A biweekly newsletter for dreamers, builders and creators to achieve (get things done), heal (fix what’s broken) and discover (learn something new). I am a licensed clinician, purposefully provoking security in others.
Defying FEAR, Riding with FEAR, Dancing with FEAR - AHD Issue #11
Achieve, Heal and Discover Issue #11
A biweekly newsletter to help you achieve, heal and discover in ways that improve your life and relationships.
Achieve: Defying Fear
How many times have you been on the edge of starting something new but the fear of getting started has you stuck?
My wife and I recently recorded a podcast episode about this exact thing.
Here are some takeaways:
- There is no skill in overcoming fear, it requires fresh effort every time.
- Let your “Why” be your background music. Your “Why” is the reason for confronting fear.
- Tell fear that ignorance is allowed. It’s ok to not know what you are doing at first.
- Start messy and ugly on purpose. Don’t wait for perfection to arrive when you start.
Listen here: https://www.defyingself.com/episode-9/
Listen on your favorite podcasting app:
Apple Podcast | Soundcloud | Spotify | Google Podcast | Stitcher
Heal: Riding with Fear
Fear isn’t the enemy. Fear is the logical, sequential part of your mind that enables you to survive. It is needed but it should never be allowed to drive you.
In her book, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” Elizabeth Gilbert shares the conversation she has with fear whenever she starts a new endeavor:
“Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”
Discover: Dancing with Fear
I recently reviewed all of my notes on fear over the last couple of years.
I noticed the a common theme that focuses on how to live with or even dance with fear. Here are some quotes that have stimulated some interesting journal entries:
Keep growing!
Edvardo Archer
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Achieve, Heal and Discover
A biweekly newsletter for dreamers, builders and creators to achieve (get things done), heal (fix what’s broken) and discover (learn something new). I am a licensed clinician, purposefully provoking security in others.
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