Читать книгу The 12 Secrets of Highly Successful Women - Gail McMeekin - Страница 18

What is your fear about? What creative traumas from the past still hold power over you? What do you fear from your internal critic and others? What person(s) from your past criticized your ideas and actions? Write this all down so you can see it.

Fear is a component of risk and risking is essential to creativity. When you read about writers and artists and business people, they all acknowledge fear. You will never be free of fear, but you can minimize it and strategize around it. Just don't let fear keep you from your true self. Whenever you accomplish something, you become vulnerable to criticism. Leaders are often controversial and therefore are targets for someone's arrow. Are you living your life for them or for yourself?

Don't let fear keep you from your true self.

When I get scared to write, I pick up a book called Walking on Alligators: A Book of Meditations for Writers by Susan Shaughnessy. Writing often feels dangerous to me, and reading about another writer's similar terrors helps me to forget my doubt and just start typing. You need to find antidotes for your fear. That's why I developed my Creativity Courage Cards with affirmations matched to beautiful photos—to counter fear. Mentors, support groups, classes, coaches, and readings all offer support systems that can undo the demons from the past. Figure out what solutions will most help your fear to stay in the background, and use them.

Another form of support for your creativity is a nurturing environment. Where do you do your best thinking? Where does your inner self feel most daring and alive?