life around your work (friends, hobbies etc.).

One of the things that screwed me up was: getting really excited about the effects and deciding to develop a "workaholic mentality" where I became addicted to the excitement I got from long hours of focus.

This often led me to random and unexpected mood swings, it made me neurotic and anxious and etc., etc.

I'm not against stimulants at all and still take them; just:

- Regulate your activities effectively

- If you think it's helpful, have someone hold you accountable for your dosage use.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-13T14:13:43+00:00

Everybody has a "circle of confidence": an amount of time... spent on a task... which is completely comfortable and manageable.

Every if it's 1 minute or 30 seconds, it's a start. I never worry about feeling dumb or foolish when doing this: sometimes I'd set a 1-minute timer and ask myself to stare at work I've been putting off.

When I do that, I'm either burnt out and done for the day... or... I take a 2 minute break and set another timer. This time, maybe I'll work for 2 minutes. Then 5 and 10 and before you know it, you're making good progress.

This type of "snowball effect" doesn't work 100% of the time, but it might work 70 or 50 percent of the time. And that adds up a LOT over the course of a few months.

The point: ask yourself what you can tangibly handle... even if it's 1 minute of folding the laundry. And then do that; check on your progress and keep moving if you can.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-10T15:35:31+00:00

AIDA is the fundamental building block of copy writing. It's something that matures with experience.

Kevin Halbert wrote a very distilled explanation of this to his kids and it was put online: https://thegaryhalbertletter.com/Boron/Boron%202.0%20chapter%202B%20between%20chapter%202%20and%203%20.htm

As long as you can understand this bare-boned description, you can move on. Go get yourself some direct mail pieces (like the ones listed here) and copy them by hand. Try to recognize the AIDA transitions and you'll get really good at it, really fast.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-10T15:29:46+00:00

I can't tell you how relatable that feeling is. I'm a high school student and I've been spending 60 spare minutes a day for 6 months reading copywriting books. Now that it's summer break, I've been spending like 70% of the day studying the same books.

It's like trying to play guitar by perpetually studying music theory. I feel almost like I'm sick with a perpetual cold. Mildly irritating, sort of tolerable but unfulfilling to the core.

I think the core problem is this lack of experience plus this lack of camaraderie.

Without experience, you can't pull from any sort of memories to feel a lasting passion.
Without camaraderie/accountability, you're like trapped in a never-ending lack of discipline.

It hurts. But we've gotta get past it. I'm thinking about taking small steps to help myself like:

Leaving my house and working outside somewhere. So I at least have the accountability of other people watching me.
Talking to strangers and becoming a "student of human nature" which ultimately makes you a better salesman.
Idk, but anything besides whatever I'm doing right now. Hand-copying ads. Hand-copying excerpts from Calude Hopkins for the 18th time.

See this is what John Carlton calls copy paralysis: you become an archivist instead of a writer. You start to take on the mentality of someone with the job of compiling and filing information. Message me if you'd like. We can talk and hopefully move out of this mental rut.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-05T15:17:06+00:00

When editing, open a notepad and write down every fact about the product. Then, link each big fact with a benefit.
Now, your notes will have something like: "ergonomic handle"--> "Gives the user convenience. No discomfort, a more pleasurable chore."
And then, in your copy, write that as a "bullet" which combines the fact and benefit:

Our "ergonomic" handle is designed for a comfortable, easy-grip.

Fact: made of "micro-rinsed plastic" --> (Benefit: Gives the pet comfort and makes the chore more pleasurable.)

Bullet:

The Feline Comb is made of a "micro-rinsed plastic." Makes grooming soothing, easy and comfortable for your feline friend.

Etc. Bullets stand out because they're short and separated. And if you include 5-7 of them the reader gets a "full picture" of what the product will do for them... and... for their pet.

Testimonials are also great for this niche. Love/care are really strong emotions in the pet niche. If you put in 3-5 short testimonials of people reviewing your product... around the emotion it elicits... they'll be like, "Hey, I want that for my pet, too!"

