How to Stand Out by Being You and Escape the Comparison Cage
Comparisons are the worst cage content writers and copywriters can find themselves trapped in.
They’re trying to put the word out they exist. They’re ready to serve. They’re ready to listen to their clients’ visions and turn them into reality.
But how can they be heard? Fortunately or unfortunately, the Internet adds to the noise that copywriters, content writers, and their dream clients hear every day.
The Internet noise is like snow trying to encase spring flowers that valiantly bloom in less than ideal weather.
Those native to Michigan like me can understand the temperamental weather conditions.
As a content writer, blogger, and word wizard, there are times I hear the mocking voices in my mind when I glance to see how others in the writing field are succeeding.
They’re flying high, living the reality that I'm still dreaming despite snatching time to turn my dream into a reality.
See there? That's me slipping towards the comparison cage.
If you feel the sinking doubt whenever you glance at your fellow professionals succeeding in comparison to you, take a moment to walk with me on my thoughts of the "Comparison Cage."
Cracking the Comparison Cage By "Being You"
At the core of us writers, we are still human. What separates the doers and dreamers is taking that first step to break the cage’s lock.
Often, the first advice we hear is "be you."
A simple piece of advice but it's often hard to implement.
There are insecurities and fears of being vulnerable. Of letting the rules of etiquette and conversation fall by the wayside.
I'm honestly terrified each time that I let the walls down. Walls I've taught myself to put up in polite company. Here's some of my mental terrors:
"What if they don't like me?"
"What if they think I'm too weird?"
"What if they think I'm incapable of being a professional?"
"What if they don't like my writing?"
These terrors creep in often when I send out LinkedIn connect invites and talk with someone new.
It was not until I've started to listen to those who were already exceeding in their goals. That's when I began to understand how "being you" can break the comparison cage.
Escapee Number 1: Danielle Hughes of "More Than Words"
One of the "escapees" from the comparison cage that I think about is Danielle Hughes whose all about being you.
"I've been called a wordsmith, a magician, a copywriter extraordinaire, a lifesaver and a badass. Four of those are accurate. Eh, who am I kidding, they're all accurate. ~ Danielle Hughes
Hughes started her business, More than Words, as a copywriter.
One day, she wrote a blog post about people's Genuine Personality Brand.
Since that day, Hughes business now strives to help business owners embrace their genuine personality. She helps their personalities shine on their About page, the number one hot spot for personality.
Escapee Number 2: Lisa Mullis of "Paraphrase Communications"
The second "escapee" I think about is Lisa Mullis who began her journey as a copywriter and designer. After 20+ years, she's now at the helm of her business, "Paraphrase Communications."
Mullis' service for coaches, creatives, and consultants focuses on their brand positioning and messaging.
When they have clarity on where they stand and what message they want to send to their clients, these individuals will be able to attract their ideal clients. In turn, it increases "the levels of joy and income in their business."
Escapee Number 3: Terri Trespicio
The last "escapee" I'll touch on is Terri Trespicio. Her superpower is her voice as her Tedx Talks about "stop searching for your passion" shook the Internet.
Since that talk, she has gone on to write "Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You." It's a book that I have on my library shelf. And it’s one of the sparks that lights up my "Musings for Myself" articles on LinkedIn.
Trespicio's role is to "help people identify, articulate, and seize on their own standout ideas-for their brands, businesses, whatever work they do-so that they can become powerful, and fulfilled, contributors and leaders."
So How I am Escaping the Comparison Cage?
In all honesty, the comparison cage is tricky.
You think you escaped, only to find yourself falling back into the cage because old habits die hard.
Perhaps the comparison cage is really a constant caging companion that we learn to not let grab you, especially when it holds you back from doing do your work.
Instead of measuring/comparing, I think of celebrating.
As of November 2023, I made a resolve to take baby steps in my day and celebrate wins when I accomplish a task, be it business or personal.
I write them down in my planner, so I can look at what I’ve done so far for myself and by myself.
In the spirit of celebrating wins, let me celebrate what makes me and my business unique:
I embrace my quirks with my business name, “Waggish Writer” as ‘waggish’ means ‘playful’ and ‘mischievous’
I am a life-long learner, dedicating a daily baby step to reading “Writer’s Digest” articles and newsletters that inspire me
While I washed out of being a teacher (see “Got Ghost” for that story), my desire to educate and help others drives my writing in Waggish Writer with “what can I write that can help others” question in my mind
While I have a heavy background in fantasy, poetry, and fanfiction, I counter balance with my experience as a newspaper writer and detailed-oriented researcher
Instead of using time and energy comparing, I rather celebrate what’s uniquely mine.
The ladies I mentioned earlier and all the other content writers and copywriters in the field of writing?
They deserve applause and to be lifted up. They are the proof that dreamers like me can be doers like them.
I shall find my own way to bloom despite the heavy snows life can throw at unexpected times. And my hope is you shall break out of your comparison cage to just bloom.
Until next time, have a wonderful life. <3
Erin
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