“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.”
—Robert Hughes, art critic

I’m counting on this perspective from Robert Hughes. I counted on it when I delivered my manuscript to Random House/Crown. I counted on it when I forged a new deal with a fancy speaker’s agency. I counted on it when I flew into New York for a sold-out event, with expectations running higher-than-high.

I had a dream…that my book was fresh off the press. I’m sitting amongst boxes and boxes of printed books, but no one is coming to pick them up. Next dream: I’m onstage, about to deliver a sermon on leading-edge innovation, and Donald Trump walks in and distracts everyone from what I’m saying. Next dream: a box of matches that doesn’t light.

Resistance? Doubt? Hell yes! Thankfully. The jitters render me alert, humble, and hungry. Ideal qualities for navigating.

My friend and coach reminded me that there is a moment when the acrobat lets go of one trapeze and is completely suspended in mid-air before she catches the incoming rung.

You have to let go to get there.

You can be deeply certain, and slightly doubtful.
You can be scared, and really, really ready.
You can give it your all, and then give it over to God.

You can have everything to lose and everything to gain.
I’m banking on it.

Love your doubts. Stay awake.

. . . . . . .

xo.

Danielle LaPorte is the author of  The Fire Starter Sessions: A Soulful + Practical Guide for Creating Success on Your Own Terms. Deemed “the best place online for kick-ass spirituality,” over a million people have head to DanielleLaPorte.com for her straight up sermons of life + livelihood. An inspirational speaker, former think tank exec, and business strategist, she is the co-author of  Your Big Beautiful Book Plan.

Find Danielle on  Facebook+ Twitter @daniellelaporte + at her digital temple: DanielleLaPorte.com.

*Photo by Infidelic