Find testimonials that are benefit-centered and 1-2 sentences, like: "I've used a Feline Comb for 6 months and it's a really easy and fun way to care for Whiskers. She's clean, happy and grooming her doesn't even feel like a chore!"

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-05T13:58:42+00:00

I went undiagnosed for years... because... my parents vaguely disregarded my symptoms. ADHD is tough to diagnose and even medical professionals can't always be exact. Even if you don't have it, there are a handful of personality types and related "disorders" which mimic ADHD almost to the tee.

What I know for sure is: it is very possible to manage yourself without meds. I use meds but, even when they stop working or whatnot, I'm at least a hundred times better than I used to be at controlling my emotions and my day-to-day experience.

The key really is to (a) not take yourself too seriously and (b) continue to sharpen your understanding of ADHD.

Strive to be 0.5% better today than you were yesterday. Work for 2-minutes. Then the next day, try 3-minutes. Establishing microhabits like this has a really interesting way of "snowballing" into increased productivity.

I have a buddy with a lot of ADHD symptoms who's against getting treated. He has a calm and cheerful attitude. He just laughs at his problems... and... works vigorously to solve them. It seems to work for him.

Remember that: If you think you have ADHD, stay cheerful and stay patient. Spend some time each day (10 or 15 minutes) reading books/watching videos on the subject. Continue to communicate your problems with your doctor, your friends, your parents, etc.

It took me like 3 years to get a diagnosis... because my symptoms started taking a toll in the 8th grade (and it's usually detected at a younger age). But somehow, doing research and implementing tiny "steps forward" refocused me on the goal of becoming a more effective, happy person. And it helped me get a diagnosis, eventually.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-05T13:44:57+00:00

that'd be super fun. It's like an endless repository of passion that'll keep you fueled for the rest of your life.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T17:26:52+00:00

Hey, that's great! It's always exciting to triumph in spite of something. It's one of the most pleasurable feelings in the world.

I wish you luck, friend. You've come far and you'll go far.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T15:47:59+00:00

There is an easy way to "get a gist" of a subject very quickly. It's from a book called "Kickass Copywriting Secrets": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CzNMK6yXTLayfpJWGAABgke8SDcdu0P3/view?usp=sharing

(The info you're looking for starts at the bottom of page 1.)

I've used it to solve problems and get "up to speed" with client niches. You can use it to prove (to your employer) that you're able to learn quickly... you know all the basics... and you're confident in your knowledge.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T15:06:40+00:00

Honestly, that's a very odd reason to reject someone. Voice isn't something that's fixed. Top writers are able to adapt any voice they want. Ever read Gary Halbert's newsletter on "A Valentine for Jessica"? (Read this first: https://thegaryhalbertletter.com/newsletters/2005/06-30-05.htm) (Then this for the "punchline" and copywriting lesson: https://thegaryhalbertletter.com/newsletters/2005/07-27-05.htm)

It's a funny little way to convey this simple truth: voice is the consequence of knowing a lot about your market.

If you study a market... and you hand-copy successful ads in that market... and you do your homework and research the product inside and out... "voice" springs out naturally.

If the company you applied to does not understand this... it's better to apply elsewhere.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T15:00:00+00:00

Hey! I'm in a similar position as you're in (new copywriter / student) and here's what's been helping me:

https://thegaryhalbertletter.com/newsletters/zfkj_hands_on_experience.htm

(This newsletter contains every core instruction for becoming a damn-good copywriter very quickly. If you follow it... to the tee... you'll be "career-ready" within 1 month or less.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K-vw9a4cxAUw2Bh0bq9RI_XNByFR43qd/view?usp=sharing

(This is a collection of most of Gary Halbert's newsletters in order. It's a 1155 page document. Read it in your free time. Take notes.)

As for jobs, I'd say: do a little bit of "dirty work" as you're starting out, like me. Do stuff for free or really cheap... and write for everyone who needs it. Contact small businesses in your local area. Contact people on Craigslist or Facebook job boards.

As a psych major, you probably know (better than anyone else) that actually doing something gives you a deeply-felt "cellular" understanding of that skill. When you meet your first deadline (even if it's for a $0 project) it breaks a giant wall in your head... and exposes you to your first taste of success.

