1 How'd you get in my brain?

Great advice. I’m going to print this off and tape it to my arm.

posted at 10:13 am on September 20, 2011 by Dani

2

thanks for this brilliant article. it was by far the best I’ve read in a while and a true eye-opener!

posted at 10:27 am on September 20, 2011 by Birgit

3

“shoulds and comparing” – check!
“pursuit of perfection” – check!
“impostor syndrome” – check!

I have some banishing to do… Thanks for a great article!

posted at 10:37 am on September 20, 2011 by claesv

4 Excellent article, except...

I SHOULD be able to write an article like this, but it probably would not be that good :( . And what’s wrong with Hot Pink??
Seriously though, very insightful, and absolutely un-disputable for those of us in this field. Articles like this are why I subscribe to this feed.

posted at 11:33 am on September 20, 2011 by jaidzer0

5 So glad you liked it, folks!

@Dani – Your brain is my brain. I wrote this article because I figured that I couldn’t possibly the only one with this kind of monkey-mind chatter that debilitates my capacity to get things done. Trust me, you are not alone: no one is immune to the inner critic. We are all afflicted.

@Birgit – Thanks!

@claesv – Well, now at least you have some tools to start with, right? Keep us posted on the banishment progress!

@jaidzer0 – There is absolutely nothing wrong with hot pink. However, most projects usually do not require it as a main color in the color scheme :).
But seriously, glad you liked the article and that it was part of what you come to expect from ALA. I am honored to have it here and to be able to reach so many people with the content.

posted at 02:03 pm on September 20, 2011 by Denise Jacobs

6

Denise,

This is transparently beautiful and inspiring! I felt like we were just talking on the phone as I read this.

Thank you for squashing your inner critic and sending out an email to share your success with me. I read this twice just so I could enjoy the journey. I would love to see you continue on your path of helping others embrace their creativity and this is an excellent start. You made it very real by using examples from your own life.

Time to do some troll squashing here!

Congrats!

posted at 02:34 pm on September 20, 2011 by adriarichards

7 Thank you Denise

This is just what I needed. I was discussing this problem with a coworker today, but we just couldn’t put a finger on it. Your article just did. I’m going to try some of your ‘workarounds’ and see if it brings some more peace of mind.

Thanks again!

posted at 03:46 pm on September 20, 2011 by gpsietzema

8 You're so very welcome!

@adriarichards – So glad you found the piece inspiring. You of all people know that it came from the heart. Thanks for reading and commenting!

@gpsietzema – How wonderful that this helped you with an immediate problem! Please do try the tips and let me know what ended up being effective for you.

posted at 03:59 pm on September 20, 2011 by Denise Jacobs

9 Something for everyone

Hello Denise and thanks for this great article.

It’s now a year since I overcame my personal inner critic (oh lord, how have we fought and argued and… well, you possibly know) and as I read through your text I nodded intensely at several occasions.

What I like most about it is the fact, that almost anyone, whatever profession he oder she is working in, can relate to the topic and learn from your article. =)

Cheers and thanks again,
Marco.

posted at 04:04 pm on September 20, 2011 by Nice2MeatU

10 Is it too late?

Such a great article, but I fear it may have been written too late for me. I’ve been somewhat peacefully coexisting w/ my troll for so long now that we are almost old friends. I’m going to print out your article and see if I can practice some of your ideas. It’s harder than it sounds. Wish me luck!

posted at 10:37 am on September 21, 2011 by csherl