Hugging Tigers and Herding House Cats
or, 13 principles that help creatives overcome fear.
Shane Austin | @scdaustin
I am Shane.I design things for people.
I care deeply about their relationships.
I like being close to their pains and problems.
I learn, think and act to solve them.
Me in 1977 - the year that Star Wars was released. Disco, bell bottoms and bad hair.
Fear
Fear
6 steps to unthinking response
Fear Self-test
Arachnophobia
Necrophobia
Glossophobia
Fear of Flying
feels more like this
Felinophobia
Germophobia
Coulrophobia (or Elmostisism?)
You’re fucked.
13
Self-Hackingdef : practice of collecting one's data for the purpose of self-improvement. It involves data analysis, data visualization, pattern-spotting and ultimately finding ways of adjusting one's behavior.
Self-HackingThe Quantified Self
Tracking→Analysis→Patterns→Treatment
Everything from Journals, to AA, to Weight Watchers to Wearable Computing Devices
Fear-Hackingdef : the practice of understanding one’s fears and anxieties and using simple, holistic principles to overcome them for the purpose of self-improvement.
1. SharingIdeas die quickly—release them and see them grow.
2. CollaborationSharing on steroids—a creative process is more robust and resilient.
3. Perseverance2 step plan—VISION + STEP
4. AccountabilityLeverage ‘good fear’—you won’t fail your inner circle.
5. Facing itFear is self-created and powerless—slow down, there’s a false belief ahead.
6. ChangeCelebrate change as an adventure—create safety so change is positive.
7. InertiaFollow the fear—look into the wave for a take off point.
8. Screw UpDemystify fear of failure—build on a base of bad work.
9. Reality CheckDon’t overestimate negative consequences—be a realist.
10. The ResistanceBeware of the Lizard Brain—conquer fear to find your passion.
11. ApologiesBe open about your fuck ups—confidence and ownership is leadership.
12. IndulgeHave your chocolate cake—create safe places where you can play, fail & learn.
13. UrgencyDon’t leave an invisible legacy—you have no reason not to face fears, pursue
ideas and follow your heart.
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important
tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in
life. Because almost everything — all external expectations,
all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things
just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly
important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best
way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something
to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to
follow your heart.”
Resources & InspirationNY Times article: Fear Itself
Rita Carpenter: Mapping The Mind
Self-Hacking: Self-Knowledge & Data Literacy
How To Hack Your Brain
The Quantified Self