149: JUMP INTO LIFE, especially if it's UNCOMFORTABLE (w/ Jake Heilbrunn)

Jake Heilbrunn is a 19-year old writer who just published his first book, Off the Beaten Trail, a true story about his journey dropping out of college at eighteen and solo-backpacking through Central America with no phone or knowledge of Spanish.

Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/149

In this episode, Jake discusses:

-How a rare skin condition started him on his journey just three days after moving in to college.

-How his journey began with an Ex-Hostage Raid & Recovery Vet.

-The incredible experience of being able to trek through ancient Mayan ruins.

-How he started writing the book the day after he got home from his journey.

-His daily writing process and how he was able to finish the first draft of his book in just three months.

-The idea of starting your day in an uncomfortable way (like with a cold shower) to prepare you for the next thing that you might not want to do (like write).

-Detaching yourself from what you wrote that you thought was gold so that you can “kill your darlings.”

-How he used Quantum Leap to help him get through the editing and publishing phases of his book.

-How he stays consistent with his writing through his weekly blog.

-The uncomfortable feeling of putting yourself out there and fearing rejection (and how to get past it).

-How he took chances by trusting his gut and approaching Drew Brees and Chris Guillebeau to ask for their endorsement for his book.

-His best and worst creative moments.

Jake's Final Push will inspire you to follow your gut and trust that you know what’s best for yourself.   Quotes:

“It definitely shifted my perspective.”

“Allow yourself to write garbage.”

“Writing just always called out to me.  Being able to articulate words and ideas into a story.”

“It’s like taking that first step when you can’t see the whole staircase.”

Links mentioned:

Off the Beaten Trail by Jake Heilbrunn

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

"PUKE IT OUT, then polish it!" -- YCP Episode 38 with Kent Gustavson

Connect with Jake:

Website / Book / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter