Don't Be Afraid to Look Like a Fool

Worrying about what others think is a natural survival mechanism. It keeps you in line and accepted by the group. Nobody wants to be an outcast. It's safer to stay with the tribe for better longevity and protection. But this mindset can also stop you from being your true self, growing, and innovating.

Growing up, I always wanted to fit in. From an early age, I realized that being yourself too much can scare people away because you "aren't acting normal." Being neurodivergent, I do, say, and think differently, which others might find weird. I learned to "follow the herd" and blend in, even if it made me uncomfortable, because I was scared to be left behind and look like a fool.

Fast forward to adulthood, I realized that doing things differently and looking like a fool isn't so bad. Trying and failing is better than not doing anything at all. Doing things your way might be slower, but you learn more and are grateful for it. Looking like a fool takes more courage. Many successful people I admire make fools of themselves. They do things differently, try many things, fail repeatedly, and laugh at their mistakes. These people aren't worried about looking like fools because they focus on growing and innovating, not on seeking acceptance from others.

Moving forward, I'm going to worry less about what others think of me and focus on figuring things out and creating awesome things. Even if I look lost or like I'm wasting my time, I'll keep going. This newsletter is something I'm trying out and figuring out. Although I have no idea where it's going, and it doesn't look like much right now, I'm enjoying the process. I'm glad I did something instead of letting ideas stay stuck in my head.

Quotes about foolishness and success: 30 Inspiring Quotes About Embracing Foolishness

Projects I’m Working On:

• Tabletop RPG Zines

  • I'm currently working on two zines. They’re in the draft stages, so I’m testing the gameplay and refining the writing. My goal is to ensure new players can easily understand the game without any experience.

• YouTube

  • My first few videos will likely be vlogs and educational content. I don’t have a solid plan yet, but I want to start creating and figure things out along the way.

• Illustration Business

  • I love drawing and designing, and I want to use these skills to serve others. Right now, I'm starting a project redesigning random posters I find and using them as samples for my portfolio.

• Short Stories

  • Reading, daydreaming, and writing have always been important to me. I’m working on a short story series that’s currently in the revision and editing phase. Each day, I find something new to improve, which is both exciting and frustrating as I want get the story done with and published.

What I've been reading/watching/listening:

• The article "How to Write a Four Act Cozy Mystery" on Novlr provides a detailed guide for crafting cozy mysteries using a four-act structure. It covers the essential stages from setting the scene and introducing the protagonist in Act 1, through the investigation and rising tensions in Acts 2 and 3, to the final confrontation and resolution in Act 4. Read more: How to Write a Four Act Cozy Mystery

• The video "How to STAND OUT as a SMALL Channel on YouTube in 2024" offers tips for growing a small YouTube channel. Key strategies include focusing on unique content, leveraging trending topics, optimizing video titles and thumbnails, engaging with the audience, and collaborating with other creators. The video emphasizes the importance of consistency, quality, and understanding YouTube's algorithm to improve visibility and attract more subscribers. You can watch the full video here.

• “How to Stop Feeling Lost & Find Your True Purpose“ Arthur Brooks, a social scientist and Harvard professor, delves into the science of happiness in this podcast episode. He explores common misconceptions about happiness and the balance between striving for success and feeling content. The discussion covers whether the pursuit of happiness stems from insecurity, the impact of external achievements on our happiness, and identifies the core elements ("macronutrients") essential for happiness. Brooks also highlights common life aspects people mistakenly believe will bring happiness but don't, offering insights based on scientific research. Listen here on Spotify: #802 - Arthur Brooks - How to Stop Feeling Lost & Find Your True Purpose

Your daily dose of practical wisdom: Feeling overwhelmed.

When you start feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to STOP. Take a moment for yourself, find a safe place, and think about what's making you feel overwhelmed. The key is to become more aware of your feelings and learn to handle them calmly. This helps you build mental strength over time. For more read here: What to do when you feel overwhelmed: 12 ways to find relief

Questions, feedback, or story suggestions? Email me at: [email protected]

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