pul·ver·ize/ˈpəlvəˌrīz/Verb
- Reduce to fine particles.
- Defeat utterly.
Every time I sit down to write, I hear voices.
Whether it’s a blog post, a song, or a sermon, these voices stand in my way.
Before you label me crazy, close out my blog, and ignore me, let me explain.
We’ve been talking a lot recently about finishing, following through, and challenging our creativity.
But there are roadblocks and challenges along the way.
You can take this to the bank: if you’re doing something worthwhile, you will face resistance.
For example:
When I write, this is what I hear:
- You don’t know what you’re talking about
- Nobody is going to like this
- Everyone is going to see right through your hypocrisy
- This is a horrible idea
- Stick to what you do best – nothing
Call it self-doubt, resistance, pride, cowardice, or whatever – it’s real.
The Agenda of Self Doubt
You know what self doubt wants from you?
- Stay in your room
- Say nothing
- Play it safe
- Refuse controversy
- Imitate
- Consume
You need to pulverize that thing.
How To Pulverize
- Keep writing
- Keep releasing
- Keep helping people
- Push through
Because playing it safe isn’t an option.
Staying mediocre isn’t really safe.
Stop imagining outcomes that aren’t even real.
Get out there and do it.
Question: What have you been resisting? What work needs to be done that self doubt has hindered? Share it with us in the comments.
“Stop imagining outcomes that aren’t even real.”
well Put David…
Lol wasn’t I just telling you on Wednesday how I’ve been getting hit by blog posts everywhere about this very thing? “Stop imagining outcomes that aren’t even real.” Love this line. I can’t even begin to tell you how many time I imagine outcomes that are so ridiculous and far from reality. Great post, bro!
God might be telling you to do something 🙂
Reminds me to stay “mentally tough” and love the line “staying mediocre really isn’t safe.”
Don, what do you mean by “mentally tough”? Just not giving into self-doubt?
Yes, mentally tough to me means staying strong against all the resistance and doubts that enter in. You can sometimes feel like no one will like your ideas, that you don’t have anything worthwhile to say, but to stay mentally tough you keep at it anyway, ignore all that resistance, and press on. We have a tendency to stick to what’s comfortable, because it’s ‘easier to play it safe.’ But like you say, staying mediocre really isn’t safe. We internalize greatness by doing great things, constantly stepping out of our comfort zone, and staying mentally tough against all the negativity and self-doubt. This is the path to greatness..
Thank you for all of the great articles you write. The biggest challenge for me in my creativity has always been my own self-criticism or self-doubt. I have a lot of ideas bouncing around in my head but many times they don’t see the light of day. I will continue to push on and to “pulverize” the self-doubt, I still have lots of work to do (especially in the songwriting department).
Me too. I think it’s normal for creatives to feel that way. The best remedy is to just get your work out there.
Great post, David! The resistance is always whispering in my ear. Like Steven Pressfield says in his awesome book The War of Art, the hardest part about writing is not writing…it’s sitting down to write.
It is so easy to just keep on doing what we’re doing. This is a very motivational and true post. Thanks and keep it coming!
Pressfield’s insight into the resistance has changed my life. It’s just so true! Thanks Jason.