ON BIAS FOR ACTION
Taking Action: Overcoming Resistance on the Path to Creative and Entrepreneurial Success
In the pursuit of creative fulfillment and entrepreneurial success, it is crucial to understand the forces that can either propel us forward or hold us back. This article delves into the concept of bias for action and explores the various forms of resistance that individuals encounter along their journey. It highlights the importance of recognizing and overcoming resistance in order to achieve personal and professional growth. By shedding light on the psychological, societal, and self-imposed barriers that impede progress, the article offers insights and strategies for cultivating a bias for action and embracing the challenges that come with pursuing our passions and goals. Ultimately, it encourages readers to adopt a proactive mindset and take intentional steps toward creative fulfillment and entrepreneurial success.
In our quest for creative fulfillment and entrepreneurial success, understanding the forces that impede our progress and cultivating allies that empower us are essential. Recognizing the invisible yet potent nature of Resistance, relinquishing the grip of rational thought, and navigating the influence of our social circles are crucial steps in unlocking our true creative and entrepreneurial potential. By embracing the inherent allies of stupidity, stubbornness, blind faith, passion, assistance, and the supportive relationships we forge, we can triumph over Resistance and embark on a transformative journey of artistic and entrepreneurial self-discovery.
Resistance
Resistance, in all its cunning and invisibility, is the arch-nemesis of artists, creators, and entrepreneurs. It manifests in various forms, such as fear, self-doubt, procrastination, addiction, and perfectionism. Resistance seeks to repel us, keeping us at bay and preventing us from stepping into our creative and entrepreneurial potential. By recognizing the activities most susceptible to Resistance — from pursuing creative arts to launching entrepreneurial ventures — we gain insight into its pervasive nature.
Resistance Is Insidious
Resistance is not easily detected by our physical senses, yet it exudes a palpable energy that we can feel. It permeates our work-in-potential, attempting to distract and dissuade us. It deceives, fabricates, and falsifies, adapting any guise necessary to divert our attention. It exploits our vulnerability, reasoning with us like a manipulative lawyer or threatening us like a robber brandishing a weapon. Resistance has no conscience; it pledges anything to lure us into its clutches, only to betray us when our back is turned. Understanding its deceitful nature is crucial to combating it effectively.
Resistance Is Impersonal
While Resistance feels malevolent, it is essential to recognize that it is not targeting us personally. It acts objectively, driven by an indifferent force of nature. The laws that govern Resistance are as indifferent as the rain or the movement of celestial bodies. Accepting this universal nature of Resistance can help us better comprehend and confront it.
Resistance Is Infallible
Resistance unfailingly points us in the direction we most need to go — toward our true calling. Paradoxically, the more important a pursuit is to our personal growth and soul’s evolution, the stronger Resistance becomes. Instead of shying away from Resistance, we can use it as a compass, guiding us to the endeavors that demand our utmost dedication and effort.
The Pitfall of Rational Thought
In our creative and entrepreneurial journey, rational thought can emerge as a formidable adversary. Stemming from the ego, it often breeds doubt, overthinking, and hesitation. Rational thought undermines our connection with the deeper wellspring of inspiration within us — our “Self”. Artists and entrepreneurs who work from instinct and intuition, embracing the unknown, tap into a source that transcends logic. T
Network Effects: The Influence of Friends and Family
As we embark on our creative and entrepreneurial journey, we must be aware of the impact our friends and family can have on our pursuit of artistic and entrepreneurial excellence. While they may genuinely care for us, their familiarity with who we are can inadvertently hold us back. They may resist our growth and change, inadvertently inhibiting the manifestation of our unrealized potential. Recognizing this dynamic can empower us to seek new connections and find those who understand and support our aspirations.
Allies in the Battle
Thankfully, we are not alone in this struggle against Resistance and have several powerful allies, including:
- Stupidity, in this context, represents the ignorance and arrogance that shield us from the daunting challenges ahead. By not fully grasping the difficulties, we are freed from the paralyzing grip of self-doubt and fear.
