What if you ruin your reputation?

A client of mine wanted to pitch a TV show pilot he was writing.

But he’d get nervous in those meetings, which made it hard for him to deliver a compelling reason to work with him.

He’d beat himself up about his presentation on his way home, replaying the meeting in his head.

I asked a question in our session:

What’s stopping you from enjoying those presentations?

He was thoughtful for a moment, as if the concept of enjoying a meeting was new to him.

‘It’s my reputation.’ He said. ‘I’m worried that if I give a bad presentation, I’ll ruin my reputation.’

Then I asked:

‘What if you didn’t have to protect your reputation?’

He smiled.

We both knew that his need to protect the illusion of ‘reputation’ was affecting his ability to relax.

And when he was uptight, it made him less effective and less likely to secure the deal.

We also knew that as long as he understood why his project was worth it, it didn’t matter what others thought about it.

When bringing new creative ideas to the world, there will be people who don’t like it, but others who DO get it.

That’s what’s important and that’s what you’re looking for.

Worries about things like ‘reputation’ or ‘professionalism’ or whatever other labels, just get in the way of getting your ideas out there.

I’ve had many other clients echo these worries.

I’ve also had these doubts cross my mind. And it’s turned me into a fearful squirrel with a nut allergy.

To take this further:

What if the most important thing was creating things for those who matter most?

That’s your work.

You’re here to appeal to those who GET your shit.

Others won’t, and that’s ok.

You’re here to find your people.

If you’re trying to uphold an untarnished ‘reputation’ that appeals to EVERYONE, you’ll get nervous, try to appear perfect, and water down your message.

My client now has his TV show approved and he’s beavering away on new episodes.

I’ve other clients who now write every day when previously they were too scared to hit publish.

All because of a simple shift in thinking.

My Untethered Mind course helps you make realisations like these through a structured program.

Question your thoughts, and you’ll see how so many of your dreams are blocked by doubtful thoughts.

The course guides you through a process of mastering your thoughts, and you can learn more here.

P.S. I have one slot open in April for working together more closely on your goals. Reply to this email with: ‘open to talk‘ if you’d like to talk about figuring out your vision and doing work that aligns with your passions.

Alex