I’m scared to death of pushing forward with this book.
I said it. I can back out anytime. I can give up and walk away, in a few weeks nobody will ever care… except me, of course. And no offense to y’all, but in this instance, y’all don’t matter.
What if I’m not interesting?
What if I make a mistake?
What if I bore people?
What if I quote someone wrong?
What if I don’t look professional?
What if I don’t seem authentic?
What if everyone finds out I’m not that smart?
What if I’m called out for not playing much?
What if I’m ridiculed by my peers?
What if nobody cares?
What if the school won’t back me?
What if nobody understands my perspective?
What if I blow the deadline?
What if I’m laughed by real authors?
But then again… What if I don’t try? Nothing. Nothing at all will happen. And I’ll be left with the curse of “what if…” running through my head until it drives me insane.
You’re going to see a book out of me, even if it’s late and never makes 100 sales. I have no choice but to push forward. I’m scared of what will happen when I ship the book. But I’m even more scared of what will happen if I don’t.
The Lizard Brain
Seth Godin, an author whose work I devour, talks extensively about “The Resistance” and “The Lizard Brain.” These ideas are the fear that hold us back from attempting great things. Ask anyone who’s done something impressive if they felt fear before they attempted it. It can be anything from starting a business to running a marathon to cutting off all their hair. They will say yes. And if they don’t, then they are A.) a liar or B.) capable of so much more.
If it’s big and bold, you’re probably scared of it. But fear is good.
It drives you. It motivates you. It keeps you pushing forward. You become acutely aware of how close failure is nipping at your heels. And you know you don’t have time to worry. Only time to work, no time for anything else.
I’m scare to death. And if you’re lucky, you are too.
P.S. Thanks for the motivational talk the other day Ryan, I appreciate you sir!
P.P.S. I am putting more effort into this than anything I’ve ever attempted in my life. If you’d like to be the first to receive email updates about the book launch, you can check out more right here.
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