- Stubbornness, rather than being viewed negatively, is celebrated as the unwavering commitment to persist even when faced with adversity. It is the gritty determination that propels us forward.
- Blind faith in something unseen, whether it be a higher power, the universe, or our creative and entrepreneurial intuition, allows us to transcend the limitations of the tangible world and access boundless inspiration.
- Passion, the driving force behind artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors, can be revitalized by conquering our fears. The more we push past fear, the deeper our well of passion becomes.
- Seeking Assistance, the antithesis of Resistance, becomes a guiding light, illuminating our path and providing the necessary support and guidance to overcome obstacles.
Unleashing Creative Potential: The Power of Starting Before You’re Ready
In the pursuit of creative and entrepreneurial endeavors, we often find ourselves hesitating, waiting for the perfect moment to begin. We believe that extensive preparation is necessary to ensure success. However, by “Starting Before You’re Ready”, our true adversary is not the lack of preparation or external circumstances but the internal force of Resistance that manifests as self-doubt and excuses. There is a transformative power of starting before feeling fully prepared that can unleash our creative potential.
Embracing the Courage to Begin
Resistance thrives on our tendency to delay action. It feeds off our chattering brain, which bombards us with excuses, alibis, and self-justifications.
To conquer Resistance, we must challenge this internal chatter and show the courage to start before we feel ready
Taking that leap of faith ignites a fire within us, generating momentum and inspiring further acts of bravery
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness” — W.H. Murray
By committing to our creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, we set in motion a series of events that align in our favor, guiding us toward unforeseen opportunities and serendipitous encounters.
The Analysis-Paralysis Trap
Often, we fall into the trap of excessive research, mistaking it for progress.
When embarking on an endeavor, limit yourself to three books on the subject matter
The purpose is not to gather exhaustive knowledge but to allow ideas to percolate in our unconscious mind. This percolation process, free from the constraints of overthinking, stimulates creative connections and insights. By trusting our instincts and allowing the unconscious to do its work, we tap into a wellspring of creativity that goes beyond intellectual analysis. This approach helps us strike a balance between gaining knowledge and avoiding the pitfall of analysis paralysis.
Staying Primitive and Swinging for the Seats
The creative and entrepreneurial activity is primal, rooted in the birth and genesis of ideas.
It is a raw expression of our innermost selves
Embracing this primitive nature means valuing simplicity, instinct, and intuition over sophistication and overthinking.
It is better to be primitive than sophisticated and better to be stupid than smart
By tapping into our primal instincts, we will access a well of creative and entrepreneurial power that resides within us. Aiming big is another crucial aspect of creative and entrepreneurial endeavors.
It encourages us to aim for greatness rather than settle for mediocrity
It’s important to aim high, take risks, and pursue home-run ideas. Even if we fall short, a swing for the seat leads to valuable lessons and progress.
Working Backward and Defining the Theme
Working backward, starting at the finish, is a technique commonly employed by screenwriters and at Amazon when thinking of new product ideas. By envisioning the climax or the end state, we gain clarity about our creative and entrepreneurial project’s purpose and direction. Defining the theme becomes paramount, as it provides a guiding thread throughout the creative and entrepreneurial process. By answering the question, “What is this about?” we uncover the underlying message or essence of our project. This understanding serves as a compass, informing the steps needed to reach the desired outcome.
Break your idea into smaller pieces
Break ideas into a minimum of three distinct and smaller chunks that would give you a clear narrative arc of your journey to be. This structure helps us establish a strong foundation and emotional impact for creative and entrepreneurial work. Aiming big is great as a starting point, but to get moving, you need to break things down and give your journey a strategy with stops, milestones, and reflection points.
Navigating Thoughts and Chatter
In our creative and entrepreneurial journeys, it is essential to distinguish between true thoughts and chatter. Chatter represents external influences, societal conditioning, and the reflexive regurgitation of ideas from various sources.
