The Creative Nonfiction Podcast with Brendan O'Meara Episode 474: How to Reconfigure the Fireworks with Yi Shun Lai
Jun 20, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Yi Shun Lai, an accomplished author and instructor known for her diverse genres, explores the concept of "arrival fallacy"—the idea that reaching your goals will bring ultimate satisfaction. She shares how reconfiguring her creative "fireworks" fuels her passion for new projects. The conversation touches on the challenges of financial stability for writers, the importance of kindness to oneself, and fostering a supportive literary community. Lai's insights inspire resilience and creativity amidst the pressures of the writing journey.
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Understanding Arrival Fallacy
- The "arrival fallacy" is the mistaken belief that achieving a milestone will bring lasting happiness.
- Yi Shun Lai explains that fulfilling a big goal often feels anticlimactic and doesn't solve deeper feelings of dissatisfaction.
Reconfigure Fireworks and Wallow
- Redefine what "fireworks" mean to you, like finishing a project and starting a new one.
- Celebrate others’ successes and allow yourself moments of wallowing as part of the creative process.
Overcome Jealousy Through Celebration
- Move beyond jealousy by embracing the uniqueness of your story and position.
- Cultivate genuine excitement for others’ achievements to build a supportive creative community.
