One Fits All?
Have you noticed how titles of blog posts, articles or videos have all a similar vibe to them? “5 things I learn from …”, “6 mistakes to avoid as a beginner xyz…”, “How to Launch in 4 steps”, or something along the line. And it goes the same way for the structure, the script, etc. Same blueprint. It’s a trend. AI certainly plays a part in this phenomenon, yet it doesn’t explain it all.
It struck me because I love writing. For as long as I can remember, I have always written. Short stories, journalling, thoughts, ideas, informative articles, just for me or for sharing. But lately I felt stuck. I was not enjoying writing so much anymore, especially if it was meant to be published. I was not experiencing the infamous writer’s block – I still had tons of article ideas running through my mind, - but it was similar. The truth is I was scared.
I was scared not to do it the proper way.
To write a post that would be successful, attract readers, hit the mark, I suddenly felt that it had to be done like that, this way, meaning the same way as so many bloggers, journalists, writers do it nowadays. And I couldn’t! I simply could not get my head down and write this way. It didn’t resonate with me at all: it is so far from my style, from my way of thinking, of being, it is not even the kind of read I enjoy!
And so, I felt stuck. What should I do? How should I write? Maybe my style is too this or not enough like that? What topic should I start with? and on and on…
Don’t get me wrong: this style is a perfect match to some writers. There is nothing wrong with the style in itself. What got me all messed up was trying to fit into a trend that didn’t resonate with me.
I was trying to figure my way, trying to find out what my readers would love to read, what my clients would want me to say, how they would like to be coached… It was impossible and exhausting!
I was creating from the wrong place. I was trying to create from my mind only.
I was trapped in my head, not listening to my heart anymore.
As one of my inspiring mentors put it, no one asked Steve Jobs to create the IPad. He had a freaking crazy idea, and he ran with it. He had a vision and that powerful vision made him create a product that millions of people love! He didn’t ask what people needed: he followed his instincts, his inspiration, what he felt called to create.
Wisdom from the Trail
When I am out on the trail, whether it is a multi-day solo expedition, an overnight race or simply a long training with the dogs, I never rely on a fixed plan. I have an idea of how things can pan out: I usually have prepared the itinerary, dealt with the logistics and technical aspects, and am as prepared as possible. But then, once out there, there is absolutely no ideal training or race plan that will stand against what is happening in real time on the trails. Out there, I work with my feelings, my senses, and now after some years, with my acquired experience. I am totally present, fully immersed in the whole event. It allows me to navigate the trail in the best way possible, whatever the conditions or circumstances. Experience is something that builds on repetition, practice. At the beginning, I had none and could rely only on my intuitive hints, on what my senses at large could perceive. It was by being so fully present and in tune with the whole of me that I could run the trail or deal with any unexpected happenings the best I could. When one is lost in their thoughts or trapped in their head, it opens the door to mistakes, incidents and other accidents.
My dog team, my handler and I won the seven races we took part in so far. How? Definitely not because I had experience or the dogs were the best – I was a newbie in the mushing world with rescued and adopted dogs! It happened because we were all in sync, aligned, connected. One team.
If I had read everything possible on sled dog races, tried to figure everything out, the strategy, what should or should not be done, then panicked if any of this failed to be implemented during the competition, we would never have made it.
Were my races perfect and smooth? Not at all! There are tons of details to be improved after every single one. Every time we get a little bit better at this or that. Am I an expert in the field? Definitely not! I am improving, learning, evolving along the way.
The Adventurer Within
And it is a perfect metaphor for anything we do in life:
If we try to figure everything before taking the first step, we remain stuck where we are. If we try to copy or use the exact same method than other have used, - even with success, we end up feeling frustrated, defeated, hopeless…
If we let the heart speak and guide our steps, we move forward. Maybe a bit slowly and with some hesitation at first, but then we gain strength and confidence, build trust in our inner guiding system and are then able to move faster, until we can really go with the flow.
Your heart – or your soul if you prefer, knows the way to where you want to go, what you want to create or achieve. It might not be straight forward. It might not be to everyone else’s taste. But it will be uniquely yours and it will work for you!
This inner guiding system will not lead you astray nor keep you stuck. It is only when you stop listening to it and look for ways to go about things outside of you, using your head only, that you start feeling lost. Of course, the world can be a source of inspiration and knowledge. There are so many amazing creations out there. Be inspired! Learn! But do not lose yourself in other people’s doings. It is easy to fall in that trap, especially with the omnipresence of social and mass media in our society.
Go back to yourself, to your heart. Listen to your unique passions, preferences, ways of doing or being.
This is when inspiration flows. When solutions to apparently unsolvable issues arise. When you know. When you feel inspired to go a certain way. When you are gently pushed to take a step in this direction or another.
Often at first it feels scary to follow this guidance, for we have not been taught how to use it. We have lost track of it and have to learn again to trust and follow the Adventurer inside us. It takes some practice but like anything new, the more you do it, the better you become at it. And you can always course-correct, evolve or improve along the way…
Sometimes the inspired action requires courage and the readiness to dive into the unknown. Maybe the way you are called to go about something has never been done before, and you might doubt it… This is what makes it just perfect for you: it will be your unique way, and incredible things can be born for you, for your life, from that unique heart-inspired action.
Whether it is writing an article, an idea for a new business, an important decision to take, or anything else that you want guidance and inspiration for, connect with the Adventurer within and listen.
And trust. Trust that the answer you need, the inspiration you asked for or the next step to take will come to you. It always does. Don’t chase it. Let it come to you.
Let the Adventurer guide you to your best Life!
Until next time,
Rachel
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