The Steal vs The Suck
I am a dreamer, My mind is constantly percolating ideas, visions, dreams bigger and better than the next. I have done some pretty brave things with my life and I am not afraid of hard work. More often then not I work really hard for others, while I put my own dreams on the back burner. Fear is the number one reason for this. Fear of not being able to pay my bills because I am going down an unconventional path, fear that my idea sucks, fear that someone else will steal my idea. Wait did you just hear that? In the same breath I said my idea sucks no one is going to want to be a part of this and also that my idea is so good someone might steal it? How is it possible that both of these live simultaneously within our brain? While talking to my friend & business partner Kristina Ambrosia-Conn we realized we both wanted to dig in further to this concept the steal vs the suck and the underlying issue of FEAR.
The fear of “my idea isn’t good enough”. In the book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert says Fear is triggered by creativity. Because creativity asks you to enter into the realms of uncertain outcome. And fear hates the uncertain outcome. This is nothing to be ashamed of, it is however something to be dealt with. Are you passionate about this idea? Does it stir your soul? Has the universe told you it is is your divine calling? What are you fucking waiting for? How many more signs do you need? You will never move forward if you stand in trepidation of the unknown. The only way to is through. You can't walk a mile without taking the first step. Tell that gross, annoying little voice buzzing inside your head like a gnat on a hot summer day to “shut the fuck up!”. And then pour some fuel on the spark that first ignited your idea, surround yourself with people who breathe life into your flame. Go ahead and tell the nay sayers and haters to shut the fuck up while your at it!
*Side Bar: You may be thinking to yourself “Eek, did she just say the F-word on a professional business page”. I sure fucking did. I am a big believer that words have power and the intention behind what you say means something. I decided awhile ago that I would show up as my authentic self first and foremost and that sometimes means I am not everybody’s cup of tea, and thats A-O-Fucking-K. When I write and speak it comes from my heart. Using fuck in this way makes me feel BRAVE & EMPOWERED!!! (So sorry Mom, I love you).
Ok back to it. On to the fear of "someone else will steal my idea". I have had this fear so many times over the years. I want to hold on to these precious little jewels until I am ready and have my ducks in a row to share them with the world for fear that someone with more resources will take my idea and do it before me. From there the imagination spirals with more doubt, fear, and anxiety. Elizabeth Gilbert has some interesting concepts on this as well. She believes and I now do as well that ideas are disembodied, energetic life forms. They are driven by a single impulse: to be manifested. The only way an idea can be manifested in our world is through collaboration with a human partner. The idea will come to life whether you choose to take the reins and offer your own unique version of it to the world or not. So why not you? And for that matter why not a few others as well. There are 7.6 billion people on this spinning rock there is enough abundance for us all. Find ways to be further inspired by each other, collaborate, build a connected community instead of looking for ways to tear down the perceived competition.
Now let's get practical. The fear of the unconventional path and not being able to provide for yourself. I firmly believe that when you make room for yourself and your dreams to grow they unfold in the way they are supposed to. There are only so many hours in the day and it is a choice on where, how and who you extend your energy towards. Create a plan, set achievable goals, funnel it down through action steps; be specific so that you are clear on what you want and how you want to get there. What path you take to get there is totally up to you. There will inevitably be bumps in the road, this is why having a support system is crucial. Find a Coach, a Mentor or an Accountabilibuddy, surround yourself with people who are supportive, and want to see you thrive! Prioritize tending to your needs through self care, this is an absolute MUST as well. Your optimal health and wellness is essential to your success. Written 9-15-21/Edited 6-14-23.
Remember the only way to is through...it will not always be easy, there will be days that are gonna be really fucking hard. But it will be the right kind of hard.
From my brave heart to yours,
Jen