022: How To Conquer Your Fears as a Creator (with Corey Wilks, Psy.D)
Aug 6, 2024
auto_awesome
Corey Wilks, Psy.D, a psychologist and executive coach, dives into the 'Four Horsemen of Fear' that plague creators: fear of failure, ridicule, uncertainty, and success. He discusses how understanding these fears can transform them into tools for growth. Corey emphasizes the importance of community support and authenticity in creative evolution, while exploring how personal values shape career paths. The conversation encourages creators to confront their anxieties, align their passions with their values, and embark on fulfilling creative journeys.
Understanding the Four Horsemen of Fear—failure, ridicule, uncertainty, and success—helps creators identify and confront their limiting beliefs effectively.
Evaluating personal values is crucial for creators in deciding whether to pursue new projects or stick with existing ones for fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Four Horsemen of Fear
Limiting beliefs, often categorized as the four horsemen of fear, are significant obstacles for creators. The first horseman is the fear of failure, which can prevent individuals from even starting their projects due to concerns about not being good enough. The second is the fear of ridicule, where creators worry about judgment from peers, family, and the audience, leading to stagnation and a reluctance to share their work. The third horseman represents fear of uncertainty, causing individuals to overanalyze and become paralyzed in decision-making, while the fourth, fear of success, emerges from the anxiety of achieving something significant and the fear of change that comes with it.
Self-Sabotaging Behaviors
Self-sabotaging behaviors like procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome often mask the underlying fears that cause them. For instance, procrastination can be a reaction to the fear of failure, where avoiding a task serves to prevent potential failure. Similarly, perfectionism reflects an unrealistic expectation of achieving the unattainable, which delays action out of fear of judgment. Understanding that these behaviors serve as coping mechanisms for deeper fears allows individuals to recognize and address the root issues instead of just the symptoms.
Fear Inoculation Technique
To combat these fears effectively, individuals can practice a method known as fear inoculation. This involves assuming the worst-case scenario and fleshing out what that entails, which allows creators to confront their fears head-on. By detailing how they would react if their worst fears came true—such as failing or being ridiculed—they can develop strategic plans to manage those outcomes. Ultimately, this exercise helps demystify fears, reducing their power and enabling individuals to move forward with more confidence.
Valued-Aligned Decision Making
Deciding whether to pursue a new project or stick with an existing one hinges on personal values and fulfillment. Evaluating whether a project aligns with one's core values can help clarify choices and lead to more satisfying outcomes. For instance, creators should consider whether they would engage in a project or collaborate with someone for free, as this reflects genuine interest and alignment. By continually assessing their values and ensuring their work serves a purpose, creators can navigate the challenges posed by the horsemen more effectively.
In today’s episode of The HeyCreator Show, we’re running an expert session from the HeyCreator community with Corey Wilks, Psy.D — a psychologist and executive coach.
Corey gives an excellent presentation on The Four Horsemen of Fear before Matt Ragland (@mattragland) joins him on the call to talk creator mindset, switching niches, and overcoming common creator fears.