What motivated you to read this? Was it the word ‘Brilliant’ that compelled you to open and/or scroll down to review (at least up until this point)?
Have you ever thought about what kind of advertising or content catches your eye on a consistent basis? You know those marketing catchphrases. Those clever hooks that compel you to open, click on, read, buy, join and/or become something. Apart from the obvious, I’ve often wondered what compels and/or attracts us to view various kinds of materials.
Are you more apt to view something when you’re not feeling at your strongest, maybe bored, procrastinating, searching out of desperation, maybe feeling less than confident in your own abilities? Or is it when you’re actually seeking out resources to help you expand and grow what it is that you’re creating? Or, then again is it that you’re not sure what it is that you’re trying to do? You’re looking for any inspiration to spark something within you. And yet, once again, it could be the fear of missing out because something has been hyped so much that it’s hard to turn away.
It could be all or none of the above and yet typically it’s an either/or depending upon how you’re feeling, and this too changes on any given day. And based on those feelings, you’re going to view things very differently. This is where impulse buying is so tied to our emotions – hence the word ‘impulse.’
Marketing experts (think they) know all about us. They study us, our habits and behaviors. We’re like lab mice. They know how to pull at our heartstrings, motivate us to move in whichever direction they want to sway us. They lure us with powerful words like;
- Guarantee
- Sale
- Unconditional
- Promise
- Risk-free
- Pledge
- Get Rich (fast)
Not to mention words that create urgency (Now, Expires, Quick, Going fast) or make us feel at ease (bargain, best-seller, easy, satisfaction, money-back) or that give us a premium feel (State-of-the-art, invite-only, hand-crafted, fresh) or something that feels exclusive (Secret, Limited, Rare, Few, Edition). Then there are words that inspire and motivate (Revolutionary, Extraordinary, Amazing) or spark our curiosity (Announcing, Start, Stop, Deal, Challenge).
Theirs a word for every emotion, trigger and impulse that we have. This intrigues me. It also concerns me. It concerns me if you’re moving toward something for the wrong reasons. Like a player who has been invited to place a sucker bet.
During times of uncertainty and fear we reach for something, maybe anything to help ground our nerves. Something to soothe us. We see words like Get Rich Quick; Make a Billion dollars; or Follow My Proven Methods, and it draws us in.
By the way, if you read any caption or sales pitch that highlights any of these statements above, run (away) as fast as you can. It’s pure hype – that’s all it is.
You get sucked in because you believe others are doing grandiose things when you may perhaps be feeling less of who you are.
If that’s the case, I’d like you to consider this: “Your expectations will not be met if you don’t consider yourself and where you’re at in your life, first. ” And by that, I mean … ask yourself:
- Why am I doing what I’m doing?
- What do I need right now?
- Am I doubting myself? Confident?
- How am I talking to myself right now (limiting beliefs, self-doubt etc.)?
- What’s my interest in participating in this webinar or course?
- Do I need a distraction from my work at hand? Am I procrastinating?
- How am I feeling right now? What’s missing?
- What am I trying to consider or accomplish?
- Why am I considering enrolling in this program?
- What are my expectations if I am planning on outsourcing?
You see what I mean. You need to pay attention to what it is that you’re needing and/or trying to do. If you’re stuck, then consider reaching out to someone whom you trust and will listen for what’s not said – will read between the lines to find out what it is that you’re really trying to say (if you find it difficult to articulate).
Try to identify what it is that you need and why you’re doing something before you spend any more time searching, googling, clicking on distractions that do not serve you. It’s like binge watching a series for hours and hours (days on end) and then wondering why you’re struggling to accomplish your goals or aspirations.
It has to start with you first. Take the time to discover what it is that you need before you leap into a bunch of things that ‘sound good’ because someone knows how to sell you.
Sure, when it comes time to explore further resources that make the most sense for you, then go seek and you shall find – on your terms.
Trust me, it’s a win-win for both you and whomever you’re engaging with or in. You’ll know what you want, and in turn, the coach, program, concept, resource (whatever) will be more energetically and more purposefully received.
You’ve got this.