Having two books come out this fall has become a masterclass in overcoming the fear of publishing my work. After a period of deep-dive research on the ideas of leaning into the unknown and overcoming imposter syndrome for the book Creative Insecurity, it was time to live it. This article shares some of the key lessons I have learned from the research and my co-author, the venerable James M. Sweeney. In short, this article is about putting theory into practice in my personal creative work.
If you are a writer or researcher like I am, you might relate to feeling far more comfortable with writing in a quiet room rather than putting work into the world. Sharing any creative work requires intense vulnerability. Worse, I have high standards and worry that my abilities cannot live up to the vision. But I also know that endlessly tinkering with my work is a form of paralysis, and it can even scrub the life out of a piece. Perfectionism can become procrastination.
The time must come to publish and share. In that spirit, I want to share some of the practical lessons I’ve learned from working on the book and beyond.
Side note: On December 10, 2024 Creative Insecurity was officially released by Post Hill Press and Simon & Schuster. Get the book here: https://amzn.to/3ZmXfws
Article highlights:
- Recognize that sensitivity is both a superpower and a challenge
- Reframe nervousness into excitement
- Start moving
- Prepare
Recognize that sensitivity is a both a superpower and a challenge
First, you might be drawn to family storytelling, oral history, or other creative endeavors because you are a highly sensitive person like me. It’s what makes us intuitive storytellers and empathetic listeners. We feel deeply, and that energy comes across in the work.
But sensitivity comes with a price.
While doing research for Creative Insecurity, I read Rick Rubin’s wonderful book The Creative Act, and as a music producer, he has seen his share of creative people struggle. Some highly sensitive people can only bring themselves to create work for the world once or twice. Others never vanquish the feelings, but push through their fears to publish anyway. Knowing that I’m not alone has helped me be brave. What also helps is believing in my books. That causes me to separate my ego from the work. I am a servant to the work; I am not the work.
Reframe nervousness into excitement
I’ve always been terribly nervous when public speaking and have worked hard to manage it. Talking to the media is even scarier, especially because I haven’t been great at it. That is why I have made myself take opportunities with the microphone during the past few years to prepare myself. I tell myself, “I can do hard things.”
Now, with two books now out in the world, it has been time to interview with the press. This is something I’ve fretted about for a long time, but I learned a trick while working on Creative Insecurity has had a profound impact on me.
One piece of research was life-changing for me. You can teach yourself to reframe your nervousness into positive energy.
Instead of telling yourself, “I am nervous,” tell yourself, “I am excited.”
This simple but intentional shift in language redirects energy in a positive direction. I’ve tried it and found it makes a world of difference.
Start moving:
My dad liked to say, “You can’t steer a parked car.”
Similarly, my co-author James M. Sweeney says:
“You never start out being right; you become right through action.
James M. Sweeney
You iterate until you figure out what works.”
There is magic in movement. And you know what’s funny? The scariest part for me has been thinking about what might happen after publishing. Will the work be criticized? Will I say something foolish to a reporter? Will my quiet life become unordered? As it turns out, now that I’m in the middle of our book launches and doing public relations, I’m having a ball. Moreover, I believe that when we are actively working, creative and helpful forces come to our aid.
How often have you worried about something, only to find that actually doing it is manageable, even fun?
The takeaway is this: more movement, less worrying.
Prepare:
Imposter syndrome can be positive because people who suffer from it (and who doesn’t?) are more likely to prepare. Wharton professor Adam Grant’s work on this topic helped me understand the purpose of getting nervous. Preparation mitigates risk and gives a greater feeling of control. I find that the very act of getting ready calms my nerves.
Another of James M. Sweeney’s mantras in business is, “What am I missing? What am I missing?” There is a misconception that entrepreneurs are big risk-takers, but studies have shown otherwise. The successful entrepreneurs are risk mitigators, only doubling down on big bets when the odds are heavily in their favor. Preparation is one way to shift the odds.
Takeaways for writers and family historians
So, whether you feel nervous about sharing your story with family members, finishing your book, delivering a prepared toast, or are stressed about throwing a party, I urge you to try the tricks above.
If these ideas intrigue you, they are at the heart of the book Creative Insecurity, available now.
Rhonda Lauritzen is a professional biographer with multiple published books and a regular speaker at conferences. She has an MBA from the University of Utah and served as CEO of her family business, working alongside six brothers. Her writing journey began with her parents’ family business saga, and in 2016, she founded Evalogue.Life. Since then, Rhonda has professionally told the stories of families, cities, and nonprofits. She believes that when you tell your story, it changes the ending. Her latest co-authored book is distributed by Simon & Schuster December 10, 2024: Creative Insecurity: Lean Into the Unknown and Unleash Your Inner Misfit. Another recent book is A Child in Berlin, traditionally published by Post Hill Press.