Monday memo #52
Consider the worst.
The Monday memo is food for thought to fuel your week.
Hi everyone,
One of the things that gets in the way of creative energy is fear. There are so many things to be afraid of. So many things that can get in the way at every stage.
Fears that make it hard to get started. Fears that make it hard to keep going. Fears that make it hard to publish, to show your work. What if you make something and nobody likes it? What if nobody buys it? What if nobody even notices? What if your work attracts criticism? Could you lose friends because of what you say?
These kinds of fears can be paralyzing. And you’re not alone in such fears. Everybody has them.
Fear is not always a bad thing. Fear is part of your biology and it’s there for a reason: to protect you from harm. Every organism, including you, has two basic impulses that ensure its survival: to seek reward and avoid threat. Your brain is biased about fear, and it prioritizes security over your other wants and needs, because it’s concerned for your safety. The reason fear exists is to protect you from danger. After all, any reward only matters if you can survive long enough to enjoy it.
The way to handle fears is not to avoid them but to consider them, to clarify them, to confront them.
Exercise.
Here’s your exercise for the week: If fear is keeping you from moving forward on something you want, think about the fear. What is it you are really afraid of? Write about it. What’s the worst that could happen if you go forward? What would that mean? What would it be like for you if the worst happened? What would you do then?
For example: Maybe you think that if you publish your thoughts you could lose friends. What would that tell you about those friendships? Are those the kinds of friendships you really want? And have you considered that publishing might also create opportunities for new friendships, that might be even stronger and more aligned with your values?
Our biological fear served us well thousands of years ago, when we were continually surrounded by existential threats. But many of the fears that stop you from sharing your work are not existential.
Write about your fears. Consider them. Clarify them. Confront them. See if that helps you build the courage to overcome them.
A special invitation.
Tomorrow, we are hosting an open house, graduate show, and holiday party, all rolled into one. If you’re curious about what we’ve been doing in project studio, this is a great chance to meet your fellow travelers, check out the things they’ve been working on, and enjoy good conversation in good company. It’s going to be a fun and interactive session, and you’re invited!
It’s free but you do need to register here so I know how many people to expect. You’re also welcome to invite friends and anyone else you think might be interested. You can forward this email or share this invitation link on your social network of choice.
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