Who's Afraid of Everything?

I'm starting over. I hate those two words. Starting. Over. When I think about starting over, the first thought (it's really just one word) that comes to mind is FAILURE. However, it could mean one project finished and I'm starting another project. This year (2026), I'm starting over. I planned on starting right away. Yes, I'm a Resolutionist. I make a resolutions list every year. Most of the time, I keep focus and hit some of the list. If I had to put in mathematical terms, I'd say it's about 37%. Not great, but hey, I still tried.

Well, it's February 2026 and I still haven't moved in a clear direction. Not. One. Step. What's holding me back. I did take a step at the end of last year by setting up my Substack account. I entered a writing contest at the end of December 2025. Two steps. That's as far as I stepped.

What's holding me back? I have a giant list of writing options. Are they organized? No. Are they in several different files - including audio. Yes. Are those files ready to be turned in to short stories. Absolutely. Am I ready to start that work? No.

Two steps forward. Two steps backward. I'm still on the front porch of Adventure. Great. What's the hold up?

Kakorrhaphiophobia = Fear of Failure

Achievemephobia = Fear of Success

I am. I am afraid of everything! Well, not really...just afraid to fail, afraid to be successful, insert new excuse here.....

Nothing is more powerful than wanting to do something but afraid of both ends of the gamut: Success AND Failure. It is a treacherous land in which to live. My address? 123 Lame Excuses, Missed Opportunity Land.

Well, I’m packing up! Moving! Who wants to load boxes in the truck? Don’t worry. I only have two boxes to move. Remember, when helping friends move, an obligation pizza is always offered. Pizza for moving only TWO boxes. What. A. Deal.

Box #1: Kakorrhaphiophobia (my label maker was smoking when it printed…)

While packing up this box, here are a few things I’m cramming in this container (don’t worry, I got the big box):

• Looking and sounding ridiculous

• No one reading my writing but me

• My family rolling their eyes at, yet another, crazy idea (e.g., asking for a unicycle for Christmas)

Box #2: Achievemephobia (my label maker LOL’d while printing…)

Me? Afraid of achievement? Anyone who knows me would seriously question my sanity. I am driven, a self-diagnosed, untreated workaholic. When formulating a process for something job related, nothing can stop me. However, this feels different. I’m not a writer. I’m not a professional handler. I’m not a web designer. I’m not a health guru or nutritionist. So, I’m packing up all of the I’m not decor in this box.

So my two boxes are packed, taped, and ready to go. Just don't leave those boxes on the front porch. Throw them out. Get off the porch. A extraordinary caper is out there with my name on it. There's one with your name on it, too. Jump off that porch and start the trek.

I've started my Substack. I'm going to post regularly. I'm ready.

I hope to see you out there.

Adventure is waiting.