Who is Driving Your Car?

There are two ways we move through life: one driven by fear, and one driven by curiosity.

Fear keeps us efficient, predictable, and safe. But curiosity and generative drive is what expands us. It pulls us toward new ideas, new behaviors, and new ways of living that actually move the needle. 

The challenge is that the moment we step into something new, the inner critic gets loud. And that voice was never meant to be in charge. 

And it’s exactly this dynamic that Elizabeth Gilbert captures so powerfully in Big Magic:

"Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused.

And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed.

You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.

Then we head off together—creativity and me and fear—side by side by side forever, advancing once more into the terrifying but marvelous terrain of unknown outcome.”

Fear can ride shotgun—but curiosity’s driving, and that’s where things start to get BETTER!

💙 Collins, Jill, Susan