Are you denying yourself?
Holding that passion at bay? For many years I had this resistance within. And this might sound a wee bit odd coming from someone in the creative business, but I had a resistance to create.
This probably needs a bit of an explaination, huh?
I’ve had a lifelong attachment to negativity and fear, but we’re no longer friends.
And years of these feelings amplified this inner-fight, where I was simply denying myself certain creative pursuits.
This crap is rooted in fear. Fear is engrained within us, it stays with us and frankly, fear is a bitch.
I always had a dream to write, but continually told myself I wasn’t expert enough and didn’t have “it.”
Public speaking was something I aspired to, but I feared I would stammer, stumble and slip in a not-so-epic way.
I wanted to make a dent in this here universe, however small. To make a difference to somebody or even a select few who would listen.
And guess what?
That obnoxious little bastard inside always won out:
You’re not creative enough, smart enough or strong enough to see it through. Plus you just don’t have “it.” Sorry, dude.
Years of conditioning led to limiting beliefs, but were heightened by this constant negative self-talk.
Can you relate?
If so, you realize how strong and convincing this noise can be.
Constantly blaring at full volume. Head-splitting and soul-crushing.
I don’t much like, soul-crushing.
What about you?
Remember when you were a kid and had that urge to climb?
Me too.
So what happened?
FEAR happened, and if you’re like me, you were conditioned to slowly, but surely resist that yearning and before too long you let it go.
You can blame school, society and even family and friends, but it all comes down to you, doesn’t it?
This site is for entrepreneurs, budding bloggers and good citizens of planet earth who want to embrace that urge to climb.
Those who realize there just might be something to those big dreams.
It’s about big aspirations and the baby steps required to get there.
It’s about embracing creativity and understanding the power is there, within. We are all creative souls.
Like I’ve said: It’s branding with a push at this house. Let’s make your’s shine.
There’s no better place than our little blogosphere to reinvent yourself.
To bypass the gatekeepers.
To ignite that fire deep within.
And to let out that unique you for all the world to see.
Do not resist that urge.
Dream big. Work hard. And join me on this journey, will you?
Now we’re talking and bomb diggity is right.
How’s your internal chatter? Still denying that urge?
What is your big dream beyond blogging?
And if you do consider this a journey, I’d sure like to hear more about it.
{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Craig,
The internal struggle to put your creative self on display can be hard fought. I’m glad that the fears that once had a stranglehold on your creative side have pushed aside. You’re doing great work here and it would be a shame if fear kept you producing all the great content you do!
Thanks,
Ryan H.
Ryan Hanley recently posted..Content Creation Curation – Social Media RoundUp – Week 23
Hi Ryan,
“The internal struggle to put your creative self on display can be hard fought.”
–So true. And once you decide to go with this, it’s never stops being difficult.
Appreciate those sentiments, Sir! Here’s to kicking fear to the curb and doing great work.
Thanks for the visit.
Do you think it is easier to jump out there as you ‘mature’ because you get to a point when you realize what really is scary and what is not?
Getting into ‘sales’ was somewhat scary for me because I did not know if I ‘had it.’ I had never envisioned myself being able to sell anything. But as I had some successes and realized it wasn’t going to kill me, it allowed me to be more bold and get things done.
Like you, I was not a very confident adolescent; in fact, quite shy. Maybe it’s over-compensation or just my true colors finally coming out, but lack of confidence is not something I deal with.
Carry that over to social and blogging; I don’t feel I need a master plan just yet. I’m having fun just being me and if it takes me somewhere, then I am along for the journey.
I’m livin’ the dream; how can I have big dreams beyond that?……:)
I’m in a good place, life is good; let’s see where this journey takes me.
Bill Dorman recently posted..A weekly round-up; best of the best
Hi Bill,
Well, the older you get the more life lessons you experience, so yes. You also realize the worry is often just a waste of time and it holds you back.
I imagine sales as a “trial by fire” exercise for someone just starting out, and it sounds like it was like that for you. But like anything else you realize it’s not so bad, right?
Maybe people like you and I are making up for lost time. Don’t know, but I would like to encourage a few out there, no matter what age, to kick fear to the curb daily.
If you feel you’re livin’ the dream you’re in a good place
No internal chatter: internal cheerleader.
I lead a blessed life. I’ve had the opportunity to do so many things, from Olympic coaching to managing a live professional theatre…from learning to ride a motorcycle at the age of 40 because it was outside my comfort zone, to learning to watercolour paint…from performing in the Olympic Games to travelling all over the world.
