The new body of work: fear, attitude, clarity and power

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Lightning Storm 08.05.09

Today is the first day of Summer, and the official launch of a new storm of work for 2010 and 2011.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter have heard me talk about the new book in progress. It has been welling up inside me like an electrical storm, inspiring me with ideas and themes and stories.

I don’t have a title yet. Or the entire book content shaped. But it is getting close, with the help of my editor and my commitment to creating a cohesive book proposal.

Once that is done, I will sell it. I adore my current publisher Portfolio, and prefer to work with them.

Mostly, I just feel excitement.

Because I know in my bones that there is a really good book in me that will answer:

  • Why are we so afraid to move forward with our plans, even if we want to?
  • Why do we get stuck living other people’s models of success?
  • How do we get the courage to do big things in the world?
  • How can we deal with the challenge and hateration that comes with the territory of playing big?
  • How can we really feel our own power in such a way that we become great leaders, in our lives, our causes and our companies?
  • How can we celebrate who we are, mistakes, flaws and all?
  • How can we not only do great things, but have great fun in the process?

I am beginning to develop the content and engage with my community with a 4-week class called Rebuild Your Backbone: Because you are good enough, smart enough and doggone it, people like you. (I learned that not everyone knows the source of my “good enough” reference: for the uninitiated, Stuart Smalley on Saturday Night Live)

There is a big crew already signed up for the June 29 launch. We are going to have fun. Once we get going, I will share some of the things we are working on. If you want to join us, jump in now, since it is almost full.

One of the best parts of writing Escape from Cubicle Nation was the support and participation from you, my dear readers.

If you are ready for me, I am ready for you. I promise this work will build on, not divert from, the base we have built at Escape from Cubicle Nation.

I am totally inspired to jump into this work. And a bit scared because writing a book is a hell of a journey.

Are you with me?

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44 Responses to “The new body of work: fear, attitude, clarity and power”

  1. […] I told you before, I am really feeling the content. I know specific ideas to explore, and I already have a number of great examples to profile. My […]

  2. Anthony Tori says:

    Pamela,
    First post here so I would like to say helloooo! I worked the cubicle life for a year when I graduated college and immediately went back to what feels right, which is being an entrepreneur. Something I ALWAYS asked people when they complained about their job was, “Umm, then why aren’t you doing something else.” Almost every response is was, “Because I’m busy.” I’ve met so many people with paper thin excuses and they remain stuck in an environment that is horrible. I personally feel that a big reason people do not move on to something bigger is because they don’t belong anymore. You get in this routine of hating your job, going home, going back to work, hating your job some more and the story repeats its self over and over. If your book could help people overcome the obstacle of not feeling belonged, I think you could help a lot of people. Think about it, every group as norms. Stick someone who works in a cubicle every day with a group of entrepreneurs who work where they want, when they want and I guarantee the cubicle worker will come up with a business of his own. I tried summarizing that thought, but if you ever want to know more let me know. I’m a big believer in helping people find that passion and move on to a better life.

  3. Natalie says:

    If only we had no label for fear, then perhaps we wouldn’t address it so much, give it so much status, this `resistance’ that Seth calls it, this immobilizer and stopper of all things great.

    Can’t wait to read your book Pam, but even more so to be on the journey with you as you develop it over the coming months.

    Big hugs of joy

    Natalie

  4. OooooEeeee – Can’t wait to read this next book. Stuck. Courage. Fear. Power. Flaws. Fun. All in the wrapper of your brilliant mind. This is going to be a whiz banger. Totally with & rooting for you as you juuuuump to the next great step forward in your life. Big karmic hug!

  5. Michael says:

    ooooooooooooh,

    I love the antici

    pation!

  6. Laurie says:

    Hooray, Pam!

    I’m so excited for the book and ideas and hearing the process.

    You ROCK. 🙂

    xoxo Laurie

  7. Allison says:

    Good Luck Pam, sure it’s going to be great.
    For lots of us, a bit more backbone would just top us off nicely. Better that way round than be all backbone and no substance!
    Allison
    Moving you from Redundancy into Business Success
    Website: http://www.macintoshwright.co.uk
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/Allison_M_G
    Facebook http://tiny.cc/4psfF

    • Pamela says:

      I so agree Allison! All backbone and no substance makes Jack a dull boy, isn’t that how the saying goes? 🙂

  8. elana carter says:

    It’s going to be an incredible book!

    • Pamela says:

      You inspire me so much, and are a great example of walking through uncertainty with grace and elegance.

  9. Hamish says:

    Really like your concept for book #2, Pam. Looking forward to following its progress.

    I’m in that stage of realizing I don’t need to measure up to what other people say is successful and am happy to share any stories with you that will help in developing your book.

