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Our exchange and my current overwhelm made me stop and really think about why I'm not taking the action I need to so I can get stuff done.
And the truth is, it's usually because I'm afraid of doing it wrong. In some way, I'm worried I'm going to fail and fall short of my expectations. And so I don't do what I need to do and I stay overwhelmed. Overwhelm is the way my brain protects me from failure.
For example...
I need to write my Christmas letter. I want to do a good job and I don't know where to start. (I'm scared of failing.)
I need to buy my daughter a graduation gift. I want to buy her something she'll love and I don't want to disappoint her. (I'm scared of failing.)
I need to outline the next 3 podcasts. I want them to be valuable and I don't know what to say. (I'm scared of failing.)
I need to finish the workbooks for my group coaching program. I want them to be helpful and I'm worried they aren't good enough. (I'm scared of failing.)
(And don't even get me started on buying the "right" Christmas gifts.)
Do you see?
The problem is not the amount or the difficulty of things I have to do. The real problem is that I'm scared I will fail at them. And my brain—like your brain—is programmed to avoid failure at all costs.
The difference between me and Taylor Swift is that she doesn't let her brain's fear of failure stop her from doing her work in the world. The difference is NOT that she doesn't have the fear. The difference is that it doesn't stop her.
So, if you have things you need to get done this week and you're feeling overwhelmed, channel your inner Taylor Swift and manage your mind—allow your brain to fear epically failing and then do it anyway.
xo,
April
P.S. Allowing failure is the magic key to accomplishing anything you want in your life. If you want help managing your brain through failure so you can succeed, join my group coaching program and start getting stuff done!
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