My journey has included my most treasured times, raising two boys and being married to my high-school sweetheart for 34 years.
My journey is an open book, and I still say “I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up.” I’m always growing:) Love my life, my family, my friends. I will journey on. Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..My Top 13 Favourite Books of All-Time
Hi Kaarina,
You have a great attitude and that shines through. I like: Internal Cheerleader.
Now I’m trying to picture you on a motorcycle. Must. Post. Pictures
That’s some set of experiences and it’s great that you’ve embraced so many pursuits. That is the best way to grow … get out and do, but make that range wide.
“I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up.”
Great attitude and I agree that this is a journey and you should always strive to learn and experience new things.
–You too, huh?
Thanks for stopping by.
Your posts just keep getting better and better, my friend. You must be truly enjoying your journey:)
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..My Top 13 Favourite Books of All-Time
Thanks!
Yes, really lovin’ the trip! And it’s good to get a “kick in the shins” every once in a while too to maintain momentum 
I will keep my shin-kickin’ motivational tools at the ready, haha!
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..My Top 13 Favourite Books of All-Time
Good to know!
Internal chatter is pretty hard to turn off – it’s about channelling those voices though – well done Craig for telling yours to shut up.
Fear however isn’t just internal chatter for me – it’s a powerful force that triggers a fight or flight response. Or as I have recently hear Robin say Fear stands for F- Everything And Run – which I love because my knee-jerk reaction is to do exactly that but then my head comes into play and well, we figure it out!
My dream? Well, it’s happening – the wheels are in motion which is why this post resonated so greatly today – you’ll see it all at the end of the summer … until then it’s a lot of internal cheerleader as Kaarina so eloquently put it!
Ameena Falchetto recently posted..How to know if your prices are right
Hi Ameena,
That chatter is a misfit for sure and doesn’t like to be silenced. You’re right too … it is about channelling and thanks! It took me long enough
Good point and maybe fight or flight is something more people can relate to. I’ve known people who seemed to be brimming with confidence, but when it came time to face something head on, like public speaking, they literally took off. It’s an experience or feeling that’s happened to all of us at some point, but learning how to effectively deal with this stuff can really be life-changing.
Glad the wheels are in motion
… Definitely looking forward to what you have in store for us.
Thanks and great to see you here!
I’ll cheer for you too Ameena!
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..My Top 13 Favourite Books of All-Time
Thanks Kaarina! Much appreciated it
Thank you for giving that a name – it’s always easier for me to call on something when it has a name!
Ameena Falchetto recently posted..How to know if your prices are right
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..My Top 13 Favourite Books of All-Time
“Internal cheerleader” works perfectly, doesn’t it?
Good one and spot on!
Hmmm……this is the third post about fear I have read today. Interesting for sure. Different themes. For me fear came from not being social in my early years. So the fear of rejection is what I have struggled with in the past.
I love the idea of breaking free and using this platform to share your experiences. That is surely the key to surpassing the fear of whatever. Like Kaarina’s cheerleader I love the feeling of loving life and the world is certainly there waiting for us to grab it by the horns.
The fear I like to feel is of the unknown. Well, maybe not fear but exhilaration to try new things. Just wish I had woken up a few years earlier.
Good piece Craig. It’s nice to read about someone’s positivity toward their future. Thanks bud.
Ralph recently posted..What’s your approach to engagement when you have to sell?
Hi Ralph,
Maybe it’s because it’s Monday
Seriously, facing a new work week can be daunting for many. Dealing with other people in an office or simply trying to make that entrepreneurial venture work out … fear often gets in the way.
I love the idea of breaking out and it’s all about perspective. Some are lucky enough to gain that edge earlier in life, but I say, just be glad you know have “it” because it will make a difference. Like you say, grab life by the horns and fight the good fight daily.
Thanks! Always trying to accentuate the positive.
My internal chatter usually is more of a war. I’m a perfectionist. I know this about myself, and I have to confront that mindset regularly. Some days, I’m free of her. Other days, she kicks my butt. She doesn’t usually keep me from going after my goals; she just likes to sabotage me once I get going.
As for big dreams, well, I think one of my friends said it best: “I wish you enough clients so that you can coach half the time and write the other half.” I wouldn’t mind the speaking, either. For some reason, it doesn’t frighten me nearly as much as it once did.
Cheers, Craig, and thank you for writing this post.
