Nobody likes conflict. I don’t. I’ve been especially sensitive to it my whole life. I’ve never been very good at taking criticism. I’ve been known to not fully listen to my friends and colleagues. I was horrible at listening to my parents. And, I have tortured my amazing wife with my insecurities around any kind of criticism or even positive suggestion (sorry, Bridget). Honestly, I was scared. Scared to be vulnerable. Scared to be wrong. Scared to fail. It’s certainly a journey.
Well, a lot’s changed in the past year since we’ve started Victors & Spoils. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing partners at V&S. I’ve been honored to team up with so many inspiring clients who want to change the way things work. I’ve learned and built ideas with some of the smartest collaborators in the industry who are not only unafraid of change but want to get in and lead it. I’ve had the good fortune of jumping into this crazy torrent of change that is besieging our industry and am learning so much so fast. I’m having a blast.
I’ve even learned to love the haters.
While I was traveling yesterday, I received this email from my blog that made me reflect on just how much things have changed for me and on my journey to overcome my own insecurities.
Dear John,
Congratulations on selling a desperate ... company some snake oil. Always great to book new biz.
If your approach works (which it won't) you send me some raw squirrel meat and I'll eat every bite.
Regards and laughing like a maniac,
Steve Fisher
Owner
Goldfish Public Relations
818-688-1502
<http://www.goldfishpr.com/>
Thanks, Steve. I do understand these are scary times. A lot of things we’ve taken for granted have been pulled out from underneath us. It’s created a lot of insecurity and anger for a lot of people.
Emails like this remind me to let go. Let go of my insecurities. Let go of my ego. Let go of myself. And, jump into the cultural revolution we are in the midst of.
Thank you, everyone. Thank you for your support, your criticism and your input.
Love love, love hate.