For self-sabotage experts

I have something for you

Day by day, this newsletter grows.
Thank you.
It means a lot to me.
Some of you may think I’m good at telling stories.
The truth, storytelling is just one of my talents. 
I have another, in which I shine: the art of self-sabotage.

I’m not used to talking about myself.
It’s not something I enjoy. 
It makes me uncomfortable. 
To appear vulnerable is to show that there are cracks in the armor.

"Would this guy who writes day after day of believing in yourself have any weaknesses?”

Unfortunately : Yes.
As much as I'd like to be as impermeable as adamantium, i have flaws.
One of them is self sabotage.
It’s been a recurring mistake. 
And I thought talking about it might help some.

If you’re following me, chances are you’re different.
This is not some random things i would say to inflate your Ego.
I believe it.
I’m writing about philosophy, superhero, greek hero, legend, tales, samurai stuff and story you never heard before.
You have to be curious to resonate with this.

Chances are you’re a dreamer. 
You allow yourself to do it.
You work hard to make it happen.
You believe you can do it.

Good, because you can do it. 
Everything I’ve done in life.
It’s almost always been from scratch.
Through sweat and blood, I made my way.

But what prevented me from succeeding on a grand scale ?
Who was the final boss preventing me from reaching the next level?
Myself
Each time :

- I gave up
- Made the wrong decisions
- Took the wrong turn
- Insert an obvious mistake in this line

I sabotaged my success.
Be it projects, relationships, work… even hobbies …
If you’re passionate, you know what it’s like.
Suddenly, a new passion arise.
You can’t think of anything else.
You can’t do a thing about itself.
You are obsess.
That’s what my life is like.
With more or less long arcs and varied interests.

Eternal dissatisfaction.
When I reach the end of the mountain.
I go no further.
I often throw myself into the void to better start something else.

Is it right?
It’s up to you to define it.
Does it prevent me from achieving more?
Yes, definitely.

I’ve lost count of the Willy Wonka golden tickets I’ve been offered and the chances I’ve missed. 
I can’t have you making the same mistakes. 
Behind self-sabotage, there’s a feeling: Fear.

Fear is not to be underestimated.
You’ve been dreaming of one thing all your life.
And when it finally arrives: you refuse it.
Why? Fear.
You’re afraid of change.
As long as you were only trying, you were still in your old life.
Now that you can change, it’s terrifying.
What if this new life isn’t so good?
What if this new life isn’t my way?

The cowardly solution is to give up. 
Convince yourself that you’ve succeeded because you’ve reached the required level.
But forget that you were too cowardly to go all the way.
You get to the finish line and instead of crossing it, you go backwards.
Satisfied that you can make it that far.

It’s fear, the only feeling powerful enough to motivate this behavior.

Success isn’t just about changing your life.
It’s also about changing your identity.
Scary stuff.
Routine and old life feel so peaceful.
This new one : packed wall of chaos.

So
When Willy Wonka’s next golden ticket comes your way.
Think of this e-mail.
If you’re feeling scared.
Tell fear to go (want to stay polite here) itself.
Tell fear : get the (want to stay polite here) out.
Tell fear : not today.
Tell fear : i’m ready, i’m gonna fight you and i’m gonna (want to stay polite here) you up.
(Gentlemen don't swear, only David Goggins and few legends have a free pass)

Not accepting this ticket means two risks: 
- that he’ll never show up again
- that you’ll regret it for the rest of your life

I’m lucky to be able to bounce back.
It's my failures that have led me down the path that allows me to write these lines, and you to read them.
But that doesn't stop me from remaining lucid.
Every time you turn down a lucky break.
It gets harder. 
Opportunities get fewer and farther between.
The universe doesn’t like it when you refuse its gifts. 
It’s offended.
Don’t insult it. 
If you don’t need him, he’ll leave you alone.

Don’t let fear dominate your decisions.
Be brave.

Have an unforgettable Sunday. 
Don’t forget to make it count.