Are you sabotaging yourself? Plus expert tips from my upcoming Success Story interview series!
I had a major epiphany last week, at church. One of my friends was sharing how she had noticed that the very thing she was fearful of, she was creating in her life. Basically, she saw how she continues to traumatize herself by recreating her initial trauma.
I realized I had been doing the same.
I’m sharing this because we do this. We sabotage ourselves over and over again. You’re probably doing it right now. Don’t believe me? Ask yourself: What stories are you telling yourself about your passion project, whatever that might be? Whether it’s a book you want to write, or a business you want to launch—what are you telling yourself about why it can’t happen or can’t happen right now?
It’s likely the same thing you’ve been telling yourself your whole life. And it’s not necessarily true.
My parents split up when I was 7 and what I’m realizing is that to my 7-year-old brain, it seemed I had been kicked out of a club. I spent the rest of my days being simultaneously afraid of getting kicked out/rejected AND doing everything I can TO get kicked out of the club/job/clique.
It’s the most messed up version of Fear of Failure/Fear of Success I’ve ever come face to face with. And we all do it.
So here’s your wakeup call. What’s your deepest fear? And looking over the pattern of your life, how has that surfaced time and time again?
That’s some pretty deep programming, but I know one thing’s for sure. The next time I spot that train coming, I’m finally ready to choose a different platform.
Tell yourself a different story.
Cat xo
PS: I have some exciting news!!!! 🎉🎉🎉 Unfortunately, you’ll just have to wait a little longer to find out. Stay tuned!
Success Story Event
I’m having so much fun interviewing best-selling authors and publishing experts for my next series, called Success Story, which is all about how to market, launch and sell your book. Today I got to chat with Nick Uskoski, Head of Content and Creator Development at Wattpad, and author and Wattpad star Tamara Lush. I’ll be releasing details on the series launch soon, but in the meantime, here are a few juicy tidbits I just couldn’t wait to share with you:
From Nick:
-Authenticity and connection is the name of the game, so lean in. The more you do, the more your community will grow.
-When it comes to any book really, but especially web and serial novels, it’s all about the hook and the cliffhanger. Study the greats and get awesome at both.
-Passion and joy are contagious, so enjoy the process and the journey. Your readers will feel it.
From Tamara:
-The best way to market your book is to write another book.
-What you want for your cover might not resonate with your audience—this is the time to lean on your team, network and industry experts for guidance on a cover that sells.
-Use tropes but don’t be afraid to subvert—sometimes NOT giving readers what they (think they) want is what they’ll enjoy the most.
Have a question about writing, books and publishing? Email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com for the chance to have your question answered in a future newsletter!