Don’t be like Jack

You know people like Jack*. Jack advised his wife to dump any friends who couldn’t help advance her career. In the years since Jack shared this wisdom, he’s followed his own counsel to become highly successful.

Am I jealous of Jack?

No, Jack is an ass.

But Jack and his breed teach us an essential lesson.

A hero isn’t coming to help you

Rare individuals act as social “connectors,” linking compatible people for mutual benefit, and maybe you will meet one, but most humans must look out for themselves. If you’re an unproven newbie with nothing to offer, you’re on your own.

The people who can help you are helping themselves and those who can help them.

This is even true with family members.

But don’t hang your head, crawl under the covers, and go to bed in despair.

Be your own hero

Your inability to find someone to help you is a gift, a rallying cry to work harder, develop more skills, and shape your talents into a craft that no one can ignore. Yes, you have to produce excellent work. Even if Jack helped get you there, he can’t keep you there if your work sucks.

Get up early, do the work, and put in the hours.

Put on your superhero shirt

Another obstacle to consider – an established writer I follow said being a great writer isn’t enough because clients assume your skills are a given. The difference between success and failure is your ability to self-promote, which sends waves of nausea to some, and I get it.

Unfortunately, your work is not the primary thing you are selling. It’s you.

If you lack the self-confidence or ambition to champion your own cause, don’t count on Jack to do it for you.

You can do it without Jack

When you walk the red carpet and receive your award, loose neurons won’t fire off in your brain, questioning if you belong there.

You’ll have extreme satisfaction knowing you earned every accolade.

And you won’t need to thank Jack squat.

*Jack is a real person, but the name is fake to protect his very sweet wife.

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