Hey Reader,

“Embarrassment is an under-explored emotion. Go out there and make a fool of yourself. Feel that feeling of cringe, and do it anyway.”

I heard this scrolling on TikTok the other day, and gahhh damn it smacked me silly.

“Embarrassment is an under-explored emotion.”

That line alone hits different. How often have we scared our true selves away just to avoid feeling embarrassed? Truth is, embarrassment isn’t as bad as we make it.

What someone thinks of you is a reflection of them, not you.

Would you rather live a life true to yourself or one for others?

Who gets the final say at the end of your life?

Not your coworkers. Not your neighbors. Not even your family.

You do.

Once I actually realized this, it shifted the way I showed up online, in new social environments, and everything in between.

Embarrassment isn’t someone else’s judgment... it’s just your own mind chatter. You fear what people might think because you haven’t yet found full conviction in yourself.

That’s why we seek validation: we haven’t given ourselves enough love to express freely.

If that sounds like you, don’t worry – you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. I’ve spent the last decade putting myself out there, and trust me, it’s still a work in progress. Of course we crave validation... it feels good to be seen and accepted.

But here’s the harsh truth we all have to remember:

Your authentic voice, your edge, and your creative spark each die the moment you create for approval.

The ones who dare to create without overthinking will be the outliers everyone remembers five years from now. They’re not copying trends, they’re shaping culture.

The key to expressing yourself authentically is learning to love every part of yourself. I don’t give a f*ck how cheesy it sounds. Seeking approval is self-abandonment in disguise.

The quicker you detach from judgment, the faster you unlock your creative power. This practice takes time and never-ending effort, but damn does it pay dividends both internally and externally.

Just imagine being so detached from the outcome and other's opinions that you get to create exactly what you want.

That, to me, sounds like the most exciting way to make art, and to live life.

So get out there, be silly, embrace the cringe, love yourself (especially when you f*ck up), and keep moving no matter what.

Much love,

Ashton

P.S. Challenge members are already shedding that “what will people think?” mindset and unlocking their authentic selves on camera. Imagine what could happen if you joined them? Click here to join the 7-Day Confidence on Camera Challenge.