Years ago I was getting to know a new co-worker. I described myself as a drama queen. She couldn’t believe it, but weeks later as she got to know me, she adamantly agreed, “You are a drama queen!” I’m a pretty emotional guy and sometimes it is easier to express myself through writing. I noticed that I add some flair for dramatics and go over the top to excite my reader. But I recently realized that although this makes for entertaining writing, I was mostly throwing myself into a psychological, downward spiral.

The Good (Career)

When I started my career, one of my first jobs assigned me a company cell phone. I was overjoyed and ecstatic. My friends and family thought I was nuts. “Why is Buck going so nuts over a cell phone?” In my mind, it was the moment I arrived, I was a valued member of the company, and I would be working with computers as a professional, not just as a hobbyist. What looked like a normal, everyday event to most people; to me, I was on Cloud 9.

The Bad (Investing)

We saw how my mind unraveled in Steve Jobs Resigns: Why I Hated Apple. Investing is difficult by itself. But imagine having to navigate through the market with this inner dialogue going on. “You’re losing money again! You sold too early! You suck! You have no business trading! What will your friends think about you? You failed your parents! You are a complete idiot!” It’s a miracle that I could even execute a trade. What was supposed to be a trade that went against me, in reality, it was a mini meltdown that incapacitated me for days.

The Ugly (Blogging)

When I started blogging, I was finally realizing a lifelong dream. I always wanted to write as I felt it was the best way for me to express myself, entertain, and inspire others. But my mindset reared its ugly head in Ramit Sethi and Pat Flynn Almost Killed Buck Inspire. “Look at your meager quantity of commenters, subscribers, monthly visits, and income! Who do you think you are? Stop wasting your time! Why would anyone read or listent to your drivel? Stop embarrassing yourself and give up your stupid dream!” It’s amazing I made it this far when this internal battle was raging within me.

Final Thoughts

I love reading dramatic writing and I love to write over the top as well. However, if you adopt this writing style mindset to deal with life, it could be a double edged sword. Combine this with a lack of self confidence and my mindset turned intensely negative. I’ve heard the phrase “Don’t Make Mountains Out of Molehills” for what seems like forever. But only now do I fully understand what it means and how I can apply it to my life. Ironically, it was a positive combination of the two examples above, career and blogging, that made me break free. Since I’m making great strides in both, my lack of self confidence is finally gone. With this critical piece out of the equation, I now am facing challenges at face value, not making mountains out of molehills, and sending myself into a downward spiral. Hopefully this will mean better results in my career, investing, and blogging.

Do you make mountains out of molehills? How do you deal with life?

Stay Inspired!
Buck