Creatives Ignite day 11 insights gained: Chris Do

Day 11, Creative Ignite organised by Diane Gibbs, hosted by Chris Do, Failure is part of the process. It’s getting deep here. Last few days have seen some serious inward reflection. Not an easy thing to do. Today is no exception. 

Self Acceptance - Seeking Validation - Moving Forward - Memories. Darn this is a heavy deep one for me (No cuss words when discussing Mr Do’s work). 

A lot of who we are now is what we have carried through from childhood. Our fears and the monsters we keep locked in our minds. What I got out of this part is self acceptance. Accept you as you. It’s a start. It relieves me of trying to re-live myself through someone else. 

I’ll get specific here (This is only the tip of the iceberg but it gives some insight). My father was an insanely talented rugby player. I thought I could get his approval by playing the game. After having signed up for the game I suffered massive head trauma sustained from a car accident where my skull was smashed into the corner of a truck. it was brutal. I have part of my hip bone infused into my head. I was very young, I don’t actually remember exactly but around 8 or 9 years of age. This completely dashed my hopes and I have carried that baggage with me for a long time. (I would like to point out It has been my baggage to deal with and I don’t blame the circumstances surrounding this.)

I am in the process of growing into me and embrace who I am and instead of try to fix the negative aspects work on the positive parts. It’s real uncomfortable at times. But I’m getting through it and ever closer to my goal. I’ve completely pivoted on the career front and now in my mid forties I have chosen to help and nurture those looking for it in the form of brand strategy. 

Phew that’s a load off of the chest. 

Being afraid is also a strong takeaway for me in this chat. I generally jump into things head first. Doesn’t leave me time to be scared. Having a family has definitely changed that as I’m responsible for my Wife, three Girls and two Dogs. I’ve had to think things through including the scary and new things. As Chris mentions, do it and do it again until it becomes familiar. You will be surprised at how quickly you become comfortable with it. There are definitely a few parallels I can draw from this. I will expand on it in due course.

Chris Do thank you for your time. As always it was a good one.