The following is an article contributed to The Weekly Book Scan by career coach Nancy Anderson. Anderson is the author of the new book Work With Passion in Midlife and Beyond (New World Library, 2010). Buy the Book >

By Nancy Anderson

Joanna was an administrator in a public health agency when she came to me for help with her career. She had two graduate degrees, a large income, and a prestigious title. But endless meetings and the time it took to implement her ideas drove her crazy. To cope with her frustration, she overate and drank too much alcohol.

When I asked Joanna what she did when she was not working, she said she got up early on weekends to organize her house and garage. She loved organizing so much her neighbors asked her to get their homes and garages in order.

“Why don’t you do that for a living?” I asked.

“What, clean houses and garages?” Joanna asked. “My doctor father would have a fit if he thought I was going into such a lowly business. Don’t forget he paid for my two graduate degrees in health administration.”

Here you have an example of how the fear of criticism stops creativity in its tracks. Continue reading »