Why "The 12th Man"?

Does it happen to you when you want to do something all this while but couldn’t muster the courage to do it? Well, I was in that boat for a long time. I wanted to start my blog for a while, but I somehow always let life get in the way. Not anymore!

So, here I am writing this blog and the joy I am getting while writing is just another level. It seems like a cake-walk now, but doesn't everything look easy-peasy in hindsight? So what is it that made me change my mind and helped me get over my fear?

Two things, to be precise-

1. Show your work (Book, By Austin Kleon)

Image Courtesy: https://austinkleon.com

I was surfing youtube like any other day when I accidentally landed on an Ali Abdaal (Youtuber) video. In that video, he recommended this book and mentioned how it encouraged him in his journey. It was so relatable that I went for it and placed an order immediately. The book gives you courage upfront, with no mincing of words. I only wish I would have found this confidence booster earlier. I'll write a detailed summary of this book in a separate post. For now, I’ll share with you one of my favourite excerpts from this book.

“Forget about being an expert and wear your amateurism (your heart, your love) on your sleeve. Share what you love and the people who love the same things will find you.”

Those who look forward to starting something, a blog or a youtube channel, go and get this book. Period.

2. Juile & Juila (Movie, 2009)

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

The book got me very close to crossing the threshold of laziness. Yet, there was one final push still needed. Julie & Julia came just at the right time. To not mention Meryl Streep’s role as Julia Child showing all class and her acting prowess would be a grave mistake, but it was Julie’s dedication to pursuing her blog day in and day out that gave me the final push to go ahead and get going.

These two things worked for me well. Maybe, it will work for you or maybe not. But one thing I learned from this episode is that you cannot plan things. Sometimes things take their own time. Things happen naturally. Our bit is to create an environment that shortens the lag phase so that you end up doing the thing you always wanted to do much sooner.

After a not so needed prologue, let's jump straight to the purpose of this post.

Who is the 12th man?

The 12th man in cricket terms is a person who is not a part of the playing eleven but often supports the players on the field with refreshing drinks, messages from the think tank, words of encouragement, and some laughs. Deep inside he is ambitious to be in the playing eleven. For now, he is happy assisting his team while improving his craft in the background.

We all are walking our different paths, some less travelled than others. I want this place to be a pit stop to revitalise whenever our levels go down. And if levels are up high, a library to learn something useful and apply. I am not an expert on anything (yet!). What 'The 12th Man' got to offer is a distilled flow of information compiled from all the knowledgeable resources and personal experiences. From book summaries to personal development to random musings, this space will have it all. This blog allows me to be the 12th man for all of you. That’s why 'The 12th Man'.

Or maybe because I love cricket!

Looking forward to finding my tribe and sharing some positivity!

Carpe diem.