True thoughts, on the other hand, stem from our authentic self and reflect our unique perspectives and identities
Overcoming Resistance requires developing the ability to discern between the two. By silencing the chatter and tuning into our authentic thoughts, we access a wellspring of creative inspiration and originality.
Embracing Imperfection and Progress
The process of getting ideas down on paper, even if they are imperfect or incomplete, is a vital step toward creative and entrepreneurial realization
Waiting for perfection only serves to prolong the Resistance
By acknowledging that rewriting, experimenting, and redoing is an integral part of the creative and entrepreneurial process, we free ourselves from the burden of producing a flawless first attempt. Through continuous refinement and iteration, we enhance our ideas and bring them closer to their full potential.
Strategic Tactics for Overcoming Resistance
Overcoming Resistance is a fundamental aspect of the creative journey. By:
- Understanding its nature
- Filling in the gaps
- Conducting focused research
- Embracing unconventional ideas
- Suspending self-judgment
- Capturing inspiration
- Balancing action and reflection
- Defining the theme, and
- Persisting through challenges
We navigate the treacherous waters of creativity with purpose and determination. Armed with these strategies, we can unleash our creative and entrepreneurial potential and achieve the success we desire. Remember, the path may not always be smooth, but by embracing the creative journey wholeheartedly, we pave the way for transformative experiences and extraordinary accomplishments.
Understanding the Nature of Resistance
Before we can effectively combat Resistance, we must acknowledge its existence and understand its nature. Resistance is an active and relentless force that opposes our creative endeavors and personal growth. It stems from societal conditioning, fear, and the belief that human nature is perfectible. Living in this world is not easy — period!
By recognizing that the universe is not indifferent but actively hostile, we gain valuable insight into the challenges we will face on our creative journey.
Filling in the Gaps
To bring our projects to fruition, we must fill in the gaps. Just as a film follows major sequences, our creative and entrepreneurial endeavors should have key moments that propel the narrative or experience forward.
By identifying what is missing and strategically incorporating those elements, we create a cohesive and compelling whole that engages and captivates our audience
Take a step forward, look back and reflect, fill in the gaps — then do it again, again, and again, until you just can’t do no more!
Conducting Focused Research and Mitigating Analysis Paralysis
Research is a vital part of the creative and entrepreneurial process, but it can also become a form of Resistance if not approached mindfully. To prevent research from derailing our progress, we must establish boundaries and stay disciplined. By limiting the number of resources and focusing on essential information, we can avoid getting lost in a sea of knowledge and keep our momentum intact.
Embracing Unconventional Ideas
Creativity and birth often thrive when we embrace unconventional ideas. By suspending self-judgment and pushing beyond the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable, we allow ourselves to explore uncharted territories.
The freedom to delve into the dark and twisted corners of our minds can lead to groundbreaking and truly original creations
Capturing Inspiration
Ideas are fleeting and ephemeral, often slipping away if not captured promptly. Whether through a smartphone or a notepad, it is essential to record our thoughts and inspirations as they arise. This practice ensures that we don’t lose potentially valuable ideas and allows us to revisit them later with fresh perspectives and insight.
Balancing Action and Reflection
The creative and entrepreneurial process requires a delicate balance between action and reflection.
In the initial stages, it is crucial to focus on action, allowing momentum to build and ideas to flow freely
Once progress has been made,
We can then engage in reflection, to evaluate our work, and make necessary adjustments
By separating these two phases, we can maintain forward motion while still benefiting from introspection and refinement.
Defining the Theme
One of the most significant challenges in any creative endeavor is defining the theme. The theme serves as the guiding principle, tying together all elements of our project.
Regular reflection and refinement of the theme ensure that every aspect aligns harmoniously, contributing to a cohesive and impactful whole
By asking ourselves what our project is truly about and whether each element serves that theme, we can maintain clarity and purpose throughout the creative process.
Embracing Assistance and Perseverance
Although Resistance may be formidable, we are not alone in our creative journey. Our environment and conditions provide assistance and positive forces to counteract the obstacles we face. By embracing this assistance and persevering through challenges, we tap into a powerful source of creative manifestation. We must keep working diligently, even in the face of self-doubt and external setbacks, knowing that our dedication and effort will yield results.
