Meet Michael Goude

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Goude. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Michael, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Earlier on in my life I viewed imposter syndrome as something negative that needed to be fixed in me or a problem that needed to be solved. Before I even knew the term imposter syndrome I would allow the feelings of not belonging in a space I had somehow fallen into crush my spirit or cause me to freeze and I would show up small in my own mind. In the last few years I’ve come to understand that imposter syndrome is normal and actually essential for growth. It can point to areas that need a skill sharpened, or a belief or perspective shifted. It also shows me that I’m in the right place. If I’m not feeling some level of imposter syndrome I’m probably not living a big enough life in the spaces I want to occupy. So these days when it comes up which is all the time I get curious about it, I ask questions and allow the answers to come and on my best days I integrate what I’ve learned and then I keep showing up with my art and my full self not matter what.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

While none of these things that I do really capture who I am they are extensions or version of me that I hold loosely at best. I’m a father, I cut hair, I write music, and I paint among a ton of other things I enjoy filling my life with. I love expressing deep meaningful things through the process of creating. I’ve been creating since I was a kid (like most if not all kids). I’ve always had a desire and ability to see the world in an abstract way and creating something out of nothing as well as wanting to push the limits as far as I could. My current obsession for many years now is painting abstract art. I was at a place in my life where I was feeling burnt out and purposeless and quit honestly pretty depressed. I had felt a call to the canvas for many years and I decided to lean in. I decided to start painting with one goal in mind creating a judgment free space to express my full self through painting while moving energy through my body. What I discovered in this process was astounding. I came into contact with what I can only describe as my inner child who really just wanted to be free from all the constructs of the way things should be. I found a release of powerful emotions and ultimately a place of solitude and healing. Painting for me is meditation it’s the space that I can truly tap into something bigger than my physical body. As I’ve progressed in my journey I’ve loved sharing the energy and the story’s with those who have purchased my art and I’m excited to continue to expand.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

looking back at my journey the most impactful parts have been my determination to never stop creating, the understanding that the only audience that matters is myself if I love it that’s what matters most and the understanding that the thing I’m creating is not me it’s an extension of me at best. Outside of devoting time to your art as much as you possibly can (this will help you develop the skills necessary in a natural way overtime) all areas of life are in process allow things to evolve don’t hold on to tightly to the thing whatever it is. when you let go you might be surprised at what opens up and lastly don’t take things that seriously have the most fun you can have on the path.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

There are many but the one that stands out the most is “the creative act by Rick Rubin.
“The reason we’re alive is to express ourselves in the world and creating art maybe the most effective and beautiful method of doing so”

“The purpose of the work is to awaken something in your first and the. Allow something to be awakened in others”

“It’s not always easy to follow the subtle energetic information the universe broadcasts, especially when your friends, family, coworkers or those with a business interest in your creativity are offering, seemingly rational advice that challenges you’re intuitive knowing the best of my ability I followed my intuition to make career turns and have been recommended against doing so every single time it helps to realize that it’s better follow the universe than those around”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Michaelgoude.com
• Instagram: Michaelgoudehair