The Mountain of Cringe

All ideas and no follow-through

In recent years, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard “we need to do more video, “write more blogs” or “put out a post on the recent thing”. But when the request comes, few want to put their hands up.

Even the intellectual heavyweights in the room, with the most qualifications and up-to-date experience, shy away from putting their name to a few words.

So, what’s the biggest blocker from putting pen to paper?

It’s not a lack of ideas, opinions, or perspective. It’s much more human.

It’s the feeling like we’re being cringe.

But if you want to reach more people in your industry, if you want to increase your opportunities, you’re gonna have to climb what we call “The Mountain of Cringe.”

Googles’ AI definition of Cringe as sourced by the Cambridge Dictionary

What is the Mountain of Cringe?

The Mountain of Cringe is the long process of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Whether it’s writing a post on LinkedIn, recording a video, or sharing a weekly roundup, we often hit a wall when we start feeling awkward or self-indulgent. The feeling creeps in that somebody will tear apart what we’re doing, or our friends’ll laugh at us. This often results in wasting time at “base camp,” putting off getting started.

When we begin the ascent, we share our perspective with the world. And it’s important to accept that not everyone will like it, not everyone will care, and that’s ok, because a select few will.

So show up and make what you want to see, for the people you want to connect with. The first post is often the hardest. With each step, we become more comfortable with the mark we leave behind.

By choosing execution over overthinking, we can get comfortable with cringe and build real momentum.

​Often, judgment comes from those who haven’t set out to climb their own mountain, yet peers on the journey with you are often supportive and encouraging.

Cringe Mountain: Drawing of a stick figure climbing a jagged mountain.

Setting your ascent up for success

At Make the Break, we’ve all hit these stops along the way, and here is some of our guidance to help you on your journey.
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Treat it as an experiment.

One of the first stops on Mountain of Cringe is the idea of a perfect final product. When you first set out on something, whether it’s writing a post or doing a video, treat it as an experiment. Take the pressure out of it. In some of our first videos, we treated it as a proof of concept. These initial tests ultimately turned into the launch content we released once we saw they hit the mark. No lighting rigs, no fancy locations, no 15-page essay; have a crack and see how it turns out.

Don’t overcomplicate it.

Sometimes when you work, you have to treat it with the diligence and attention that it deserves. When it’s creating early content, don’t overcomplicate it. Set yourself 30 minutes to write a post. Use a dictation app so you can speak your thoughts instead of writing long prose. Set yourself a limit on how many times you’re going to redraft a piece of work. Save your complicated exposés for later; for now, pick something in your wheelhouse and get it out the door.

Find a feedback buddy.

Instead of keeping your hard work hidden, share rough cuts and first drafts with a trusted partner, and get unfiltered feedback. These kinds of trusted circles help you feel more confident that what you’re saying isn’t a load of horse shit.

Preserve your human element.

Everyone has access to some AI writing tool, and the world is getting wise to it. We’re no longer seeking content; we’re seeking opinions, wisdom, and connection from actual people. As tempting as it might be to outsource all the hard yards to a robot, this is where the blood, sweat, and tears count. Your human element is your sole differentiator (or should I say soul differentiator) in the modern world. Get used to showing up as yourself and stop trying to smooth every corner.

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Before you set off on the Mountain of Cringe, you’ll look at every gold-star bit of content the web has to offer as your yardstick. It’s important to see those for what they are: someone who’s been climbing the mountain longer than you. Do yourself a favour in the early days and use those to fuel your theory, not the output.

What are you waiting for?

You cannot think your way over the Mountain of Cringe. You have to climb it.

The only cure for self-consciousness is building momentum by shipping work.

What waits for you on the other side of the mountain? Well, in our experience, it’s the land of opportunity.

If you want to increase your chances of success, content creation will increase your surface area.

Happy climbing.