I am going to tell you a story about a young man. He is one year shy of thirty. His sculpture is exhibited at major museums across the United States. At the beginning of his career, this artist has accomplished more than some ever will in a lifetime.
A few weeks ago, this young man was invited to speak at a Museum Symposium. It should have been an exciting opportunity. But he was paralyzed with fear.
Tapping his feet in anxiety he said, “Everyone speaking at this symposium has a Ph.D. The artists included have shown internationally. They all have huge bodies of work. One artist even received a medal from Hillary Clinton… I don’t know why I am here. All of this is just above me.”
Feeling like an impostor aka Impostor syndrome can happen when you are out there taking risks and living your dreams. Comparing yourself to others or carting around the, I am not good enough feeling, only keeps you from sharing your story and your purpose with the world.
It is hard not to fear. Every day there seems to be something new to cause concern. But feeding this fear monster only makes it grow bigger.
Don’t let fear decide where you are going to work, whom you are going to love, or whether you will share your story with others or not.
At the symposium, this young man got up in front of peers, artists, curators, and scholars and told his story. He finished feeling strong and invigorated. Stepping out and being vulnerable helped him have faith in his work. It also helped him find new creative footing. He now is producing a new series of sculpture for an upcoming exhibition.
“Conquering fear is the soul’s greatest task and the next step on your journey of self -discovery.”
-The Power of You
* The photo is this week’s blog is by artist, photographer, and storm chaser Robin Lorenson. To see more of her work visit: http://www.robinlorensonphoto.com/index2.php#/home/
I like to read about successful people. I am fascinated by the stories of how they got where they are and what lessons they have learned along the way. You have to get interested in what you want in your life. That’s how you achieve it. By reading about or meeting prosperous people you can learn what tools brought them to their success.
But reading, meeting people, and asking questions will only get you so far. Being vulnerable and putting yourself out there is essential to accomplishing your goals and being your authentic self.
The origin of creativity and innovation is vulnerability.
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg quiet literally changed the way we see the world. They didn’t become revolutionaries by sitting on their ideas and waiting for someone to come to them.
According to articles in the Guardian Profile and Stanford University News, “Jobs dropped out of college after six months and spent the next 18 months dropping in on creative classes, including a course on calligraphy. He continued auditing classes at Reed while sleeping on the floor in friends’ dorm rooms, returning Coke bottles for food money, and getting weekly free meals at the local Hare Krishna temple.”
Being brave, vulnerable, and fearless may bring struggle. But being vulnerable also empowers you take ownership over your life.
“Having less than what your heart longs for is no longer acceptable. Charge forward in bold pursuit of your vision. You have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to make come true.”
-Dr. Chris Michaels, The Power of You.
Need a vocational awakening?
Apply to The Self-Mastery Project. For more information or to apply to The Self-Mastery Project visit: http://www.chrismichaels.net/programsandwebinars/self-mastery-program/
Photo by local artist and storm chaser Robin Lorenson. To view more of her work visit http://www.robinlorensonphoto.com/index2.php#/home/
It is the final week of our New Year, New You #giveaway! I hope you all making strides to live your best life.
My last gift to you is very special to me. I want to give you my mediation beads from Bali. In 2000 I visited the temple in the photo above. That is when I received these meditation beads. These beads are blessed by Hindu Priests. And they have helped me through my spiritual journey. And now I want them to help you through yours.
To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is sign up for my newsletter here!
Stay tuned, this Friday to see if you won!
Also- thank you all for participating in the giveaway. I hope it has provided some inspiration to keep you on your journey of self-discovery.
Ps. Want inspiration but don’t want to enter the giveaway? No worries. We have many FREE webinars.
Blessings,
Dr. Chris
The way off the merry-go-round of verbal self-abuse is to treat yourself like someone you love. How do you treat the people you love the most? Are you kind to them? Are you patient and forgiving? When you do things that make you feel proud – say to yourself: “You done good, kid.” And then reward yourself with a gift or take time to clebrate your success. But then, when you do something you’re not so proud of – be gentle and kind. Start to forgive yourself immediately by saying: “Next time I’ll do better because now I know better.”
In order to live consciously, we have to first slow down! Enjoying simple pleasures in life takes time. Here are some suggestions:
What difference does it make how much you get done, if what you’re doing isn’t what matters the most to you? Who cares what you accomplish, if everyone gets abused in the process, including you? Don’t busy your life with unsatisfying social engagements, obligatory commitments and mundane tasks. Stop victimizing yourself with a frenzied schedule.
Take time daily to reflect on what’s really important to you. Feed your spirit by listening to music that moves your heart. Take walks. Exercise your body. Meditate in silence. Consider the “big picture.” Think about what you care about the most and what makes your life meaningful. Envision a greater future. Dream! Create! Continue Reading →
You are a powerful being living in a universe that is receptive to your individuality. What you think matters. Your ideas are important. Your perspective is invaluable. Your thought is creative.
The words you choose to speak either lift you up or put you down – but always the choice is yours! Life is, quite literally, what you make of it.
Your power is internal. Continue Reading →
“From within or from behind, a light shines through us upon things and makes us aware that we are nothing, but the light is all.” ~ Ralp Waldo Emerson, The Oversoul
What you have within you is always greater than anything going on around you. What you have within you has the power to overcome any obstacle and heal any disease. You were created as an inlet and an outlet for Spirit’s expression. You were designed as an opportunity for good. Continue Reading →
As peculiar as this might sound, I was recently inspired by the selection of lettuce at the supermarket: Boston lettuce, red-leaf, green-leaf, romain, butter, field greens, and the plain, but ever-popular, iceburg. And it made me think of the variety of people in my life: white accountants, black doctors, gay therapists, male actors, female lawyers, young people, old people, rich ones and poor ones.
We’ve been told that the key to a healthy diet is to include a variety of food groups. Perhaps the key to a healthy and balanced life comes from including that same dose of variety in our relationships. If this is true, then one would seek to have friends from a variety of different cultural and ethnic groups, as well as religious and political affiliations. For balance, we would seek out relationships with people of varying age groups, race, sexual orientation and social status. Continue Reading →
The key to a more successful life isn’t to do better, it’s to know better.
--- Chris Michaels ---
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