For the first time in my life, I started seeing a therapist.
I’ve done therapy before, but it was always reactive. I'd get thrown in jail, or my sister would find drugs in my apartment, and the guilt would push me to seek help.
This time is different. After a whirlwind of changes over the past six months, I’m staying ahead of my feelings. No crash-and-burn this time.
My therapist is wild. I’ve never met anyone like him. One thing he does that I love: he uses a whiteboard to map out our sessions. These word maps make our conversations tangible—something I can actually learn from.
Yesterday’s session was big. I uncovered something I’ve been carrying since I was a kid. Today, I’m cracking myself open and sharing it with you.
LFG. 🔥
Being Noticed vs. Being Seen
I don’t know how to say this without sounding cocky, but I’ve always been noticed.
I’m tall, I’m handsome, I’m good at sports, fit, smart, and capable. Taking up space has never been an issue for me. I’ve always put my hat in the ring to get ahead.
But yesterday, my therapist showed me the difference between being noticed and being seen.
The truth? Hardly anyone really knows me.
That might sound strange, considering how much I write and publish. But if you look closely, none of my writing is vulnerable. I don’t share anything that leaves me exposed. I’ve built a persona that lets you “know” me while keeping the real me hidden.
And it worked. I’ve gotten ahead without ever being vulnerable.
But I’m 38 years old now. I’m a grown man. It’s time to shed this fear.
I’m reminded of Marianne Williamson’s famous line: Your playing small does not serve the world.
A Chat With My Business Coach
Yesterday, during my biweekly call with my coach, we talked about the big changes in my life and my ideas for growing my main project.
I told her about my dream to create a high-level media company that aligns with my vision. It’s something I’ve always wanted but never fully committed to.
She asked, “Do you really want to do this?”
I said, “Yes, absolutely.”
I’ve always wanted to make videos, build a studio, and expand beyond writing. But when she asked how it makes me feel, my answer surprised me:
“It makes me feel embarrassed.”
I flashed back to being bullied as a kid and a recurring dream where I was naked on stage, with everyone laughing at me. Trauma is strange—it lodges in your body and subtly shapes your actions. Mine has kept me from fully expressing myself.
It’s terrifying to confront. But also enlightening.
Why Gurus Annoy Me
Later that day, during my therapy session, we dug deeper into my fear of being seen. My therapist helped me trace it back to childhood, where being stoic and quiet felt safer.
Even my business partners joke that I’m like Batman—succeeding in the shadows.
On the drive home, I had an epiphany: my resentment toward online business gurus isn’t about them—it’s about me.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Codie Sanchez
Anthony Pompliano
Even Tony Robbins
Whenever I see their content, I get this visceral ugh reaction. It’s not them; it’s my insecurity. I envy their courage to be fully seen. It’s a quality I deeply want for myself.
And now, I’m committed to breaking through this fear. I owe it to myself to show up as my truest, most authentic self.
What This Looks Like
I don’t have a master plan yet—it’ll be a work in progress. But starting today, I’m done hiding. I’m done letting fear hold me back from creating, sharing, and growing my business.
I know exactly what I want to build. I’ve just let this fear paralyze me. But no more.
One day, I’ll be dead. And I know I’ll regret the things I didn’t do far more than the things I did. So, I’m going all in.
Next week, I’ll share my full master plan with you—the work I’ve been pouring myself into for the last five months. I’ll show you everything, fearlessly.
Let’s fucking go. 🔥
Love you guys. Have an amazing weekend.
—Tim
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This is such a powerful message - I especially got the bit about the ‘urgh’ reaction 😂 so familiar. Kudos to your therapist for using such a visual system too - it really makes a big difference to how I understand and remember things. Hoping you continue to have those insights and lightbulbs going forward!
I admire your courageous soul. Keep it up. Thank you.