The Story of Mr. Professional

May 22, 2012
Sedona, Arizona
Sunny 90 degrees

Today, I’m going to posit a theory that you might find interesting. It’s not a theory for me, because I know it’s true for me.

But your mileage may vary.

I think I know why clients can be so frustrating. I think I know what it is about clients that can drive you to say, “Clients suck.”

Like many things, it all comes down to self-worth, believe it or not.

And here’s how it works:

Mr. Professional is going through his life not thinking much of himself.

Mr. Professional goes out into the world searching for some way to make himself feel better.

Mr. Professional tries to find someone who can provide the approval he cannot grant to himself.

Mr. Professional starts working with clients in order to get that approval.

The approval does not come. In fact, things get worse.

Instead of showering Mr. Professional with praise, the client picks apart everything he does.

That’s not really what they’re doing, but that’s what Mr. Professional is feeling about what they’re doing.



Mr. Professional’s lack of self worth isn’t resolved… instead, it’s magnified.

I’ve realized recently that self-approval isn’t something you grant yourself, it’s something within you that you uncover.

For me, I realize it’s been here the whole time. Even so, I went out looking for it.

That’s one tiring journey.

Once you find it within yourself and focus on it, it starts to grow.

And that’s when your life beings to change.

See you next time,

Jason Leister
Editor, The Client Letter
Creating Success for Independent Professionals
ClientsSuck.net

Additional Resources

Raise Your Fees:

• The Art of the Question
• 5 Client Mistakes That Cost Me $105,000 in Lost Fees

Attract Better Clients:

• How To Get Kick-Ass Clients

For Freelance Copywriters:

• How I Became a Six-Figure Copywriter