One of the common “confessions” we hear from folks who want to write a book – often smart, inspirational and incredibly insightful leaders, aspiring authors, entrepreneurs and teachers – is that the mistakes they’ve made in the past are too raw and too REAL to reveal.
That past mistakes, stumbles, fumbles and failures…..are disqualifying – and strip away some of the courage to want to step up and serve now.
We say – there is no better way to heal, or to help – than to share where you’ve been, to light a lamp and show us the WRONG way – where you’ve tripped – where you’ve slipped – and where you’ve gone wrong.
Don’t let your past lessen your light, diminish your dreams or mess up your mojo.
Here is something you won’t hear often in the self help, mindfulness and “enlightened” entrepreneurial space – but it’s 100% true.
Your mess, IS your message.
My life often feels more like a dumpster fire, teetering off of a runaway train with a bad brake and a conductor with a bad mullet asleep at the wheel, than any sort of conventional shining example of success.
That’s honest. And for 99% of us, real life. It doesn’t stop me a little.
Having read, admired and collaborated with tons of inspirational entrepreneurs over the years who write from a perspective of pain – or having overcoming challenges in their lives – I think some of the wisest advice I’ve heard is:
“Teach from the scar – not the wound. “
You heal yourself – by serving others.
This frees you up a bit to share (and teach) from a position of helping, and healing – rather from from the insecurity that can arise when we invite strangers (or even friends and family) into our inner experience.
No one likes to reveal things that may be still be tinged with shame or embarrassment.
But you think of yourself as a teacher – and your experiences as the crucible by which you’ve learned how to help or serve – there is no past that can’t be transformed into a powerful lesson for those who may need to hear it most.
So if you feel called to step up and serve – just begin.
Teach what you know. Do what you love. Wake up the world with your work.
🙂
Ian
