Don’t Go in the Basement!

Last week, a few things prompted me to think about survival.

• My LinkedIn inbox was oozing with notes heralding the 23rd year of theONswitch.
• I found a 2005 article where I talk about digital media as the future. (I wrote my AI book in 2017.)
• A piece I wrote about being 70 attracted close to 5K views. Overcoming fear is my October theme.
• I wrote Chapter 4 of my memoir (YOUR NERVE) and will publish it on 10/17. It explores “coupling up” as a way to find strength and value. Yeah…it’s about my teenage dating/sex life and self-esteem, and, frankly, I’m a little terrified to hit the publish key.
• The TV guide is packed with Halloween films, often involving people being chased by monsters and people with axes, chainsaws, and other weapons.

I’ve spent roughly a third of my life as a founder/entrepreneur and about that much time single. 

Although I’ve never encountered slashers or ghouls, I’ve got “horror stories.”

Let’s face it. We all have skeletons in our closets and those days when we are haunted by negative thoughts and sometimes by “monsters.” (More on that later this month.)

Women are often the victims in horror films. But lots of us manage to survive.

First, let’s look to stories of others who escaped their demons and later thrived in business. For example:

If you’re more of a horror film fan, watch any of these Halloween flicks and plot your own escape from whatever ghouls are after you this week!

But don’t use these techniques at work!

So, what’s lurking in YOUR basement?

• Name your haunted house. A stalled business, a relationship that’s run its course, or a fear that keeps you from hitting “publish.”
• Steal one strategy. Pivot like Grandma Moses, start over like Julie Wainwright, or outlast it like Laurie Strode.
• Watch for my MONSTERS article later this month. It’s about the people who creep into our lives and how to show them the door. No axe or blood involved.
• Subscribe to YOUR NERVE. Chapter 4 drops on 10/17. I’m going down into my own basement, and you can come with me.