Just Stand Up

Remember Gulliver?

You probably picture Gulliver as a giant, lying on his back, tied down by string. After traveling the world, Lemeul Gulliver arrives in the land of Lillyput. He's exhausted, so he makes a small clearing and knocks out. Upon waking he finds himself prisoner to thousands of Lillyputians. Those tiny natives spent the night tying poor Gulliver down with little ropes. By themselves, each Lilly was as threatening as a fruit fly. Given time, teamwork, and twine, they're able to ensnare England's greatest explorer.

Think of it! Mighty Gulliver, celebrated world traveler, trapped by a bunch of Lillys.

At first, Gulliver panics. The bindings pinch his wrists and ankles. His mind starts to race: How did I let this happen? What's wrong with me? What's coming next? Gulliver looks at his tiny captors with despair. They laugh with glee.

But Gulliver keeps looking. As he stares at the pesky Lillys, he sees them as they really are: tiny, weak, irrelevant. And suddenly, Gulliver starts to move. First he lifts his feet. The strings begin to break. Up go his arms, then his legs. Snap snap snap go the strings. Gulliver stands up. He leaves Lillyput and never looks back. A world of adventure awaits.

What does this have to do with us?

We are Gulliver. The world of adventure is life in the Age of Abundance: free distribution, billions of people connected across the globe, waiting to hear our ideas. Lillys are fears, tying us down with pesky thoughts: I'm no good, at least not yet. Maybe tomorrow.

The more we think about being creative, the more we bind ourselves to the ground. Clarity comes from action, not thought. Every time you hit publish, a string snaps. The Lillys scatter. Soon you'll be up on your feet, ready to explore the world.

Next time you feel stuck, remember Gulliver. Just stand up.