Fear and self-doubt constantly hold us back, but through small efforts, we can overcome our anxieties and unlock new possibilities.
Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, the courage to act without hesitation, the message of 'just do it', empowers us to believe in ourselves and step out into the world.
It is important to confront our own anxieties and fears, continuously make efforts, and live a more authentic life.
Premise: Which regret is less regrettable?
Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. - Suzy Kassem
Situation: Can I take full responsibility and solve it?
When I first entered the advertising industry, I almost immediately realized that my attitude towards the world, my perspective, was very different from that of others in this world. With the direction I had organized within it, I began to dream of a new beginning, going out and proceeding in my own way. And four years passed like that.
I was afraid. Would I be able to approach the world with just my name? I lacked a lot, could I successfully overcome this solo venture? Let me just work a little longer. If I move to a different company, I'll be able to find a place that agrees with my perspective. That's how I comforted myself thousands of times in my mind, holding myself back and shrinking. It was myself who was holding me back.
Then the company I was working for faced sudden difficulties, and naturally, I left the company. At the end of that year, I finally had a small logo made by a former colleague, and so, I suddenly started my own business. There were many difficulties afterward, but at least one thing was clear.
Simplified goals.
Phenomenon: Fear and self-doubt are primarily active 'before execution'.
A photographer who was running his own studio at the time sometimes visited me. He was considering giving up and joining another company while being alone outside the company, and I was worrying about the decision to be alone outside the company while being inside the company. We had many conversations, each being a mirror to the other, but ultimately, the message within was one.
'What should I do?'
The time spent lingering and hesitating in front of this seemingly insurmountable wall ultimately became the most awkward part of my life, where I couldn't focus on either my company life or my first small attempt. However, once I was pushed into the situation and started doing what I had hoped for as if I were hypnotized, the fears of that time no longer existed in my mind.
So today, what should I do? As I moved forward with that thought, the moments I worried about being embarrassed, the moments I feared being ridiculed, just passed by like that. After spending several years on my own again, even though I was still lacking, I found myself becoming more confident in certain aspects, and as small achievements that could be cited as evidence accumulated, I became a little more indifferent to myself.
That's how I gradually developed my own thoughts and attitude.
Thought: Starting alone can open up more possibilities.
"When did I feel like I was really living my life to the fullest? It was when I was driving the kindergarten bus after finishing my graduate school classes and going home. At that moment, I realized, 'Oh, I'm going to graduate school at this age, I'm really living a full and good life. That's when I realized it."
During the COVID-19 period, a mother I consulted with regarding finding her strengths had a glow on her face when she talked about the moments she confirmed the meaning of her own judgments and decisions.
There is never a perfect time or situation to start anything. There are just small attempts to try and face it, and eventually, when we cross the threshold of anxiety and worries in our minds, new goals quickly fill the void.
One psychiatrist said that the reason we become addicted to something is 'the absence of a relationship where we can have in-depth conversations.' And I came to think that the first such relationship is the one with oneself.
Even if you're anxious, just try to put yourself out there.
Of course, situations that cause new anxieties and self-doubt will undoubtedly emerge before you. But ultimately, if the thing we regret most when we die is 'not having tried,' then even if it's not a huge goal, it might be a good choice to just stretch out without looking back or forward.
I don't particularly like motivational videos, but I'm attaching a video of British actor Benedict Cumberbatch reading a portion of a letter that sculptor Sol Lewitt sent to fellow artist Eva Hesse, who was tormented by self-doubt.
The message Sol Lewitt conveyed to his friend and colleague, written in large letters at the end of the letter, is 'DO'. It emphasized that 'sometimes action can be more powerful than excessive thinking.'
You have to be able to tell the world "Fuck You" sometimes. You have the right to. You need to practice being a little dumb. Stupidly, thoughtlessly, and empty. Then you'll be able to do it. Just do it!
Stop trying to look cool. Create your own unattractive form. Create your own, your own world. If you're afraid of that, let it help you. Draw about fear and anxiety. Color it! And now stop those deep and huge illusions.
You must believe in your ability. Show the most audacious thing you can do. To shock yourself. You already have the power to achieve anything. Don't try to carry all the burdens of the world. You are only responsible for your work. So just do it.
Stop thinking, worrying, looking back, Hesitating, doubting, fearing, getting hurt, Hoping for an easy way, struggling, Panting, confused, Itching, scratching, fumbling, stammering, Grumbling, feeling pathetic, stumbling, Rattling, murmuring, Hanging, falling, erasing, hurrying, Twisting, decorating, complaining, groaning, Groaning, polishing, scraping off, Talking nonsense, arguing, Picking on, interfering, Doing nasty things to others, blaming others, Poking eyes, pointing fingers, Peeking secretly, waiting a long time, Doing little by little, having the devil's eyes, Scratching someone's back, exploring, Showing off and sitting around, tarnishing your honor, Don't gnaw, gnaw, and gnaw on yourself. Please stop it all and just do it!!!