Years ago, when I moved to Los Angeles to try and become a screenwriter, it seemed like—at every turn—someone was eager to give me a “warning.”

There I was, with my first script clutched in my eager little hands, fresh out of two years of one-on-one coaching from a respected screenwriting coach, and everyone was so ready to “helpfully” stomp all over my dreams. 

Don’t do this. Don’t do that. Never say such-and-such to so-and-so. OMG, they’ll never work with you if that happens! You’ll kill your career if you blah-dee-blah. 

And on and on and on.

I have no doubt these folks were well-meaning, trying to sprinkle some wisdom into my ear-holes based on their experience. But most of those warnings didn’t feel “right” for me or my goals.

Fortunately, an early mentor of mine told me to “earmuff” it. Meaning: Block out the noise and trust your instincts.

Best advice ever.

I started earmuffin’ it all around town, and that’s when things began to happen. Today, I have 10 produced movies and many more films in development. Each opportunity arose because I did something that I was specifically advised NOT to do. (Go figure.)

At some point, if you listen to all the advice on “what not to do,” you run out of things TO ACTUALLY DO.

At some point or another, you’ve got to say, “Earmuffs: ON!” and discern your next move on your own.

If you ever get a piece of advice on what not to do and think: “Hmm, interesting advice, but that’s just not for me…” then your inner GPS wins out over the “outside” advice. Listen to your gut.

And the truth is, we all have different business/career journeys. Different goals. Movements. Missions. Lifestyle preferences. Income goals. Passions and pleasures.

No one can advise you on the exact “right way” to go about your journey. Not even me!

Sometimes you just have to “earmuff” it and do what feels right… for you.

And sometimes, those voices don’t come externally. 

Sometimes the call is coming from inside the house. Sometimes that nay-saying voice is YOU.

You know what I’m talking about, right? 

What if I suck?

What if this flops?

What if I actually have NO clue what I am doing?

I like a lot of things but am I actually good at any of them?! 

You worry that by pursuing all your passions, you’re wasting your time or that you’re making a fool of yourself for going after what you really want.

Well, the good news is, you can respond to that unsolicited “concern” – whether it’s internal or external – with the same responses.

Nosy Aunt Louise’s question is probably similar to something your brain dreamed up, so your answer to her will work on your pesky brain as well. 

Here are…

4 “concerned questions” you’ll hear when you’re pursuing creative work & how to respond to them.

Q: I don’t get it. Why would someone hire you/work with you?

A: Well, if my work isn’t resonating, they probably shouldn’t. I’m very clear about who I want to work with and have created my business around serving those people. If something I’ve shared doesn’t speak to you, we’re likely not a great match. But there is someone out there for you, I promise!

Q: It sounds like you have a lot going on. How are you actually accomplishing anything?

A: I measure my achievement in happiness and pleasure. If I don’t love what I do, it’s not worth it to me. And I can proudly say I love every inch of my life and business. And when I don’t, I take measures to bring it to a more pleasurable space. 

Q: You want to become a _______? I heard it’s really hard to “make it.” What have you done/been in that I am familiar with?

A: Well, my goal isn’t to “make it.” I’m a lover of the journey, so just experiencing my [passion] on a daily basis brings me so much joy. As for what I’ve done, I can’t speak to what you’d be “familiar” with, but I can say that I really love working on undiscovered projects. Besides, who wants the paparazzi following them around all day anyway?

Q: Don’t you think your introduction should be more… professional? I think you’re going to turn off a lot of people!

A: You’re right—I will turn off plenty of people. And that’s a good thing! I’m here to serve my dream clients and only them. As I’m sure you’ve heard before, serving everyone means you’re really serving no one. I think the way I introduce myself is totally memorable, and I’m proud of my elevator pitch. I’d love to hear yours!


I hope these questions & answers helped in dealing with outside naysayers, with family who just doesn’t “get it,” with well-meaning friends, colleagues, or mentors who always have “advice” (even when you don’t ask for it), and – most importantly – that it helped with your own mindset. 

Keep going. Keep rocking. Earmuff it. I’m over here cheering you on. 

And if you need help getting with your creative and/or business dream – accountability, support, expert feedback – you’ll love my upcoming SWIRL Mentorship program.  

I’ll be opening the doors in January, so stay tuned!