Fear of Success

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." --Marianne Williamson

Why is this true for so many creative folks?? Do any of these ring true for you?

~~fear of criticism, either from yourself or others

~~fear of responsibility

~~limiting beliefs

~~fear of jealousy

~~feelings of deservingness are shaky

~~fear of leaving your comfort zone for the unknown

~~lack of self-confidence or self-esteem

Coaching can help! Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or call 610-385-3766 for a complimentary trial session.

One more for the road, and I think this is a biggie: For most of us in the US, we have been educated by schools that train us to "blend in," not to "stick out." I would be interested to hear from those of you in other countries. Has this been your experience, too?

Marianne Williamson also makes a great case for "sticking out":

"...as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

Shine on!

Susan

Rev Up Your Creativity with Time for Renewal

Greetings!

I'm back from my medical leave. I had planned to take it easy this summer, but not that easy! Anyway, I prefer to think of it as a sabbatical, because sabbaticals can really rev up your creativity! They allow your ideas to incubate, and they allow you some renewal time.

Even mini-sabbaticals in your day or week are crucial to your creative process. I wish I had known that years ago when I was writing for kids! Instead, I was always pushing myself for the next great idea. Well, guess what! After a while all my ideas dried up, my health was a mess, and I was not a happy camper!

Julia Cameron, author of "The Artist's Way," calls this "over-fishing the pond." She suggests replenishing your imagination with weekly "artist dates," where you go out alone and soak up something interesting. It could be a movie, window shopping along a row of quirky shops...anything to wake up your creativity.

The most sustainable kind of creativity comes from joy and play, not from running your reserves down to nothing.

My beloved friend and mentor, Sally Martin, taught me to slow down, and for a few minutes a day, do absolutely nothing. Yes, nothing! Just breathe and relax. Consider it a micro-sabbatical in your day.

Play around with these ideas, and let me know what works for you.

Blessings,
Susan

P.S. - I'm offering Free Coaching Hotline Days in September! They'll take place every Thurday evening in September 2006 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Eastern time. First call, first served for only the cost of your 15-minute phone call. The hotline # is 610-385-3766. Choose one of these suggested topics or bring your own. I'm looking forward to talking with you!

Embarking on a New Project

Overwhelm

Goal-Setting

Getting Unstuck

Brainstorming

A Life Transition

Decision-Making

Conflict Resolution

Getting Organized