Creativity In the Midst of Chaos

“You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self,
to live out your purpose, and to do it fearlessly”
~ Steve Maraboli, Author
Sistine Chapel

Recession … unemployment … climate change … general economic collapse … rapid population growth … polluted water … environmental disasters … instability, and anxiety … decline in the influence of the church.

Why, you wonder, am I trying to depress you with the current state of the world today? How can this possibly help me become bold in my life? I thought this blog was supposed to be a forward looking, positive guide to gaining freedom from fear.

The scenario that I describe above is, however, not an accounting of the world today, but, rather, a precise look at what was occurring in 13th century Europe!

What Does an ‘Outrageous’ Life Look Like?

“Change and growth takes place when a person has
risked themselves and dared to experiment with their own life.”
~ Philosopher Herbert Otto
Outrageous

In my 31 years of coaching and consulting I have had the privilege to work with world-class athletes, executives, writers, pastors, entrepreneurs and performance artists. During all of these years of working with thousands of individuals, I have never had anyone tell me,

“Can you please help me become a mediocre performer?”
“You know Dr. Nick, I am making way too many sales. How can I become a little less effective with my clients?”
“What are some ways to slow down my writing career?”
“I really don’t care if my art makes it to the marketplace.”
“I am perfectly happy staying afraid and playing it safe.”

I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot…and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Michael Jordan

Discover Your ‘Impossible’ Dream

Girl Jumping in the Air

“A burning desire is the greatest motivator of every human action.”
~ Paul Meyer

What do you want in your life? I mean, what do you REALLY want? Not what you wouldn’t mind having. Not what would be nice to have a bit more of. I am asking what do you really, really desire? In order to truly create an outrageous life, it is critical to answer this question without fear or doubt.

So, if you do not mind, let me ask you again. If you were fearless and deaf to your critical inner voice that is trying desperately to keep you safe, what would you really want – in your business, in your creative life, in your relationships, or in your performance? What matters to you?

Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary.”

Uta Hagen

It’s Time to Dance

Ballroom Dancers.


“Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.”~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
~ Do you live with “What if” thinking?

~ Do you avoid an outrageous life because of what others might think of you?

~ Do you always seem to be getting ready to start? “Tomorrow… Someday.”

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. Most of my coaching clients report being afraid to go for their dreams out of fear that they would look foolish, make a mistake or be rejected. In fact, I used to struggle with very similar feelings and fears.