Overcoming Resistance on the Creative and Entrepreneurial Journey
While Resistance may be relentless but armed with knowledge, determination, and assistance from our surroundings, we can triumph and continue on our creative path. To overcome Resistance, we need to understand the underlying principles of Resistance and face the challenges it presents:
Principle (1): Acknowledge It
The first principle acknowledges the existence of an enemy — Resistance itself. In a world that often promotes the belief that everything can be made nice and evil doesn’t exist, it is essential to recognize that there is a hostile force working against our best interests. This recognition alone is immensely powerful and can be a life-saving realization.
Principle (2): It’s Unstoppable
Resistance is not something to be taken lightly. It is an intelligent and unyielding force that seeks to limit our happiness. And it’s not going to go away, therefore you will need to live simultaneously with it, like having a neighbor that you need to tolerate. Understanding this nature of Resistance is crucial for developing the necessary mindset to overcome it.
Principle (3): It’s Inside You — It’s the Evolutionary Forces of Nature in Your Brain
Resistance does not arise from external factors but from within ourselves. Even in isolation, it persists. Whether we are surrounded by distractions or in complete solitude, Resistance remains our constant companion. Recognizing that Resistance resides within us is vital to understanding and combating its influence.
Principle (4): It’s Inside You — But It Doesn’t Have to Define You
While Resistance resides within us, it is crucial to understand that it is not our fault or a reflection of our character. The voices of Resistance in our heads do not define us or indicate any moral failing. We are not to blame for its presence.
We retain free will and the capacity to act, separate from the influence of Resistance
Principle (5): Only “You” Can Challenge and Overcome “You”
Imagine a knight standing against a dragon on the field of the Self. The knight represents our authentic self, while the dragon symbolizes Resistance. There is no way to appease or negotiate with Resistance; the only option is battle. This battle is a life-and-death struggle, where no quarter is asked or given. It is a contest of determination and courage.
Principle (6): Resistance is Always a Reaction
Resistance emerges in response to our initial creative impulse and momentum, passion, and dreams. It is a reaction to the powerful force of our innovative self. Understanding that Resistance is not an overpowering monster, but more like an annoying obstacle, helps us regain perspective.
Our urge to create, fueled by passion, predates the emergence of Resistance
Principle (7): The Opposite of Resistance is to Seek Assistance
In our creative journey, we can align ourselves with universal forces of Assistance. These forces represent our dreams, passion, and unmanifested potential within us and the network of people around us that help motivate and push us forward. They are symbols of support and guidance. By embracing these forces, we can harness their power in our battle against Resistance.
Resistance’s Two Tests
Resistance poses two critical questions that we must answer truthfully to ourselves:
- “How bad do you want it?”: This question assesses the level of our commitment and determination. It requires us to honestly evaluate our dedication to our creative project. Only a response indicating complete commitment justifies continuing on this path.
- “Why do you want it?”: This question probes our motives behind our creative pursuits. Superficial reasons such as fame, money, or power fall short. Only answers rooted in a genuine passion for the work, a desire to serve a greater purpose, or a deep sense of joy and beauty align with the true essence of creative endeavors.
Overcoming Failure and Finding Solutions
Any creative and entrepreneurial endeavor will experience a significant setback. However, it is not a reflection of our worth or capabilities. By embracing failures as opportunities for growth, working on the problem, and persisting with determination, we can overcome failure and find solutions. Failures are part of the journey, and by navigating them with resilience and adaptability, we can emerge from the belly of the beast stronger and more accomplished than before.
The Inevitability of Failure
A failure is an event that occurs across all fields of enterprise. It is predictable and can be likened to a sudden breakdown or disruption in our projects. Whether it is a movie star checking into rehab, a business venture losing financial support, or unexpected challenges arising, crashes are bound to happen. Accepting this inevitability is crucial in preparing ourselves to face and overcome the subsequent challenges.
