Two ways to let go of your reputation.

The thing that we're most proud of is the same exact thing that we cannot easily let go of. I'm talking about our reputation. We build it slowly with our work, year after year. The longer we've been in our profession the better our reputation is - for most of us anyway. [For the purpose of this article, I'm only referring to good reputation.]

My financial adviser has been working for the same firm for more than thirty five years. His reputation precedes him. He relies on word of mouth to get new clients. He's a recognized expert. But things are different now. More people than ever before are leaving their 9-5 jobs to pursue work as freelancers and entrepreneurs. And, many of them need to learn new skills driven by the evolution of technology and the market demands.

My personal reputation story

I worked in the specialty chemical industry for two decades until I decided to embark on a new career journey. For my consulting work, I leverage my knowledge, experience, and skills I've built over the years. I get to work on a variety of projects for different clients from medium to large enterprises as well as investment firms. Most of them know me already through my corporate career. My reputation precedes me.

In addition to my consulting work, I'm creating projects related to the future of learning. That include writing, blogging, podcasting, and so on. While, many of the skills I have are transferable, there're several new skills I've got to learn. Daily blogging based on storytelling is different than business writing. Being a podcast host is like nothing I've done before. While I love discussing with people and learning about them and their work, interviewing them is a whole different thing. Being a great podcast host is about creating an environment that allows the guests to tell their story in a beautiful way that resonates with the listeners.

Pursuing a profession that requires new creative skills is not for the faint of heart.

Living up to my reputation can be challenging. The bar is high. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it can often lead to frustration. Creating the work I aspire to do takes a lot of effort and time, especially at the beginning of my creative journey. I want to share with you two ways that helped me learn to let go of my own reputation story and alter my expectations.

Our work will close the gap

Ira Glass, the host and producer of the radio show This American Life has been quoted numerous times for his insanely beautiful words to those who pursue a new creative path:

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is a gap. For the first couple of years, you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not good. But your taste, the thing you got into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have…And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is to do a lot of work…"

"...It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close the gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions.”

These words offer the most comfort to anyone who is on a creative journey. I've written them down on the first page of my journal. I read them often. At the bottom of that same page, I've also written this personal note to myself:

"It took you twenty years working on numerous projects with a countless number of people around the world to create the work you've done and learn all that you know about leadership, teams, customers, technology, products, applications, innovation, marketing, and business. Be patient. Have fun. Do your work every day."

We want to die empty

Todd Henry in his book Die Empty explains what it means to achieve this:

• Your days are numbered - finite - someday they will run out.
• You have a unique contribution to make to the world.
• No one else can make your contribution.
• Your contribution is not about you.
• Avoid comfort - it is dangerous.
• Take a stand - don't shape - shift.
• Your understanding of your "sweet spot" develops over time like in a darkroom.
• You must plant seeds today for a harvest later.

He finishes the book with this powerful message:

"Ultimately, your life will be measured by what you gave, not what you received. Don't hold out on the rest of us - we need you to contribute. Spend your life building a body of work you will be proud of. Engage today with urgency and diligence. Plant seeds every day that will yield a harvest later. Tomorrow is only an infilled wish, so live and work as if today is all you have. If you do, you will be able to lay down each night satisfied with your work, and in the end, you will die empty of regrets, but full of satisfaction for a life well lived."

I read this book last year at the end of an extended introspection period. The realization of Dying Empty guides me to create a sense of urgency and meaning around my daily work. My definition of success has changed. Knowing that I'm here to serve others and help them navigate their own learning and work journey grounds me.

Pursuing my creative endeavors isn't about me. I aim to create the best work I can with a great team that will carry on with my vision when I'm not around anymore.

Final thoughts

If you've been thinking about your creative plans for a while please don't let your reputation slow you down. Let go of your ego, roll-up your sleeves, and have fun doing your work!

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - M. Gandhi.

I'm grateful to my friends - many of them on their own creative journey - for their generous support and guidance. It means a lot to me to know that I can count on them as I start to build what we envisioned in 2018 and create the future I fell in love with.

Thank you all for reading and offering your comments. If you've had or currently navigating your own creative journey, please share your experience and insights.

Maria is a storyteller, and a change maker on a mission to empower people to design their learning journey and build the life and career they want. She blogs on LinkedIn daily, and she is the host of the Impact Learning podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, on Google Play Music, on Spotify, on Stitcher, or subscribe via RSS.