There’s no piece of paper that can prove, beyond doubt, the worth of your work.
Neither wax seal Nor gold star
Nor signature of this person or that
Can validate your knowledge, skill, or competence
And give you permission to move forward.​ ​

To create
Build
Disrupt
Serve.

Just you.

Alone.
Afraid.
A fraud.
In your own mind at least…

Stopped dead at an amber light,
Waiting (hoping, praying) for it to turn.
For some sign or another from the universe
To give you the go-ahead
To signal “NOW IS THE TIME!”
In flashing neon letters
Impossible to miss. ​

A pity.
Many a life was wasted in waiting.
A gift never given.
An idea never expressed,
That would benefit us all. ​

What would it change to know
That even once all the gates have been opened
And the road stands unimpeded
You must still face one last gatekeeper.
The one that has always and will always have the power
To grant or deny you passage.
Who is unmoved
By all the certificates, seals, stars, and signatures in the world. ​

In the end, this is the only gatekeeper that must be won over
Whether by reason, cunning, force, or persistence.
The gate is already open
Waiting for you to take the first step through.

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Explore how to navigate a creative life that matters

This article originally appeared in my weekly Creative Wayfinding Newsletter. Each issue is the product of a week of work, and contains something not available for sale.

A fresh perspective, a shot of encouragement when you need it most, and maybe even some genuine wisdom from time to time.

Each week, we explore a different facet of the question “How do we navigate the wilds of creating work that matters?”

It’s something I’m proud to create and I’d be honoured to share it with you.

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