I set aside an entire delicious day to work on creating something new that I’ve been putting off for a long time because it means so much to me. The expansive time felt so good to have, but at the back of my mind was the thought that has kept me from creating and launching it: What if nobody wants this new thing that I think is so awesome? 

Does this sound familiar? I hear this from a lot of new authors. Their books are so close to their hearts that bringing them to life becomes very intimidating. I think one of the reasons this happens is because we’re not just bringing forth a new creation; we are also crafting a new identity. And what does that mean? It brings into question who we are and what we’re capable of. 

Let’s get real: The question lurking underneath all that is, “Who the heck are we to think we’re good enough to bring something this amazing to the world?” 

Behind the Scenes

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes: Once we realize we want to create something big, something important, our inner “Department of Safety and Security” goes bonkers, and the fear dragons are released to scare us back into our regular routine. What I call fear dragons are doubts and worries. Can I do this? Will anyone care? What will it mean if it fails—or succeeds? 

While I was in the middle of tangling with my fear dragons and planning my new project, a clear message floated into my head: Bring it forth with joy. 

I felt a shift happen. I smiled. I sat up straighter. I repeated that phrase back to myself and immediately wrote it down. Because it changes everything; my perspective, my approach, but most of all, my energy. 

Unleash Your Creative Identity

Those fear dragons feel real, but under closer inspection, they’re the same old doubts I’ve already overcome all the other times I’ve changed my identity. We’ve made those changes multiple times, when we transitioned from school to work, single to partnered, old careers to new ones, employee to entrepreneur, audience member to speaker, and writer to published author, etc. 

At some point, we have to reclaim the power we surrender to the fear dragons and take back the excitement of starting businesses, speaking on stages, and writing books. 

 Staying Focused

So, how do we stay focused on the ideas that light up our hearts?

 Examine Your Fear Dragons

The reason fear dragons are so effective is that they grow behind the scenes. When we feel the fear creeping up we say, “Nope! Don’t want to go there. I don’t want to feel that.” But looking directly at fear dragons deflates their power, and they morph from fire-breathing monsters to cute plush toys. 

One way to conquer them is to make a list of all the fears and doubts that are popping into your head. Then under each of those items, write about how you’ve overcome those same fears and feelings in the past. Examining your fears will show that you can deal with them.

Reconnect With Your Why

Why do you want this new creation, this new identity? What does it mean for you? Most authors I work with say, “If this book changes one life, it’s worth it.”

Is that true for you? Is it something else also? What does it mean for you personally? Does it mean that you can grow your business? Does it mean that you can expand your impact to serve more people?

Maybe it’s also a dream that you get to finally fulfill for yourself. 

Bring It Forth with Joy

What does it mean to bring it forth with joy? Instead of adding the low-vibration energy of fear to this new creation, you are feeling all the possibilities: how fun it will feel to create, to be successful, to make the impact that you desire, to create positive transformation for others. 

To get into this joyful energy, try the following exercise: 

Ask yourself, “I wonder what it would feel like to bring this new creation forth in joy?”

It may be a stretch to feel if you’re still in fear dragon land. But can you imagine it? Can you imagine how that would feel to be excited, like a little kid going out to explore crawdads in the creek? 

Imagine what it would feel like, not just as a finished product, but also in the process of bringing your idea to life, how it could bring you personal joy and how it can bring others the joy of transformation.

And finally, what does it feel like to claim the new identity you’ve created?

Okay, thanks for playing! I would love to hear from you about how the transformation into your new identity fits and feels. How did you do with that exercise?

Are some of those fear dragons still flying around in the background? If so, please reach out to tell me about it. I have other resources that may be able to help you.

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Is  part of your purpose is to write a book? Then consider applying to join the waitlist for the next Unleash Your Inner Author Cohort.