Procrastination - Part 3

Hey…procrastination is such a big issue among creative people. There’s a lot to say on the subject. Here’s my part three.

To recap, if you’ve read my two previous blogs, you’ll remember that we went from believing that procrastination is laziness to understanding that procrastination is fear. Then, we asked, “What is the fear?”

Procrastination, Part 3: Dealing With The Fear Of Being Awful

Hey…procrastination is such a big issue among creative people. There’s a lot to say on the subject. Here’s my part three.

To recap, if you’ve read my two previous blogs, you’ll remember that we went from believing that procrastination is laziness to understanding that procrastination is fear. Then, we asked, “What is the fear?”

And what I shared was the fear I hear the most about is not fear of failing, it’s the fear of being awful. What’s the difference? Failing takes you off the hook. Failing gives you permission to walk away.

But being awful?

These are some of the comments I hear frequently:

“It’s embarrassing.”

“I can’t stand being mediocre.”

“I thought I was really talented and the truth is I’m a hack.”

“If I were really talented I’d be so much more successful.”

“If I were awful, all this time I’ve spent (practicing, trying, writing, dancing, etc.) would be a waste.”

“If I were awful, I’d feel like a loser, a no body.”

Wow… a loser? A no body? Mediocre? You’ve wasted your life?????

Geez!!!!! No wonder you’re procrastinating!!!!!!!!!

Talk about pressure!!!

No wonder you’re cleaning out the closet. If I felt all that fear, I think I’d be living in the closet!

So, what’s the solution to being afraid of being awful?

Take a deep breath.

Ready?

Here goes:

You’ve been told a big, fat lie and you’ve believed it.

That lie is that if you’re really talented, if you’re really special, you will be validated by commercial success and the praise and recognition of others.

You’ve been convinced that not being validated by commercial success and the praise and recognition of others is the proof of being awful.

“Being awful” is about you putting value in the opinion of others.

I say this all the time: It’s from the outside in, not the inside out.

“I’m afraid of being awful” is saying: I’m afraid other people won’t think I’m good enough. Not me, other people.

You’ve surrendered your power.

You can’t create when you’re feeling powerless. So no wonder you’re procrastinating.

I hope you're having a real deep, mind-boggling soul-stirring "Ah ha" moment.

I'm going to say it again:

You can’t create when you’re feeling powerless. So no wonder you’re procrastinating.

Hmmmm… think about that for awhile.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

What’s next?