Get My Mind Right
Or The Practice of Doing the Mental Work
In April of 2020, I was diagnosed with ADHD.
In May of 2022, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
In the space between those diagnoses, I started Chapters Creative (for many reasons I talked about last week).
Putting myself through the paces of having a set schedule of things I *need* to get done. And if I’m being completely honest, it’s been very difficult to do with the mental issues I have, even with the medication.
I don’t have a project manager to help me organize my work and hold me accountable (one of the things I miss about a 9-5). I don’t have a full-time design partner to work alongside.
It all falls on me, and it’s, pardon my French, fucking scary.
And if you decide to start your own business, it will likely fall on you, too.
But with everything that takes courage to do, it’s ultimately worth it.
The other day I was listening to Alex Hormozi. I don’t agree with him on some things, but I listen to him whenever I need motivation to sit down and DO THE WORK. When I was listening to him and driving around in my car the other day, he talked about showing up every day despite anything else that could be going on.
For me, that’s really difficult.
I’m an emotional, feelings-based person by nature. If something in life is overwhelming, it’s hard for me to show up in a way that’s not “authentic” to myself, which honestly, probably means too much self-care.
When I was working at a 9-5, it was much easier to shut up and get the work done when you’re held accountable to your team and your clients. When you’re on your own, it’s much easier to punt in the morning and make up for it at night or the next day.
Sometimes that’s a great thing to have in your back pocket – ultimately, that’s not serving me.
Of course, if I’m sick or something really heavy in life happens, I will take care of myself. There are days when you should take a break. But when I let my temporary feelings get in the way of plowing the proverbial field, it does me no good.
It’s like going to the gym. Putting in the work when you absolutely don’t want to, but you will always feel glad you did it.
So, if you struggle with this, too, know you’re not alone. And if you need and are able to get therapy and medication, do it. Because the sooner you take the steps to get your mind right, everything else becomes easier.
(Also, shout out to this Fiddlehead song, the inspiration for this post. I listen to this whenever I need to snap back my mind into shape. Maybe it’ll help you, too. And yes, I know this is the second mention of Fiddlehead in a row in this newsletter. Sue me.)
I HAVE MERCH NOW.
Like any person who grew up in punk and hardcore, merch is essential!
I’m only launching a shirt and coffee mug for now but go to the merch store and pick up your merch!
Also, put in code CHAPTERS for 10% off! GET IN THERE.
RECOMMENDATION CORNER: GOUGE AWAY
David Tan, a YouTuber filmed a ton of sets from the UK hardcore/punk fest Outbreak (I posted the Fiddlehead one last week). He just uploaded the Gouge Away set and it’s GREAT.
If you’re into pissed indie/punk music, like Mannequin Pussy’s aggressive side, and an amazing frontwoman screaming at you a lot, then this is for you!