The Most Awesome Lesson I Learned From Gary Halbert

Dang it, John…

I think about the path I took many times.

About how much “easier” corporate life would have made life now…

I could slow down a little…

I’d be “more set” right now…

and then I think about it a little more honestly…

and I know the path I did choose was the right path after all.

Thanks for the lesson.

Hey John,

The more I read about Gary, the more I wish I got to meet him. Not only was he a world-class copywriter (and that’s understatement of the century), he also seemed like a top guy.

Anyway, in terms of your point about taking a risk and doing what gets you excited, I couldn’t agree more. Leaving the corporate world was the best decision I ever made.

As I was reading, I got thinking… What do you think your life would look like now if you made the decision to stay in that world?

Thanks for an awesome read, John.

Tom

Mr John Carlton,
Have you ever been so stressed out that you want the day to end but not sure about waking up tomorrow?

Or just thinking about it makes you dizzy?

A few years a go a started building houses.

But to enter the market I was cutting costs like almost giving them for free.

And I had everyone on my neck.

Old debts were haunting me. Federal agencies will send people to charge me, my closest workers were abandoning me.

The construction workers where doing the job pretty badly because I owned and i have to convinced them to work anyways.

Then the worst, the clients where on my neck.

And I just needed one more house to keep the circus going.

And the worst is that I didn’t study architecture neither civil engineer.

And i wasn’t passionate about this. I hated it everyday and this story was everyday.

But something gave me relief. I found the http://www.garyhalberletters.com during that time.

And i found that i truly love marketing, sales and copywriting.

And it was the first thing i will read in the morning and then after coming home.

So that lesson hit homes with me: “Find out what rocks your boat, and go for it with everything you have.”

But i don’t regret anything i learned a lot and the idea of working the 9-5 terrifies me.

Just sitting there and taking orders and waiting so i can go, no way.

As you pointed out:”I realized how little I was motivated by money. And how alive I felt in the entrepreneurial world, where rules were constantly broken and reinvented, and we could field-test our wildest ideas

So yes, “the riskier path is the one you need to take.”

Thanks!!

Marcelo

You guys were rockstars. It’s obvious in the ads you both wrote. I’m in China now, writing copy and doing my best to have as many adventures as I possibly can. Copywriting is a gift and you and Gary have both inspired me to use it to find the best experiences I can. Money’s nice too. Can’t wait for your next book.

as always great post John…

I too have learned from Gary’s lust for life through his writing and the all too brief times I was privileged to spend with him — the adventure of the Key West Seminars, creating mayhem in the streets of Key West and New York City, and marauding through halls of Phillips Publishing.

And I’ve been lucky enough to continue to get that inspiration from you, John — through your writings like this and our friendship.

I shutter to think what a more far more boring person I would be today had I not said “Yes” to Gary’s unexpected invitation to join him and you for those seminars, or stayed in the world of ad agency advertising.

Do you have any advice on handling the fear and anxiety that comes with the riskier path?

Several years ago I definitely took the riskier path, and only this year do I feel that things are finally coming together. Thanks for your advice John.

Hey John:

Another good one.

Anyone who’s not delving deep into Gary’s old newsletters and sales pieces is missing out. Personally I’ve studied his style and the way he lays out a pitch. Funny. Effective. Masterful.

I’ll often read a few of his newsletters just as a “warm up” before writing my own sales letter. Just to get the voice on the right path.

Wild man or not, his work and teachings stand the test of time.

Jimbo

That was a kick in the ass I needed. Thanks for sharing John, I mean it!

Hi Mr. Carlton,

Hope you’ve been well. I’ve been thinking obsessively about the “big” questions. About my own imminent mortality/death, about everything that is “me”. My past experiences, all…

I have a job interview with Agora Publishing for a copywriter position. Since I left a comment last time Mr. Carlton I’ve been on and off with copywriting and now this is the time to get damn good,

Get “proven” at Agora.

I don’t know if I’ll be in California anytime soon. Or if it really matters whether I make it to San Diego or die in Minnesota.

I’ll be somewhere and that’s alright.

Cheers,

Brandon Whited

That’s an awesome story about living the life you want.
I just recently started on my life as copywriter, after events unfolded directed me to Gary Halbert’s newsletter. I’m soon drowned in his mastery of advertising, life values, and his witty humor. Not until I read Perry Marshall and Dan Kennedy’s books that I found you, John Carlton.
Right now I’m swallowing everything I can get, but in healthy amount, every world-class lessons on copywriting. I’m still writing mediocre copies, but I hope I’ll improve when I know I’m learning from the best, including you.
Thanks for your lessons!

Little late to the show here, but what a nice piece. Thanks John, your work serves as an inspiration to me and probably many others.

As always, you seem to have the right words to say at the appropriate moment I need to hear them. Thank-you!

Sir, I have a question,

How can one practice direct response copywriting in today’s world of the internet?

Hi John – reading this made me reflect deeply on my own journey into copywriting, and the choices (and risks) involved as part of that journey.

I applaud your early-career decision to take a turn that, at the time, may have seemed like a financial opportunity cost. But, I suppose the real question – as you rightly ask in this article — is this: what is the opportunity cost of NOT taking said turn, in spite of the financial costs? Where would you be (or not be) today were you to have taken that alternative path?

I found myself asking similar questions when I first founded my business Lobster Copy® 🦞. I’ve also asked similar questions during my previous career as a teacher. Generally though, I’ve found it pays to listen to one’s heart, gut, and moral compass, and as much as reason and logic have their place and should also be listened to and heeded.

Besides, in my experience, there’s only so long we can avoid or rationalise away these inclinations. The heart gets what it wants ultimately!