Erin Feldman recently posted..Remove Yourself from the Equation
Hi Erin,
It can be a war, and I can relate to being a perfectionist. And I’m glad you brought that up, because this can be as limiting as letting fear rule your life. Perfectionism can get the best of you and kick your butt. I think it’s a good trait to have, to a point, but you have to know when to stop and this is a daily practice too. It’s about creating habits that don’t let these tendencies get the best of you.
Hey, I wish those things for you too. Sounds great and those are realistic goals too. Looks to me like you’ll stay on course and get there.
I feel the same way about speaking and I look forward to see you out there making that happen as well
Cheers!
Thanks for the wish, Craig.
Maybe I’ll write another post about perfectionism one of these days. I circle around the subject every so often on the blog. I haven’t lately since I’m trying to figure out how to better meet my audience’s needs, and I haven’t quite decided if posts about perfectionism are too limited or self-serving. *shrugs shoulders*
Sure!
Would be a great topic and I don’t think it would be too self-serving. Tips to keep the disease of perfectionism at bay would be a helpful post, in my humble opinion.
I miss all you guys (and girls). Another great one, Craig. I will keep on climbing. sometimes, ever so slowly. A lot going on, but I love reading your posts. That internal chatter is a bitch. You just have to tell it to shut the heck up. Replace negative with the positive. You know all that stuff, but it works. You are doing a fantastic job. I promise to write something soon. (sure you are excited) ha. Because, you know, I CARE.
Al
Al Smith recently posted..CARE for Profits? CARE for People.
Al,
So glad to see you show up, Mr. Smith
We miss you too, man. I know how well you replace the negative with the positive, giving negativity a kick in the chops daily.
Basic advice I’m giving of course, but you’re right, it works if it becomes a habit.
Looking forward to your next post, Sir!
Where da heck have you been? Well, whatever. Glad you are back man.
Ralph recently posted..What’s your approach to engagement when you have to sell?
Great post and FABULOUS comments! (Quite the little Tribe you’ve got here, Mr. McBreen.)
I love the Kaarina’s “internal cheerleader.”
To tag onto Bill Dorman’s “older & wiser” thought, I’ll add that – at some point – you reach a point where you just don’t give a rat’s ass. I’m getting pretty darned close to that point myself. I’ll be 43 this September and the past few years have witnessed me doing a number of things that I never thought I’d do.
As the saying goes – courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to push on despite the fear. To do that, I think we have to have some driving purpose for exposing ourselves to whatever it is that haunts our dreams – ridicule, loss, or – as Ralph mentioned – the unknown.
I’ve just taken a baby step towards one of my dreams (writing a novel) by signing up for a 6-week writing class. It’s not easy or convenient and it certainly puts me in the path of all kinds of internal abuse around not being good enough, BUT – I’m doing it anyway. I wrote a post about it before the first class and will continue to document the journey through the end of this month: http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/want-to-succeed-with-your-writing-invest-in-it/
Wish me luck! (Or, maybe courage & perseverance would be more appropriate!)
TKS for the great post.
Suddenly Jamie recently posted..Want better marketing? Go on vacation.
Hi Jamie,
Thanks and I’m loving the comments too
Yes! Kaarina’s “internal cheerleader” has become an instant hit
“At some point – you reach a point where you just don’t give a rat’s ass.”
This does come with age for sure, but great that you are doing these things!
–Ha! I could have summed up the post this way
Yep, courage is about pushing through the fear that is always there, and if people deny it you know what they are full of, right? And a agreed that you need some clarity of vision and purpose to make it all worth it.
Congratulations on those baby steps!
I look forward to reading about your journey.
Thanks for stopping in! Just keep pushin’ and give us a full report at your place
Will do!
Thanks for being my “external” cheerleader!
Suddenly Jamie recently posted..Want better marketing? Go on vacation.
I thought I’d gotten rid of that obnoxious little bastard known as FEAR, but he’s been visiting me an awful lot as of late. And unfortunately, he’s very persuasive.
(Perhaps my friend COURAGE needs to grow a set…)
I had a “Who are you kidding?” moment while writing a couple of weeks ago and it’s been hard to shake it. Hopefully I’ll get over that soon, though. I’ve come too far to stop now.
Jill Tooley recently posted..Customer Service Testimonials: 2 Companies That ‘Man Up’ and Make It Right
Hi Jill,
It is rather hard to get rid of the little bugger. You just have to keep him at bay. When you are doing something particularly challenging he seems to visit much more often and courage or pushing through is the only way to beat him down.
