Just joking · Brojo: The Integrity Army

Just joking

How many of the ideas for courageous decisions first come into the world disguised as a joke?

A joke is a way of voicing a deep desire, before we’ve fully realised it.

A joke is low stakes - no one expects you to follow through. It’s a way of subconsciously seeking feedback from others as your brain is quietly bubbling and wondering in the background. Perhaps it’s weak honesty, but it can also be a way of psyching ourselves up.

Have you ever joked…

“Maybe I should be a…”

“Maybe I should tell them that…”

“Maybe I should move to…”

Ha ha…

… and somewhere deep down you know it’s exactly what you would do if only you had the courage?

I’ve noticed that I joke in this way, most recently here on Brojo. When I shared that I had just finished writing a book, in which honesty plays the hero, I joked that perhaps Dan and I could establish "Integrity Army Publishing".

I didn’t make the connection at the time, but I later realised that behind the “joke”, which was positively received, my brain was busy deciding to start my own publishing label.

I called myself out. Two days later I took the leap, established Thorndon Press, and claimed the role of Publisher. I have the required skills, but I still had to build a bridge over the fear of failure. I got to the other side by asking myself two questions:

What idea thrills you and lights you up, but feels out of reach?

What will you regret being too scared to try?

Onward.

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