The Unpredictability of a Failure
Despite the inevitability of failures, they often catch us off guard. They arise organically, triggered by some act of commission or omission that we participated in during the inception of the project. The worst part is that nothing can fully prepare us for it. We may have believed we were almost finished or had reached a new level of achievement, only to face the harsh reality of failure. Failures bring us face-to-face with our mistakes and force us to confront the flaws in our initial approach.
Emotional Impact and the Bell
Experiencing a failure can result in an emotional tailspin. We feel lost and flounder as we grapple with the disappointment and self-doubt that accompany failure. In Navy SEAL training, candidates face intense physical and mental challenges, and when they reach their breaking point, they have the option to ring a bell and quit.
Similarly, in our creative endeavors, we have a metaphorical bell hanging over us, questioning whether we will persevere or give up in the face of failure
The Solitary Nature of Failure
Unlike Navy SEAL candidates who have trainers and fellow candidates supporting them, we face failures, alone. There is no external structure or validation to guide us through difficult times.
We must rely on our own determination, perseverance, and resilience to navigate the challenges
The absence of external support makes the failure even more daunting, but it also presents an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery
The Benefits of Failing
Although failures are often painful and disheartening, they ultimately serve as catalysts for growth. Failure highlights our mistakes and shortcomings, compelling us to reassess and improve our approach. Failures force us to understand what works and what doesn’t, encouraging us to become wiser and more proficient in our craft.
Failure is not an indication of our worth as individuals; it is merely a problem that needs solving
Embracing Creative Panic
Panic often accompanies success and growth. When we are on the brink of crossing a threshold, self-doubt and fear can emerge. However, this panic is a sign of progress and indicates that we are about to reach a higher level of achievement. It is a natural part of the growth process and should be embraced rather than feared. Panic propels us forward and strengthens our resolve to overcome obstacles.
Returning to Stupidity, Stubbornness, and Blind Faith
In the face of failure, we must tap into our innate qualities of stupidity, stubbornness, and blind faith. These qualities enable us to remain determined and resilient, refusing to give up even when the odds seem insurmountable.
We must remind ourselves that the problem is not us; it is the problem itself
By working on the problem and persistently seeking solutions, we can overcome the failure and emerge stronger.
The Problem is the Problem
A crucial mindset shift is to understand that failures do not reflect our worth as individuals. They are problems that require solutions.
By approaching failures objectively and analyzing where things went wrong, we can identify the root causes and develop strategies for improvement
The crash challenges us to reassess our initial approach and find ways to solve the problem that led to our failure.
Work the Problem
Working on the problem involves revisiting our original plans and identifying where we went astray. By aggregating and analyzing feedback, we can resolve flaws and allow for a better solution to arise. The process of solving the problem may require time and perseverance, but it is essential for achieving success.
Experimenting, Rewiring, and Finding Solutions
Failures often necessitate the process of refining our work. Therefore, it’s important to understand the need to:
Experiment often, fail often, fail fast, and fail early
The Importance of Finishing and Shipping Your Work
The completion and delivery of work are essential for success. By having a “Killer Instinct” to finish and release projects and overcome obstacles along the way, individuals can bring their creations into the world, gaining confidence, and making a lasting impact.
The Importance of Finishing
Finishing a project is the pivotal aspect that determines its success. All the effort and work put into a project will be wasted if it remains incomplete. Shipping, which refers to declaring a project ready for public consumption, is the final step that signifies our readiness to present our work to the world. Whether it is a movie, a smartphone, or a cake, shipping demonstrates that we are confident in our creation and ourselves.
The Courage to Ship
Shipping requires tremendous courage. It involves packing our creation, metaphorically or literally, and sending it out into the world. Fear of rejection can paralyze individuals and prevent them from taking this critical step. Overcoming this fear and developing a killer instinct is necessary to ship successfully.
Hesitation Will Make it Hard to Ship
Hesitation and overthinking can be major obstacles when it comes to taking action and shipping projects. Despite knowing what needs to be done or having already completed a project, the tendency to hesitate can delay progress and prevent the work from reaching its intended audience or achieving its intended impact. It’s important to recognize and address these hesitations in order to overcome them and move forward.
