(Shot of Wonder #22) Creative Bewilderment for Authors, Entrepreneurs, & Others

Dear Change-Maker~

Have you ever felt paralyzed by the need for 100% certainty before advancing an endeavor any further - a book, a business move, or a life transition?

Insisting on certainty often leads to us either avoiding an idea or just over-perfecting behind the scenes, especially when you’re advancing your ideas in a world full of comparisons.

For several years, I’ve been driven by excellence. It turns out that the dark side of that pursuit includes perfectionism - which often disguises doubt or fear. Fortunately, for several years, I also have been tracking wonder and its Deep Woods facet, bewilderment.

In fact, a client’s situation recently brought up this desire for certainty on one hand and a desire to move ahead creatively. Several years ago, they started a new business with boldness and a fresh beginner’s mind, and uncertainty fueled them.

Fast forward several years later, they’ve immersed themselves in the industry. THey’re successful. And comparisons are all around - both among competitors and the ubiquitous world of Instagram. Their virtues include prudence and judgment - both excellent virtues for a business owner and entrepreneur. But if not held in check, they can derail innovation and creative flourishing.

Our new work together: It’s all about activating this client’s Young Genius strengths to reclaim a new sense of boldness and openness - and comfort with the messy uncertainty of creativity as they expand their retail business and seek more fulfillment outside of work - while also honoring their keen sense of discernment.

This month my aim continues in these challenging times to equip you to discern among competing priorities so you can advance your best idea and most impactful work with less effort, more leverage.

This Shot of Wonder looks at the confusion that creeps up at the beginnings and middles of endeavors and business moves.

If you’re advancing a book, growing your business, or thinking through a next chapter in your work or life, this one’s for you.

Reintroduction to new readers: I’m author of Tracking Wonder (Sounds True), a Next Big Idea Club finalist. Fast Company, MindBody Green, Psychology Today, and other leading outlets - I’m grateful to say - have featured my insights.

My job: Help you focus your best ideas, design meaningful work, and advance what matters most for high return - emotionally and financially - with energy to spare.

Now is a good time for free readers to consider upping your wonder ratio as a premium partner if you haven’t already. You’ll gain access to the full Shot of Wonder Library, our Tracking Wonder Handbook, worksheets, our beta Tracking Wonder Endeavor Canvas, and significant discounts to workshops and cohorts. If you’ve benefited from this work, your premium subscription is one meaningful way to support it.

Think of it this way: Cynicism is a virus. Wonder is an antidote. This way you receive more actionable tools, mindsets, and innovation tweaks for work, life, leadership, and creativity.

More good things ahead. Thanks for being here!