stop looking for a helmet
Philip VanDusen 🔥
Branding Consultant | Creative Entrepreneur | Creative Professional Coach | Founder, Brand Design Masters, BONFIRE | Brand Strategy | Graphic Design | Content Creator | YouTuber | Podcaster | Speaker | ECD | VP of Design
When I was a kid there were no helmets.
We rode our bikes totally unprotected.
We’d launch ourselves off plywood jumps built at the top of our gravel driveway.
There were no elbow pads, no knee pads.
In fact, most of the time no one was watching us either.
We were free to make all the mistakes we need to - until we got good at it.
Sure, once in a while we had a bit of a wreck. A skinned knee, a banged up elbow.
We just went for it…and guess what?
We survived.
Today we know a lot more about how to safeguard kids against injury.
We have helicopter parents who race in to prevent falls off the jungle gym.
Rubberized mats cover all the playgrounds.
We’ve become a culture that is afraid of falling.
Afraid of failing.
But sometimes I wonder about what we’ve lost in this mission to protect ourselves all the time.
Today, many creatives and entrepreneurs have unwittingly internalized this mindset.
The mindset of needing to be protected from anything ‘bad’ that might happen.
Having grown up with it, they’ve accepted it as the way to act.
But the problem is they end up operating that way in their businesses, too.
Afraid to start creating content.
Afraid to post on LinkedIn sharing something that could help others, and attract new clients.
Afraid to start a podcast…a YouTube channel.
Do you ever feel that way?
Maybe you’re thinking…”I’ve been thinking of doing that, but…”
What if I fail? What if what I create sucks?
What if someone disagrees and posts a snarky comment?
If this sounds like you, this is what you’re actually doing:
You’re looking for a helmet.
You’re looking to soften the landing on the gravel if you don’t nail the jump the very first time.
Well I’m here to tell you…just go for it.
In the beginning, you’ll have no audience.
And that’s a good thing because it allows you to make all the mistakes you need to - to get good at it.
Sure, you might get a skinned knee, or a banged up elbow.
But guess what?
You’ll survive.
_______________________
recommended
Generative A.I. is the latest in a long line of innovations to put pressure on our already dysfunctional copyright system. READ
_______________________
watch
In my opinion, being a graphic designer is the best job in the world. With the Creator Economy in full swing, if you're a creative pro, you better be the best you can be to stand out from the crowd. WATCH IT
_______________________
listen
Recommended by LinkedIn
Running a branding is a complicated thing. In this video I outline the exact steps that go into running a successful design project. LISTEN
_______________________
growth
When you join BONFIRE you're not solo anymore. You get mentorship, motivation, connections that lead to clients, and true accountability for your 2024 goals.
_______________________
books
Time-Blocking: Your Method to Supercharge Productivity & Reach Your Goals, by Luke Seavers
What if I told you that the secret to productivity was actually not managing your time, but managing your focus? BUY IT
_______________________
quote of the week
“The amateur believes he must overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.”
~ Steven Pressfield, writer
_______________________
brand consulting
Brand consultations provide new perspectives and business solutions to entrepreneurs and businesses so they can achieve a higher level of success in the market.
In our session, you'll share your business challenges and receive advice and ideas for implementing new processes, solutions or resources to help achieve your goals. LEARN MORE about Brand Consulting
_______________________
courses
Brand Strategy 101, our signature course shows you exactly how to use proven strategic branding processes with your clients so you can land bigger projects, increase your fees, get paid for thinking and become a highly valued business partner
When you enroll you get immediate, life-time access to all the course videos, checklists, downloadable tools and resources.
_______________________
resources we recommend
Support Us by Using These Affiliate Links
BYOL with Daniel Scott: The Best Adobe Application Training
Tubebuddy: The Best Tool for YouTubers
Convert Kit: The Best Email Service Provider
Kajabi: The Best Digital Course Platform for Creators
Envato Elements: The Best Design Resources for Creative Pros
Squarespace: The Best Website Builder
InVideo: The Best Video Builder: 50% Discount Promo Code: PHILIP50
Transistor.fm: The Best Podcast Hosting Platform
Jotform: The Best Online Form and Survey Creation Platform
HighLevel: All-in-One Sales and Marketing Platform
______________________
Philip VanDusen is a branding thought leader and principal of Verhaal Brand Design an agency that leverages strategy and design to build brand equity for companies and entrepreneurs. Get more from Philip in his brand•muse newsletter, his industry leading YouTube channel or the Brand Design Masters podcast.
Infinite Thinker. Making your project a reality.
11moYour post beautifully touches on the essence of infinite thinking, a mindset I resonate with so deeply. Embracing the journey, with all the potential 'skinned knees', aligns itself with learning and growing. You've sparked the flame of inspiration in me to start on my own LinkedIn journey, to emphasise the value of the process over immediate perfection. I'd love to continue building on this perspective with your insights. #infinitethinking #linkedinjourney
Helping CEOs conquer Brand Leadership. 🚀 Over $9.8B in sales 🚀 2X #1 Amazon bestselling author. New book: "RICH BRAND POOR BRAND" 🚀 Slayer of the Mundane
11moFailure is never the end, until you decide it is. Flip the narrative and turn failure into GOLD. Learn from it, grow better from it, make it an asset. That's how I survived. Loved reading this, Philip.
--
11moHii my name is pankaj and from india year 17 but graphic design in the class 10th in exam not time
Motion Graphics Designer & Voice Actor
11moThat sounds suspiciously similar to my childhood, and I love the sentiment. I definitely can say I look for the helmet far too often, and I'm not even sure why at this point! Thanks for giving me something to think about!