One common reason for hesitation is the fear of making mistakes or failing
When we overthink, we tend to focus on all the potential risks and negative outcomes, which can paralyze us and make it difficult to take the necessary steps to ship our work. We may worry about what others will think, fear criticism or rejection, or doubt our own abilities. This fear of failure can keep us trapped in a cycle of hesitation, preventing us from moving forward and sharing our work with the world.
Another factor that contributes to hesitation is the desire for perfection
We may feel that our work is not yet good enough or that it needs further refinement before it can be shipped. This perfectionist mindset can lead to endless revisions and delays, as we strive for an unattainable standard of flawlessness. The truth is that no work is ever truly perfect, and waiting for perfection only prolongs the process and stifles progress.
Overcoming hesitation requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to take action despite the fear and uncertainty
It’s important to acknowledge and understand the hesitations that arise, rather than ignoring or suppressing them. By bringing these hesitations into our awareness, we can begin to challenge and address them.
One way to overcome hesitation is by seeking assistance or support
This can come in the form of seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors, collaborating with others who can provide guidance and accountability, or even seeking professional assistance or coaching. Having someone to provide an outside perspective and help us navigate through our hesitations can be immensely valuable in overcoming them and gaining the confidence to ship our work.
Additionally, setting clear goals and deadlines can help combat hesitation
Breaking down a project into smaller, manageable tasks and establishing specific timelines creates a sense of structure and urgency, making it harder to succumb to hesitations and procrastination.
By focusing on incremental progress and taking consistent action, we build momentum and make it easier to push through moments of hesitation.
Ultimately, the key to overcoming hesitation is to embrace a mindset of progress over perfection. Recognize that taking imperfect action is better than not taking any action at all. Understand that the process of shipping and putting our work out into the world is a learning experience and that
Feedback and iteration are integral to growth and improvement
By acknowledging our hesitations, seeking assistance, and committing to finishing and shipping our projects, we can overcome hesitation and achieve our goals.
Fear of Success
Fear of success is a psychological phenomenon that stems from the apprehension and anxiety individuals experience when faced with the possibility of achieving their goals and realizing their full potential.
It is a fear that arises from the fear of the unknown and the fear of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
One reason why individuals fear their own power and potential is that success often brings with it new responsibilities, challenges, and expectations. Achieving greatness means entering uncharted territory and facing unfamiliar situations, which can be intimidating. There is a fear of the unknown consequences that success may bring, such as increased visibility, higher expectations, and the pressure to sustain success.
Moreover, the fear of success can also be linked to feelings of unworthiness or imposter syndrome. Individuals may doubt their abilities and believe that they are not deserving of the success they have the potential to achieve.
This fear of being seen as a fraud or being exposed as inadequate can lead to self-sabotage and holding back from fully pursuing their goals
Stepping into the realm of success often requires taking risks and embracing change, both of which can be uncomfortable and unsettling. Many individuals prefer the familiarity and security of their comfort zones, even if it means staying stagnant or settling for mediocrity. Fear of success can manifest as self-doubt, self-limiting beliefs, procrastination, perfectionism, or avoiding opportunities for growth and advancement.
Overcoming the fear of success is crucial for personal and professional development. It involves recognizing and challenging the underlying beliefs and fears that hold individuals back from realizing their full potential.
It requires developing a growth mindset, building self-confidence, and reframing success as an opportunity for growth and fulfillment rather than something to be feared
To unlock their full potential and make a significant impact in the world, individuals must confront and overcome their fear of success.
This involves embracing vulnerability, taking calculated risks, and pushing past self-imposed limitations
By challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, setting achievable goals, and seeking support from mentors or coaches, individuals can gradually build the courage and resilience necessary to overcome the fear of success and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Choosing Between Aspirations and Passive Engagements
The metaphor of choosing between heaven and books about heaven highlights a common tendency among individuals to opt for the less intimidating or challenging option. When faced with a choice between pursuing our dreams, goals, or aspirations or settling for passive engagement or mere contemplation of those aspirations many people tend to choose the latter.
