If you watched the Academy Awards this year you probably heard Robert De Niro’s introduction to the Best Adapted Screenplay award: “The mind of a writer can be a truly terrifying thing. Isolated, neurotic, caffeine-addled, crippled by procrastination and consumed by feelings of panic, self-loathing and soul-crushing inadequacy. And that’s on a good day.”
The next day I was in a conversation with a music artist and asked him if there was any truth in that. He assured me it was true, and every musician, writer and artist he knew was at times plagued by what he called “the inner critic.” While the term has been around for years I wanted to hear his perspective because it applies to all of us, I suspect. Our inner critic may not be as crippling as De Niro described, but I know for certain there have been several times in my life when that voice has disturbed my sleep.
“It’s the voice that whispers your best years are behind you and the well is dry. It keeps you focused on the competition for awards and prizes and the acceptance of the crowds. It’s the nagging thought that what you have to say is no longer speaking to people and there are new artists with better material replacing you. It’s the fear of being obsolete and used up.”
He then told me about Al Andrews, who started Porter’s Call in Nashville to help music artists work through the issues produced by fame, success, money and….fear of failure. The music industry is unforgiving and the pressures are intense. The competition may be muted, but the inner critic is shouting in the ears of everyone.
Jena Nardella, who along with Jars of Clay, founded Blood:Water Mission arranged for us to have coffee with Al last week in Nashville. We not only talked about the voices my friend described but about ministries and organizations also having inner critics that whisper to them in times of transition.
Ten years ago, Blood:Water Mission was a pioneer in bringing our attention to the issues of clean blood and water. While it was then one of a very few, it helped “make a market” for many others who followed. Blood:Water is one of several now and not the only leader in a new cause.
The talents required to manage a mature organization are different from the early entrepreneurial days and that can be threatening for a founder. Again, it’s the inner critic saying “hold on to what used to be.”
Blood:Water could have tried to compete or “re-brand” or deny the world has changed. Instead, they chose to control their egos and not go for the organizational face lift. Without competing for attention with other ministries, they are finding ways to support and resource other entrepreneurs. The organization is taking the skills and relationships acquired in 10 years to serve others while, at the same time, experiencing new growth in their own mission. They are choosing maturity and making a unique contribution to as many as possible. In these ways Blood:Water is always going to be an innovator and pioneer – even in transition.
For a number of reasons, the life cycles of ministries are going to be much shorter over the next decade than the past. My hope is more will choose the way of Blood:Water and not be swayed by the inner critic to miss the opportunity of being not just successful, but a blessing to others.