I completely understand the “Who are you kidding?” moments. I get them when I write posts for this blog. Everyone gets them. I think pushing through on those really tough days, when you are feeling particularly down, that’s when you build strength and you can look back at those tough little moments as major accomplishments. I do!
Keep at it, Jill! Well, I have no doubt you will
Thanks, Craig! I’ll try!
Jill Tooley recently posted..3 Random, Surprising Products and Services Sold by Well-Known Companies
Sounds good!
I’m fighting the fear and going for it. That’s what it’s all about. Although I’m still running my VA business, I’ve recently switched gears and put more effort into helping other women get started. I’m also developing a transcription training program that will be out soon to teach others how to do what I do.
Sometimes I take a look at other people who are doing this very thing and I think, “They have been doing this so much longer than I have. They’re better at this than I will be.” Then I have to squash that ugly monster and remind myself that I have my own unique perspective. I have something to offer that no one else can. Part of me wouldn’t feel alive if I wasn’t sharing my story to help others and so I’m going to keep doing it!
Alicia Jay recently posted..Never Give Up
Hi Alicia,
That’s what I like to hear!
You’ve taken a leap and that does require getting past fear. Any change like that does, so bravo for getting started. Very cool!
About reminding yourself about that unique perspective: I think that’s what is so amazing about this space. Sure, you or I might be relatively new to blogging or social media, but so what? The skills you have + your uniqueness is the ticket and that’s what will make you shine and help others … and make a name for yourself, etc. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing
Way to go and keep at it! Thanks for sharing this too.
I’m with you all the way.
I understand fear, but I’ve stopped having second thoughts about what to do. I woke up one day and realized that life is just too short not to dream big and take action every single day and have fun.
Jens P. Berget recently posted..Why I Love Sundays
Hey Jens,
I’m sure of that, especially with the constant changes at your place. You’re definitely not afraid to move forward by experimenting, often. So cool!
When you understand fear and can play observer, that is when you have it beat. Fear will always be there, looming, but you know the trick now.
“Dream big and take action every single day and have fun.”
–A big thumbs up to that!
Funny you talk about climbing Craig.
I have trained more people to hang off cliffs than I can remember and yes it’s all about dealing with that little voice in your head.
Feel the fear, it’s good, it reminds you that you are alive and about to do something great.
Now the trick is to find out when to follow your gut and when to run
john Falchetto recently posted..How a tribe can help you leave corporate hell
Hi John,
It is funny as I haven’t thought about the literal interpretation of the wording and that very cool stock shot above.
Hanging off cliffs is an entirely different matter of course, but can see how experiencing something like that … “feeling the fear” as you say, is so good for the soul and an amazing way to learn how to silence the little voices.
“Now the trick is to find out when to follow your gut and when to run”
–Yes, and that’s another topic for another day. But I’ve had more than a few moments when I though, “what the heck am I doing!” That’s when it’s time to run in the other direction
Thanks and great to see you here!
This kind of post is so essential — everyone has fear how they’ll be regarded as a blogger, and then one day, that fear subsides and is replaced with an “I am woman hear me roar” sort of attitude.
It takes awhile, and it takes several painful lessons, too. But, each day you post the confidence builds. Year two; get there and you’ll see what I’m talking about!
Love your writing, Craig!
Jayme Soulati recently posted..Migrating PC to iMac
Hi Jayme,
Hopefully you won’t hear me shout that
but man you are so right! Amazing how you can grow in this space in so many ways.
When I get to year one I’ll be throwing a party
Year two will be a blow-out party.
Really appreciate the kind words and the visit. Thanks!
I was a crappy teenager as well. I was the one with the huge glasses who got laughed at by the other kids. I don’t know why I was so miserable in school! But then, somehow I changed a lot in college. I knew I had to fight the inner demons to make a mark and be known.
We really are our worst enemies. And we need to beat that to “climb”. If we have to get anywhere, we have to do something about whats pushing us back. And no matter how hard it pushes you, one just has to awake the “hulk” in us and keep moving in. Once you let the inner demons win, you really don’t get anywhere.
As for blogging, I don’t really have a master plan. I enjoy reading, I enjoy writing and I am having fun. That is all I need for now!
Hajra recently posted..Rising Above Hate
Hi Hajra,
Okay, then you and I could share war / school stories
At least you can look back on all that, make changes, fight the demons and treat it all as a learning experience.
People are often their own worst enemies … oh, and I love that line: “Awaken the Hulk in us!” That’s great!