The idea of attaining our aspirations represents the realization of our full potential, achieving greatness, and living a fulfilling and meaningful life. However, the fear of fully embracing our potential and stepping into the unknown can hold us back and hinder our progress.
It’s a way of playing it safe — it’s about being risk-averse. Not even taking calculated ones! It’s about being in our comfort zone! By opting for the passive option, we maintain a sense of control and minimize the possibility of failure or disappointment
Fear plays a significant role in this decision-making process. The fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown can create a sense of hesitation and self-doubt. We may question our abilities, worry about what others will think, or fear that we will not live up to our own expectations. These fears can lead us to choose the path of least resistance and settle for a less fulfilling or impactful existence.
However, by consistently choosing the less intimidating option, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and achieving our full potential
We miss out on the experiences, lessons, and personal transformation that come with taking risks, embracing challenges, and pursuing our dreams wholeheartedly
To overcome this tendency, it’s important to confront our fears and acknowledge the limitations they impose on us. Recognizing that growth and success often require stepping outside of our comfort zones is a crucial first step. By embracing discomfort and facing our fears head-on, we can expand our horizons, develop new skills, and discover previously untapped potential.
It’s also essential to cultivate a mindset of self-belief and empowerment
Remind yourself of your unique talents, strengths, and past accomplishments. Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals who believe in you and your goals. Seek inspiration from those who have faced similar challenges and overcome their fears to achieve success.
Finally, take action!
Break free from the hesitation and indecisiveness that may be holding you back. Set clear goals, create a plan of action, and commit to taking consistent steps towards your aspirations. Embrace the unknown and view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Temporary comfort will never compare to the fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from actively pursuing and realizing your aspirations. Embrace the challenge, step outside your comfort zone, and have the courage to choose heaven over books about heaven.
Exposure and Judgment
Shipping exposes us to judgment and evaluation from the real world. This exposure is why many individuals fear shipping very similar to when a mountain climber is exposed when there is nothing but thin air beneath them.
Shipping opens us up to the possibility of failure and humiliation. However, this vulnerability is essential for growth and development, as it grounds us in reality and forces us to confront our work and ourselves
Dealing with Failure
Every failure can bring doubt and make us question our worth and competencies. However, we must always remember that being in the arena, even if it means facing failure, is an accomplishment in itself.
Failure is part of the journey, and it should not deter us from continuing to ship our work
Overcoming Fear
Slaying the dragon of resistance and fear once empowers individuals to do it repeatedly — that’s all it takes. Make shipping your work, a habit!
Overcoming fear is transformative. Confronting and shipping our work empowers us to do it repeatedly, making it a habit. By facing fears, we realize they were exaggerated and learn from failures. Consistency, support, and rituals help cultivate the habit of shipping. It’s about embracing growth, learning from setbacks, and pursuing our passions without fear.
Resistance Persists
Even after successfully shipping a project, resistance does not disappear.
Overcoming resistance is a lifelong battle
The mature and professional response to the evolved resistance that persists even after successfully shipping a project is to recognize it as a natural part of the creative process.
Understanding that resistance is an ongoing battle allows us to approach it with resilience and determination.
Instead of being discouraged by its presence, we can embrace it as a sign of growth and progress
By acknowledging that resistance will continue to challenge us, we can develop strategies to overcome it, such as seeking support, staying committed to our goals, and consistently taking action.
The key is to persevere and not allow resistance to hinder our creative pursuits
It requires a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and the willingness to confront resistance head-on throughout our creative and entrepreneurial journey.
Celebrate and Move Forward
When you’ve finished and shipped your work, celebrate your achievement as it has taken dedication, perseverance, and resilience required to bring a dream to reality. Celebrate your accomplishments briefly before embarking on the next endeavor.
The key is to keep starting and trust the creative process, even when one does not feel fully prepared
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