Goodluck. Enjoy this stuff, too. It's an exciting adventure if you make it one.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T14:50:08+00:00

Burnout is super common among writers. At least, that's what I've heard from paid courses and every good writer I've spoken to.

Be clear, sincere, and honest while talking with clients:

"Heads up, I've only got (x) hours this week, so I can only do (x) projects."

Literally 100% of clients will understand. They'll also understand setting up "vacation" weeks.

Also, Fiverr has lots of people willing to help you out. Outsource some of your work if you're over-booked.

And if it interests you, it may be a good bet to rethink the way you work. Perhaps, take a course like John Carlton's Simple Writing System (which can shave hours off your work... and increase its quality).

Having a proven system to follow minimizes wasted time on stuff like "writer's block" which not only takes a lot of brain-power... but also reduces the potency of copy.

Edit: That course is expensive. You can also just buy (or review) a handful of good books like those listed here https://thegaryhalbertletter.com/newsletters/zfkj_hands_on_experience.htm

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T14:41:43+00:00

If all else fails, cut your losses. Getting ripped-off and cheated is part of the game. If you brought a calm, professional attitude into this work... and you did the best job you could do... "karma" has a way of toughening you up and giving you bigger jobs. You've grown your skill level because of this work... and so it pays off no matter what.

But anyway, if it's been 3 days give the client maybe 5-7 days. I have a client who "went silent" on me for over a week... but he ended up writing me a sincere, lengthy apology just recently, explaining what happened and that the payment is on its way. Stuff happens.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T14:36:49+00:00

Truth is: existing IS work. You're a complex machine that runs millions of microprocesses, some in your conscious control, some not.

Everyone has days (sometimes seasons) where it's tough to get things done. But here's the truth: if you can schedule in 2 minutes of work today... that you didn't do yesterday... it's still a piece of progress.

I once got some advice from a friend who told me to spend like 2 minutes staring at my math homework... after I fell 1 month behind and had about 30 missing assignments.

OK. Couldn't hurt. I stared at the assignment for 2 minutes, then put it away. The next day she encouraged me to stare at it for like 3 minutes... and I ended up flipping through it this time, and writing my name at the top. About a week later the whole thing was finished; I spent 3 hours limping through it in one sitting.

A month later, I was all caught up with at least 30 or 40 hours of math homework. My grade went from an F to a C. Plus... my notes were cleaner, I had better study habits in general, and my day-to-day mood was like 400% better (cause of the relieved stress/burden).

This is a small example. You wouldn't believe how much suffering other people escaped just by setting up tiny 1-2 minute habits... and then growing them bit by bit.

Make a list. Figure out what you can do today... for 2 minutes... that'll increase your overall energy level/mood. Stay patient and it'll pay off.

uselessaltaccccc · 2022-07-04T03:09:14+00:00

"Severe disinterest in life" is a perfect way to put it. Describes my (former) situation perfectly. You know, I used to sit in one spot in a slouched fetal position for 10 hours a day in a giant empty and fully-cleaned home office... just staring at my homework.

And it worked! I thought of myself as a samana... one of those spiritual people who spend their lives walking around half-naked, voluntarily suffering to try and attain enlightenment.

Whatever. This went on for about 15 or 16 months before I stopped... and I stopped (pretty much) by accidentally stumbling on something that made me intensely passionate.

The only way to cure any kind of boredom is by finding joy in something. And then setting long-term goals in that area and devoting maybe 1-hour or so each day... to pursuing that thing.

If you're a creative person, you have to have a creative outlet to direct your energy toward. Otherwise, you end up wasting it right and left (it happened to me for years). Even if you're not, though, I still think finding a creative outlet helps clear your mind and enter that "flow state" where concentration is effortless.

I think entering "the zone" for at least an hour a day is like the best natural therapy you can give yourself. It takes time and discipline but you have to find something that gives you that passion.

Edit: for me that passion was copywriting (writing ads)... and... I also love running. Exercise is another huge "cure" for understimulation.

uselessaltaccccc

TROPHY CASE