This is my mantra. A reminder to just get moving.

The “Don’t Think” part comes from Ray Bradbury. He said thinking kills creativity.

I’m stuck on a new project. Happens a lot. I freeze up. Not sure why.

Actually, I do know why. My brain runs interference. It whispers: You’ll screw this up. You’re not good enough. You don’t know anything. Who do you think you are?

It’s like my subconscious thinks its job is to stop me.

Elizabeth Gilbert wrote about this in Big Magic. She calls it the “Shit Sandwich.” Mark Manson coined the term. His question: What’s your favorite flavor of shit sandwich? Basically, anything creative comes with a dose of discomfort. We’re taught to play it safe. Especially from other people’s opinions.

But screw that.

I’ve got a workaround. A shoofly. I called a friend. They’re keeping me accountable.

This time, I’m not backing out.