Images of superheroes and a big, angry green guy. That will get you pumped up.
Hey … as long as your having fun and that’s what you want out of it, your plan is spot on.
Thanks for stopping in. Always great to see you here.
Hi Craig,
I have had my moments of fear and doubt but I think I have finally tamed the beasts. Ok, maybe not tamed them but found a way to calm and quiet them enough so that I can do what has to be done to get to the next step.
Sometimes the hardest part is taking the tiny steps that are required to get to the next place we are looking to reach.
Jack@TheJackB recently posted..The 25 Year Old Tuxedo
Hi Jack,
Quieting them can be a monumental battle for some of us. The hardest part is taking those small steps + the daily taming you mentioned above. One of the practices that really helps me is to take some time and have very clear goals / to-dos for each week, and this includes not doing too many things per day. If you are diligent about this it keeps you from getting overwhelmed which usually triggers fear, and we don’t want that
Hey Craig, a little late to the party on this one. But DAMN! you is on fire
Fear will suck the life from you if you allow it to, but as its often said the anticipation of the worst is frequently worse than the thing itself.
Like John said fear lets you know your alive, it wakes you up to your potential. Fear shows you where your boundaries are, and nudges you to stretch yourself a little further.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once said – “Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions” and I belive fear follows the same principals.
Jackie recently posted..Article Marketing Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Hi Jackie,
Thank you kindly, Ma’am
Does it show that I’m having fun?
“The anticipation of the worst is frequently worse than the thing itself.”
–That is so true and so much time is spent worrying about things that are often figments of your imagination.
Yes, I like what he wrote about feeling the fear … I’m all on board.
Thanks for the Oliver Wendell Holmes tidbit. Love that.
Hope you have (are now having
) a great weekend and see you back in action next week 
Hi Craig
I just came across your blog today and thought I’d join you on the journey!
I definitely had the urge to climb in the past but that same obnoxious little bastard inside ruled the roost. I studied classical music at university and after finishing my degree (a number of years ago now!) the internal chatter began:
You won’t find a job, how are you going to live?, you’re not good enough, blah blah…
I really wanted to get into orchestration, that is adapting or arranging music for an orchestra. I loved it and found it fascinating. And I was pretty good at it but the internal chatter won. I ended up in an insurance job and then pensions. Corporate me!
The urge did win over though. Maybe not the music one just yet but I threw in the corporate towel at the end of last year and now here I am. Working my way towards internet marketer… and stay at home dad. Probably got that order the wrong way round.
What is my big dream beyond blogging? For now, it’s financial security for my family. At the very least to teach my kids how to read music and play the piano.
Here is where the journey begins!
Tim Bonner recently posted..Comment Kahuna – Friend Or Foe?
Hi Tim,
I’m glad you decided to stop by. Welcome!
He is a little bugger, isn’t he?
Your comments remind me of a section of Jonah Lehrer’s book, “Imagine” where he talks about NOCCA: the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, where students spend their time creating. Loved that part of the book.
When talking to one of the students (a dance student) he asked her if she planned on becoming a professional dancer and her reply was something like: “No, I love to dance, but dancers make no money.”
But she went on to say how useful the dance training will be because overall she has learned how to say something (their graduates are very successful). Creativity reigns supreme these days and who knows how your classical music training will pay off. I’m sure it will (or already does) in many ways.
I’m glad you have thrown in the corporate towel. Always exciting to see someone new enter this space. Your dreams sound similar to mine and I look forward to seeing you around.
Thanks for stopping in!
Sigh… I’m pretty well-known for my ability to add to the discussion with my comments, and I debated on talking at length about my rock-climbing skills (bouldering @ Niagara Glen = heaven)… but damn Craig.
You nailed it, man, and what can I say, I just wanted to let you know I love it.
So…
“I love it.”
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca recently posted..151 Canada Day Tribute Links [Chopped & Screwed Remix]
Jason,
That’s why I like the image of the climber. It’s so symbolic of life: achieving with slow and steady determination. And then there is the literal interpretation John wrote about … Feeling the fear.
You always bring passion and energy to the discussion. And you are definitely living life in a big way and leading by example!
Thanks!
Yeah, I rock-climb and LOVE the clinbing metaphor too… my name’s “J-Ryze” after all
Haha! Funny you should mention, I have an L A R G E info-graphic coming out soon about Livin’ Large
Stay tuned.
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca recently posted..It’s Oh-So-Normal To Be A ‘Master’ (Are You?)
Looking forward to the info-graphic!
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