How We Do Our Best Work

three shadows and their bright opposites

An elementary school teacher recently told me something about her students that felt so true, I’ve been carrying it around ever since:

“No one does their best work when they are exhausted, afraid, or alone.”

She meant her kids. But, in that way that all teachers are somehow always teaching, she was also quietly helping me see it was true for all of us.

Last week I shared this line with a room full of entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas. These are people who build things, carry things, dream big and sleep … very little.

The truth landed. It was a room who understands what it’s like to be exhausted, afraid, and alone. They know that it’s no way for a child to operate at their best. They also understand grownups are really just children with fancier lunchables.

We all need rest.

We all get scared.

We all need other people.

These three shadows (exhausted, afraid, alone) show up for everyone. Lately, though, I’ve been trying to better notice when one of them wanders in. And I’m learning there’s a flip side. A bright other side.

If it’s true that no one does their best work when exhausted, afraid, or alone…

Maybe our best happens when we’re:

Rested. Brave. Supported.

1. EXHAUSTED → RESTED

   Exhuastion sneaks up like a racoon… clever, persistent, always whispering: “Just one more thing…”

   But when I look back, my best attempts… my most true, most joyful, most alive work… comes from a place of wholeness. From rest.

Admittedly, this has been hard for me to do over the last few months. I’ve been bouncing from time zone to time zone speaking at events basically nonstop. I’ve had to relearn how to pause. To close my laptop before I’m finished. To listen to my body more than my to-do list. I’ve had to give myself persmission to be tired. I’ve had to admit I can’t do it all… and ask for help, which is still surprisingly hard for me. I’ve had to learn to treat rest not as the end of the story, but as the place the next story quietly begins. Fuel for going forward.

2. AFRAID → BRAVE

   Fear can be loud. Important-sounding. Always wearing a badge labeled: URGENT.

   I don’t think the goal is fearlessness. It’s about being safe enough to try.

What’s been helpful for me is naming the fear out loud. Share with friends what I’m afraid of (when when I feel ridiculous doing it). Sharing messy drafts before I was “ready”. Speaking to audiences who aren’t my typical crowd. Asking “What if this works?” instead of “what if it doesn’t?” Surrounding yourself with people and stories and images and songs that remind you brave is possible.

With shaky hands and a hopeful heart, have the willingness to take the next small step.

3. ALONE → SUPPORTED

   Alone has two versions: the kind you choose and the kind that chooses you.

I’m pretty good at disappearing into my work. I love that place… just me, a pencil, and a big hopeful idea. But when I look back, my best attempts… my most true, most joyful, most alive work… have grown from togetherness. From the spark of someones near me. From community.

In this season of go-go-go… new cities every week, new faces every day… it can be easy to feel like a friendly ghost passing through. Thankfully, I’ve had Kristi and the kids traveling with me fairly regularly. I’ve had to practice letting myself be found. To send voice memos to friends… even when I have nothing new to say. I’ve had to share what I’m working on before I have answers. I’ve had to accept help, say yes to “interruptions”, and make time for my people.

A Weekly Micro-Check

Just three questions:

Are you tired?

Are you scared?

Are you doing this alone?

If yes to any, make one small shift. Just one. It’ll make a difference. Plus, you’re worth it. We need you, friend.

Small shifts, over time, make big stories.

Here’s to finding rest that refills you, courage that surprises you, and the realization that there’s shipmates all around you. We weren’t meant to do any of this alone. Thank goodness.

P.S. Want to connect in person soon?!? I’ve got a few joyful things coming up close to home this November:

1. FAIL BETTER ART SHOW!

   Check out this traveling version of our FAIL-A-BRATION experience at the Carnegie Center in Jackson, TN! Join us at the special opening Thursday, November 20 from 6-8 pm I’ll have pins, stickers, and awkward high-fives for everyone (while supplies last). More info here.

2. STORYTIME with Brad & Kristi!

   An hour of stories, surprises, and fun. We might even share a sneak peek at our upcoming new picture book, The Daily Wow! Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 am Discovery Theater Workshop in Memphis, TN. More info here.

3. Zip & the Tiny Sprouts! Special Screening + Q&A!

   Go behind the scenes and explore this animated series I had the honor of being part of! We’ll watch some of my favorite episodes, sing a little, maybe even draw a little and have a joyful audience chat. Saturday, November 22 at 4:30 pm. More info here.

If you show up, I’ll be so glad to see you! Bring a friend and I’ll high-five them too. (Still awkward. Still from the heart.)