I’ve noticed times in life that I really put myself to a task, I’ve come through in a big way. When I was dedicated to working out, I enjoyed it and felt great. When I sat down to edit videos with my friends in Shining Finger Studios, we had fun and recognition, when showing our creation to an audience felt like a big deal itself. As a weekend radio producer, I ran five radio stations conducting live events, many times, alone. I look back now and don’t know how I got to those levels but I know that I can.
What seems to happen after sometime is I lay off a bit. I’m not sure if my next video will be as good as my last. I take longer than I should to edit clips because I’m afraid to finish. I start to scrutinize every cut, angle and edit I make. I work out hard for a few weeks, hitting the track and gym as if I’m going to run out and protect the city from crime. Then, a cheat day becomes a cheat month and I’m back to square one. I had the best run ever, when I hit two miles in 30 minutes. I haven’t run much since.
Why am I afraid of advancing? Is it the hard work? Not really because when I want something, I’ll go through hell to make it happen. Maybe I’m scared that I won’t give my best. Of course, by doing nothing, I’m not giving my best. I have nothing to give.
Tyrese Gibson, the singer, actor has published a book called “How to Get Out of Your Own Way”. He also uses his Twitter account for honest, inspiring thoughts. One of the best insights he’s shared explains why we should push this fear to the side.
"Ideas are physical, if they stay in your MIND, you're robbing the world of experiencing them."
So, all these ideas won’t come to life if I don’t breathe it into them. The only failure would be for me NOT to try. I’m thankful for what I’ve accomplished and the desire to share more ideas with the world. The best success is to not worry about the results, but just to get things done. I need to write that article I proposed to a website because only I can do it. I need to shoot that first short film for the experience. I need to fall into my love of entertainment, film, writing and radio because it’s what I know. Every moment I'm NOT doing these things I feel is a giant waste.
I've often been paralyzed by the feeling that I need to focus on one dream but I have so many passions. Why should I have to pick one? Tyrese got a break singing in a Coca-Cola commercial and in 2011, he's released a bestselling book, acted in 2 hugely successful, Hollywood films (Fast Five and Transformers: Dark of the Moon) and independently released a great album.
I shouldn’t be afraid of advancing and moving on. If I don’t decide to pursue goals, regardless of the reason, life will move on, with or without my contributions. No amount of awards can makeup for the pages left blank and unfinished projects.
At times, I feel so flooded with concepts, I have to write them down so I don't forget. That's not a bad problem to have when many would sacrifice anything for a visit from the Muse. I also just realized that just by sitting down to write this, maybe I'm helping someone else who's afraid to tackle a project or cross the finish line.
Steven Pressfield, the author of “The War of Art” and “Do the Work” said it best:
“The Muse is like any other boss; she values talent, yes, but what she favors even more is devotion, dedication, perseverance.”
You have to get going. The battle is fought everyday. It doesn't matter if your enemy is junk food trying to kill your diet or that website you haven't made a move on. Only you can do this, which is why you feel you have to. Running is only OK when it's towards a goal, not away from a problem. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some other projects I need to find time for. Completing them is the greatest reward.
Personal favorites online for inspiration:
Terryjaymes.com – radio host that promotes motivation and trying to be a better person; He has a great weekend show called “Terry Jaymes Alive” with guests that discuss these topics.
kidinthefrontrow.com – writer in the UK that loves film and shares touching insight on creative process
Twitter.com/Tyrese – Singer, actor and writer Tyrese Gibson who promotes self-improvement
