5 Ways I Can Stop Censoring Myself and My NotePD Lists

I started two or three idea lists, but abandoned them because I felt inhibited. I felt a mysterious dread about what might happen if I was honest. I know the answer is very likely "nothing," but still, like diamonds, the internet is forever. And that intimidates me. So here's an attempt at figuring out how to safely be more forthcoming with ideas.

1. Care Less About What Others Think

Sounds easy, but it's not. At least not most of the time. I think we'd be hard-pressed to find someone who truly doesn't care what others think. We're just wired to compare and contrast the world around us, including ourselves. But it's a worthwhile goal to pursue.

2. Look to Others Who Are Successfully Transparent

I know I just said don't compare myself to others, but if it can be done positively, maybe it's not such a bad thing. In this case, I'm thinking of people like @JamesAltucher who has made a living--among other things, obviously--by putting himself out there. I'm sure people like James still keep a lot to themselves, but there's a streak of honesty that runs through the work that makes it compelling. That's something to consider.

3. Realize No One Cares

Aside from explicitly trying to not care what others think (see #1), I need to recognize that the real issue is that people actually don't. People are busy with their own lives and lists, and what I put into the world is like a pebble hitting the middle of the Pacific. If that.

4. The World Isn't Like Twitter (Mostly)

Twitter is a bit of a gong show. I think of it a little like ancient Rome, where the plebs were kept happy with bread and circuses. You pop in, looking for a distraction, and the next thing you know you've wandered into a battle and someone is being hacked to pieces in the Colosseum. It tends to skew your perspective on things. I need to un-skew.

5. Make a More Anonymous NotePD Account

This account is, I think, pretty anonymous. But if I really think I want to publish something that's just too uncomfortable, I could first create an alt account and use that to express those particular thoughts and lists.