Hey Tinkers,
Today I want to talk about something that shows up right at the edge of every big, bold move: fear of impact.
A lot of us reach this point in the Tinker phase where we’re ready to launch something larger—something that could actually shift the industry, change our community, or influence people at scale. But then something happens. Maybe a Facebook comment hits a nerve. Maybe someone you respect says, “That’s terrible,” or “You should be careful,” or “You’ve gone too far.” And instead of pushing forward, you pull back.
Here’s the truth: sometimes we’re not cautious—we’re just hiding. That’s what my mentor Marcy Swenson told me once, and it stuck.
Mel Siff said, “As soon as you plant a flag, people will start shooting.” And that’s exactly it—impact attracts fire. Not because you’re wrong, but because you dared to step up and say, “Here’s what I believe. Here’s what I’m building.”
So how do we prepare for that? How do we keep going when the arrows start flying?
Let me give you a short framework I use when I’m about to launch something that matters:
1. Think about who you’re doing this for.
Are they worth it? If the answer is yes, then they’re worth the discomfort, the doubt, even the criticism.
There’s a moment in the novel Silence where a priest is asked, “Are you willing to be trampled if it means saving them?” It’s a gut punch. But sometimes that’s the question we have to ask ourselves: Am I willing to be misunderstood, criticized, even laughed at—if it means helping the right people?
2. Write a premortem.
Imagine it all goes sideways. What happens? What went wrong? What could have been done better?
This isn’t to scare yourself—it’s to build resilience ahead of time. If the worst case did happen, would it actually destroy you? Or would you just learn and get better next time?
3. Write down the worst feedback you could receive.
This part is powerful. Because most of us already have a critic living in our heads—someone who knows all our insecurities and soft spots. Get it out. Write it down. Read it aloud. Then decide: if someone actually says this, will I argue with them? Or will I just ignore it and let it die on the vine? If you’re not sure, ask in this group. We’ve got your back.
4. Accept that your impact might help people you didn’t intend to help.
At Two-Brain, I’ve built systems to help thousands of gym owners, but not every one of them is someone I’d go for coffee with. At Catalyst, I’ve had people get fitter who didn’t share my values at all. But impact doesn’t discriminate. A rising tide raises all boats—it doesn’t sink the pirates. Let it go.
5. Take social media off your phone on Focus Days and Rest Days.
Trust me, you don’t need the noise. You need clarity.
6. When the criticism comes—because it will—read it aloud to someone who supports you.
Treat it like celebrities reading mean tweets. Laugh about it. Get some perspective. And then get back to work.
Here’s the final truth:
Creating an impact means offering answers, not rants. Solutions, not complaints. Building, not criticizing.
The people who attack bold ideas are never the ones building anything better. If they were, they’d be too busy to comment. So cut them out of the conversation immediately.
And then? Launch.
Take notes. Fix what breaks. Move fast. Bury the criticism. Stay focused on the people you’re trying to help—they are the bright light that pulls you forward.
This is the work of a Tinker. And it’s worth it.
