You’re scared. I know you’re scared because everyone is. Everyone’s scared to look like a loser, a fool, or get judged. Everyone’s scared to make a mistake and create a situation that makes life uncomfortable.
But it doesn’t matter. Most things don’t. You’re going to die and no one is going to care. Besides some close friends and family — the world isn’t even going to blink when you are gone.
Hell, I’m scared. I’m scared no one is going to read this article. Even worse is to write this article and have people read it with absolutely no reaction. Scared that the work I put into writing is all for nothing. That most of my writing is trash and I’m polluting the internet with more listicle garbage that no one cares about.
But that’s the thing. Nobody cares. No one is talking about you. And if you think the world is concerned with you and your feelings, you have an ego problem. The world is far too busy to be worried about what you’re doing and how well you’re doing it. In fact, if others don’t like what you’re doing, they’ll simply ignore you.
Now, I don’t know what you’re scared of. It’s obvious I’m not inside your head and all I can offer is what’s in mine. I suppose you could be scared of being a crappy writer [like me]. Or maybe you’re scared of uprooting your family and moving several states away going broke in the process [like me]. It could be anything really?? It could be you’re scared to quit your job or talk to a cute girl or start a blog.
The point is this — your reaction is a flinch.
You’re flinching at a pretend punch to the face that isn’t going to happen. Everything you’re scared of is bullshit. No one’s going to talk about how bad this blog is when I die. No one. And that’s because no one gives a shit.
And the thing that separates successful people from those who aren’t is this: Successful people don’t flinch.
They are the people out there doing the damn things that other people are afraid to do. They quit the job, started the company, burned through their savings, and came out on the other side when everyone else was afraid.
How to Beat the Flinch
So, how do we beat the flinch?
- Realize that the punch isn’t coming. Our fears aren’t justified and it’s a reflex from the puniest part of our brain. Fear is the thing that holds us back the most. If you want to do epic things start with the scary stuff. Start the podcast, write the blog post, put yourself out there, do things others call crazy, offend some people. Make some damn noise.
- Look the punch straight on. Don’t fucking blink. Take your emotions out of it and face it. It’s hard to do but that’s what it takes. Supreme and seemingly arrogant confidence when it comes to risk because *risk* isn’t as risky as our minds make it out to be.
- Realize that, even if you get a blow to the face, it’s not going to kill you. It may sting for a bit. It might even leave you with a bruise or two but, you’re not going to die. Life will move on and wounds will heal. Don’t flinch, because it’s best to see the punch coming. If it hits you it’s going to happen whether you flinch or not. By seeing it coming, at least you’ll have some time to react.
And that’s it. That’s how you do epic shit. By taking risks. By looking the punch straight on and not being a goddamn pussy.
So, today’s homework is to start doing the shit you are scared of. Don’t hide from it. Don’t worry about the end results, and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Because, as I have annoyingly repeated — no one cares. Now get to work!