Today – Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 – is a red-letter day for me. Hay House Publishing is releasing my new book Play Your Bigger Game!
And to think it almost didn’t happen.
I had convinced myself that I would never have a book published with a major publishing house. I didn’t understand the process. The whole idea of it was overwhelming. Especially when I would visit Amazon and see literally thousands and thousands of self-help related books. I thought, “Who in the world would want to read my book?”
I’d developed this “story” that I didn’t have a book in me: “I’m a much better speaker that a writer. What major publisher would want my book?” I stayed with that self-limiting story for a long time, even though my friends and allies were encouraging me to create an inspirational guide for playing The Bigger Game.
I love to inspire others with The Bigger Game and in particular the Allies square, and yet a couple of years ago I was afraid to ask for help and actually practice what I preach!
One day I finally reached out to Adora English, a friend and a former television producer who now serves as a media-savvy consultant.
“I’m ready to take the Bigger Game to the world,” I told her.
“I’ve been waiting years for this call,” Adora said.
That one fateful phone call set everything in motion. Adora has proven to be the best ally possible. You see, it turns out that there are many people out there whose mission it is to assist would-be authors in moving past the “would-be” state.
Once I was clear and set the intention, things began to fall into place. First, someone to actually help me get my thoughts onto paper. Then a literary agent. Then Hay House. In a strange sort of way, it all came together quite nicely and easily. It flowed. Now, this was over a 2-year period mind you, but nonetheless, magic seemed to be happening all around me!
This whole process has really taught me (finally!) that the fear of asking for help is really silly and self-defeating. We get so wrapped up in not wanting to look silly that we actually do something stupid – we give up. In a blunt and honest assessment of myself, I’d have to ask how a guy who travels the world offering help to others could be afraid to ask for help.
The lesson here is to tell the truth to your allies even if you won’t accept it for yourself. In my heart of hearts, I knew this book needed to be expressed; I was just afraid to admit that I didn’t know how to do it.
But a huge part of playing The Bigger Game is accepting that you don’t need the how; the game will take care of that.
Here’s to you creating your red letter day!
Namaste-
Rick
