402: Cheryl Strayed | Creativity, Meltdowns, and Leaving It All Behind

Mediocrity

Cheryl Strayed shares her philosophy on embracing mediocrity as a means to overcome the fear of failure and complete creative projects. She explains that the choice between finishing a book that might never be published and never finishing it at all is clear to her; she would rather complete the work and face potential mediocrity than succumb to fear and insecurity 1. Cheryl emphasizes that success is not about achieving greatness but about doing the best one can, regardless of external validation 2.

I said, "You know what, maybe I'm a mediocre writer. Maybe I am. I'm going to be her full throttle. I'm going to write this book and whatever people think of it is not up to me."

--- Cheryl Strayed

This mindset helped her prepare psychologically for success, as seen with her book "Wild," which became an international bestseller 2.

   

Resistance

Cheryl Strayed discusses her ongoing battle with creative resistance and how she navigates distractions and self-doubt. She acknowledges that writing is a challenging process, often accompanied by a "voice of doom" that tempts her to procrastinate with distractions like TV 3. Cheryl describes this resistance as part of her creative process, which she confronts daily by acknowledging its presence and choosing to continue working 3.

I call it My ITS, my Inner Terrible Someone, actually. I say, "Here you are. I knew you show up, you show up every day that I try to do my work, but I'm not going to let you tell me not to do my work."

--- Cheryl Strayed

By pushing through these challenges, she finds fulfillment in her work, likening the process to hiking a long trail—one step at a time 4.

   

Success

Cheryl Strayed redefines success by separating personal fulfillment from external validation. She believes true success lies in doing one's best work, independent of public acclaim or financial gain 5. Cheryl acknowledges the thrill of recognition, like Oprah's endorsement, but insists it doesn't define her identity or her work 5.

I would have felt that Wild was a success, even if it had not been a bestseller. I would have felt successful as a writer because I had done that work.

--- Cheryl Strayed

She emphasizes that praise and criticism should not dictate one's self-worth, as they are fleeting and subjective 6.