  10. I love the ideas you’re exploring in this new book, Pam.

    It’s like we have a desired self, whose goals are what we SAY we want to do, and a shadow self, whose goals we can infer from what we ACTUALLY do. What’s that about!

    I’m looking forward t hearing more…

    • Pamela says:

      Thanks Michele! I LOVE what you said … that shadow self is a really powerful metaphor. I will explore that further, and give you credit for the idea! 🙂

  11. Randy Bosch says:

    Great “power points”, Pam!! I can envision a powerful antidote to those who have been abused by the “Fail often in order to Succeed”/”Failure is Good” crowd!
    Rock On!

    • Pamela says:

      Good to hear it Randy! I am a fan of experimentation which includes failure, but the way we look at the experience doesn’t have to be all drama.

  12. Emma Newman says:

    Hell yeah! Fear and anxiety are my biggest challenges – and as the last year has gone by I’m really starting to appreciate how much it is holding me back. I want to roar! If there’s anyone that could help me stop being the mouse, it’s you.

    • Pamela says:

      It holds us all back sister, that is why it is so important to address this clearly and directly.

      At the same time, you have made enormous strides in the past year. Acknowledging what you HAVE done is key to keeping the energy high to do more.

  13. Jason Alba says:

    I’m cracking up here Pam…

    During/after I wrote my first book I SWORE I’d never write a book again… the process was to intense and took a lot out of me.

    Shortly thereafter I wrote my second book… and now I’m close to getting my third book published (and have a 4th half done)…

    Looks like you got bit by the book bug too 🙂

    – j

    • Pamela says:

      I am SO with you Jason! Reminds me of what my best friend told me before I had kids: they make babies so cute so you forget the discomfort of pregnancy as soon as they are born (so you may choose to have more) LOL.

      After I turned in the last manuscript, I had that “never again” feeling.

      It has since passed with the “cute baby” syndrome.

      Congrats on your newest book, and the one after it!

  14. This sounds so exciting, Pam. It’s always a thrill to see an accomplished artist expand into a new body of work. Totally with you.

  15. Hello Pam!

    Sounds like the perfect storm to me! Can’t wait to take this new journey on. Best luck with writing and let me know if there is anything I can do to support you pre or post launch.

    • Pamela says:

      Thanks Natalie! I will definitely lean on you through the writing process, and invite you to do the same with me!

  16. Ross Hudgens says:

    You, more than.

  17. Bridget says:

    I am so excited that you are exploring this very important topic! I love your practical approach to making peace with fear. I think it’s going to be a fascinating journey, and I’m looking forward to reading the results!

    • Pamela says:

      Thanks Bridget! I think it will be a fascinating journey too. Glad to have you along!

  18. John Kreklow says:

    Hi Pam!
    I am excited to check out your new book when you finish it! I am a young entrepreneur almost done with college. I am trying to build my business big enough before I graduate, so I can avoid a entry level job in cube land. What tips would you have for young people as they search for other alternatives besides the corporate world out of college?

    -John

  19. Hiro Boga says:

    Yay, Pam! I love the strength and clarity of this post, and of your vision for your new book. May it bring blessing and healing to all, including you, my wonderful friend. All of us who love you are with you on this journey…

    Love, Hiro

    • Pamela says:

      Having your love and support means so much Hiro — I look forward to very deep talks with you about this work, since you understand it at a level that most humans never understand.

  20. Naomi Niles says:

    Nice!! I totally love the concept of the rebuilding your backbone classes too.

    • Pamela says:

      It has struck a nerve Naomi! So excited to begin the class, and to dig into the deeper body of work. Thanks for your love and support — I can’t do MY thing without you doing YOUR thing! 🙂

  21. Ursula Jorch says:

    Totally with you, Pam! You are a wonderful writer – and I’m so looking forward to this new direction that this work is taking you. Bring it on!

  22. Amanda wang says:

    You know I will always be with you – I can feel the electricity already! Cheers to your body of work!

  23. This sounds exciting Pam – do I detect a theme of fear (understanding it and overcoming it) in the topics/areas you’ve shared?

    Can’t wait – keep us all updated 😉

    • Pamela says:

      Yes Peter, fear is a HUGE part of the theme of the book! I can’t wait to dig into it.

      • There’s the precise insight that you need to share with your readers! (or at least, we wanna hear).

        How specifically does Pam Slim get into the headspace where she “can’t wait to dig into” *fear* itself?

        Answer that in your book and watch your readers leap for joy! 🙂

  24. Congrats, Pam. I know you’ll rock as many lives and change as many destinies with the second as you did (and do) with the first.

    Awesome!