I sometimes wonder what makes the difference between successful copywriters and copywriters who fail to get things rolling. Not only that, I wonder what makes the difference between people who achieve success in any area and people who don't.
Perhaps you wonder this too.
As I've reflected on my own success and what's made the difference, I've discovered a "hierarchy" of sorts. I call it my "Hierarchy of Success Factors."
Please take a moment to review my list. The items are listed in order of influence. Maybe you will resonate with some of the success factors I've discovered that are at work in my life.
Ryan's Hierarchy of Success Factors
- God
- Faith
- Action
- Skill
I'm going to say something that might make you uncomfortable. That is, I would not be successful as a copywriter today if it had not been God's will for my life.
The key to success in anything is to discern what God's will is. Then do it. Do you remember how David won battles? He inquired of God first.
After you discern what God's will is, you must have faith you have heard correctly... and then... act on it. That's where the action piece comes in. Of course, without faith, action cannot happen.
A quote that motivated me to quit my job was from the German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it!"
As I contemplated quitting my job and embarking on a new adventure, it simply felt like the time was right. God had orchestrated events so that I couldn't possibly say no to the idea of becoming self-employed. So I put in my two weeks' notice and took the first step.
Next in my hierarchy I have listed skill. You might think this should be first, but it is not. For I could be a great copywriter and still have no clients, should God plan it so.
It's my belief that skill is less important than we would like to believe. After all, how we love to boast in our skill! But without God, faith, and action, skill becomes irrelevant. Or said another way, skill remains latent.
In all of this, God still possesses the ultimate influence. As Jeremiah 10:23 says, "I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps."
Or if you favor Solomon, try Proverbs 20:24, which says, "Man's steps are ordained by the Lord, how then can man understand his way?"
Translation: God is controlling your life. He is the #1 Success Factor.
Honor God. Seek to know His will. Have faith. Take action. Use your skill. Do these things and success shouldn't tarry long.
That's a great post Ryan.
Your list order is spot on, too.
Following it makes things a LOT less frustrating (to say the least).
Posted by: Ben Settle | April 05, 2007 at 09:25 PM
Great post Ryan!
I agree completely.
I just hope no one comes in and tries to "blame God" for their failures. It's easy to miss the "action" key in this.
Posted by: Terry Dean | April 06, 2007 at 07:13 AM
Uh-oh. Now the secret's out.
EVERYBODY will be doing it.
Posted by: Ray Edwards | April 06, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Great post Ryan. The same has been true in my life.
Posted by: Mike Jezek | April 06, 2007 at 10:48 AM
That's a great posting.
I totally agree with your rank!
Regards,
Codrut Turcanu.
http://www.OnlineMoneyMakingPortal.com
Posted by: Codrut Turcanu | April 06, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Wow, I must be in the wrong career!
I didn't realise it was for the religious only...
Posted by: Sarah McIver | April 06, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Ah, but Sarah, I did not say you had to attend church. :-)
In all seriousness, I'm surprised (and encouraged) that so many have agreed with me.
But just because you aren't religious, doesn't mean you shouldn't be a copywriter.
I'm not religious either, although you may think it from my writing...
Posted by: Ryan Healy | April 06, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Good point--even for those of us who have a different understanding of God.
I certainly struggle with balancing action with mental and spiritual practices.
And I'd love it if skill was the deciding factor in success-it's much easier to acquire than faith!
Later-Lee
Posted by: Lee Little | April 06, 2007 at 09:00 PM
If success is essentially and primarly god's contribution, then failures are also god's dectates. So it is a question of human mindset. This reminds me of a childhood story. The minister who always assisted the king in all his deeds and action use to say "God does every thing for good". Once the King found the minister guilty on some ground and at a fury he ordered dismembering of the right hand thump of the minister. Later when the king came to know of his mistake he applogised to the minister. Even at this juncture the minister remarked "God does every thing for good". The king and the entire court laughed at this considering the remark as very silly. As the days passed by the king and the minister went to the forest on a hunting exercise. A gang of nomadic fanatics caught hold of the king and minister precisely for offering one of them as a sacrifice to their godes by severing the head and burning the same over the huge pire in front of their place of worship. When they identified the first person as the king of their country, they allowed him to go away unharmed. His request to free the minister who was very important to the country was not accepted. The minister was kept to be sacrificed to their god at the night's gathering.When the minister was brought to the alter, their spiritual head noticed that the minister was not a complete person as required by their tredition for the sacrifice. This was because the minister was not having his thump. So they left him free to go to his native place. The king who came back with is fighters to free the minister met him half way happy and singing the praise of god.
This small story takes us nearer to the a line in the Bagavath geeth where god himself tells his followers to do his duty sincerely and with total involvement and not to desire for personal gratification which will be taken care of byngod himself. If one fails continuously in some tasks inspite of systematic efforts, perhaps it is the design of the providence to take him to entirely different plains. God is infalible. The famous saying goes "faith cures and absolute faith cures absolutely"
Posted by: Heritor | April 06, 2007 at 11:06 PM
Priorities are an important part of success. Without clarity, it's easy to work in spiritual fog and wander in circles before reaching one's goal.
Thanks for having the courage to post the priorities that have provided the path to your success.
Posted by: Carolyn | April 07, 2007 at 04:51 PM
Lee - You mentioned that skill is easier to acquire than faith. It seems that's true.
For instance, I have a friend who for years has told me he wants faith, but can't seem to acquire it.
It's not for lack of wanting, but simply not having.
Posted by: Ryan Healy | April 09, 2007 at 04:39 PM