rockstars need roadies
Hello, friend.
Philosophically, I applaud intellectual and creative independence, but the execution of ideas often takes many hands. Our culture celebrates rugged individualism, romanticizing cowboys sleeping under the stars. But in reality, those cowboys work in teams to move cattle, not all by their lonesome.
My go-to defense mechanism when I’m afraid of being let down is, “I’ve got it.” And sure, sometimes that’s served me well because I giddy-up and get the job done. But there are plenty of instances where being a tad more gracious about letting people help out—where and how they can—would have made the road a lot less bumpy. After all, even rock stars need roadies. And the bigger the venue, the more assistance they require. Case in point: You can bet CEO Beyoncé is in charge, but the company she founded, Parkwood Entertainment, is responsible for producing her global tours.
It’s not cheating to recruit some help. Warhol had The Factory, Gaga’s got her Haus, Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel collaborated, Yayoi Kusama works with a team of studio assistants, even Picasso was sustained by patrons. (If you think Andy was the one who installed tinfoil all over those walls, think again.) Shrugging off assistance may mean you’re limiting your vision, playing small. Whether you’re navigating tough times, launching a new adventure, or some combination thereof, isolationism isn’t the answer. Community can see you through. Here’s a mindful journaling prompt to help you assemble a supportive cadre of experts and resources.
Journaling Prompt: What kinds of assistance do you need or want? Who or what can support your personal goals? Maybe it’s back-end support so you can up-level your offering, go slay some dragons? Or conversely, perhaps you need a “front-man” to round out your team and boost sales? It can be mundane or elevated—a dog walker, babysitter, mentor, therapist, new website, business partner, travel agent, copywriter, bookkeeper, endocrinologist, trademark lawyer, virtual assistant, a new gym, etc.
Bear in mind, you don’t have to actually know exactly the right person or resource just yet. If you do, that’s great. If not, start by naming the kinds of help you’d most benefit from, and you can identify specifics later. For example, you might not currently be connected to a venture capital firm that supports women-run businesses, but once you know you’re ready to take on investment, you can start doing research and enquiring through your networks.
Thank goodness we don’t have to “lone wolf” it all the time. Life can be bone-achingly difficult, but hardships are made less so when navigating them in good company. Life can also be dazzlingly sublime. Thankfully, we don’t exclusively experience those instances alone, either. Sharing stellar moments makes them that much sweeter.
Speaking of stellar community, ICYMI, I’m leading a mindful journaling weekend retreat May 16-18 at Valley Rock Inn. Located less than an hour from New York City, this chic, little oasis is the perfect setting for reaping the science-backed mental, emotional and physiological benefits of journaling. Spots are filling fast, so if this piques your curiosity, I hope you’ll act on the impulse and reserve your spot at the writing table. Creative people need a posse. Come join ours.
And keep writing; it works.
In Swellness,
Laura