Beginning in 2009, I intend to start speaking to college audiences about fear and doubt. I am writing a book that takes a creative look at a misinterpreted roadblock. While the topic is serious (and timely), my approach will be fun. With a background in creativity and marketing, I've got some nice ethos - great credibility without a Psych degree. Besides, I've written seven decision-making books already, too.But it's not that easy... Read on.
Originally, the title was: Fear and Doubt: How to Go from Scaredy Cat to Top Dog In 9 Lives or Less.
I loved it - it was making fun of other "30 days or less" self-help books, took a light look at a serious issue, and with 63% of Americans owning pets, how could I lose?
Now, I'm loving this idea more:
Fear and Doubt: Taking Ridiculous Risks Without Becoming Roadkill.
For those of you that may think "ridiculous risks" could be jumping out of a plane without a parachute or not flossing before bed, let's go deeper.
As you may know, the word "ridiculous" means
: arousing or deserving ridicule : absurd , preposterous
synonyms see laughable
My concept revolves around the fact that choices we make, which may have risks, are often blown out of proportion by other peoples' fears and not our own. It is their perception that may prevent us from taking action. Their fear may affect our fear. We prevent facing ridicule by often not taking action. Thus, risks become ridiculous - even when we know they are calculated and not death-defying.
Examples of ridiculous risks I've experience:
(1) Moving to CA without a job at age 24...
(2) With a finance degree, writing books for young readers...
(3) Living in San Diego without a "permanent J.O.B."...
(4) Subleasing a room in my apartment before becoming a homeowner...
(5) Building a career as a public speaker (anything but public speaking!)...
For years, my family was concerned about my choices as an independent, traveling, young professional. It didn't matter. My family often thought I should get a job. Very often. It got annoying. Their fears, not mine. I was taking ridiculous risks - they thought I was "out there" and not just out there on the West Coast. There were no risks. The true ridiculous risk would have been doing anything else unrelated to creativity, marketing, and relationships. And having a traditional 9-5 job. But I digress...
My point: sometimes the actual choices that we make aren't risky at all - the only big risk we face is being ridiculed by people we know - our peers, our family, our partners - and they are sometimes the reasons we choose to remain scaredy cats. Why do you think professional speakers are in high demand? That sweet fear of public speaking - what if they don't like me? What if.... etc.
In essence, no matter how risky, adventurous, or calculated, if someone else doesn't value, understand, or support your values and choices, they could easily be considered "ridiculous."
I'd like to change the minds of young adults. One mind at a time. So tell me your thoughts - I can take the ridicule - trust me. Will this subtitle work? And get me work? :)
Thank you.
Jared
PS: Visit www.jaredmeyer.com to see the proposed cover (click the image and find details on the book's promo-site under "The Book").
PSS: The book is not about courage, hope, or faith. It's about clear, creative thinking.
