Short Tales of Psychology
What can Haruki Murakami teach us about time, creativity, and endurance?
Drawing on Murakami’s novel Killing Commendatore, Byron explores how the acclaimed Japanese author balances structure with imagination — and how his disciplined use of time can help entrepreneurs, creatives, and performers avoid the trap of rushing or forcing creativity.
In the full article, you’ll learn: – How Murakami turns time into a creative ally – Why rushing can kill your best ideas – How to build a rhythm that supports long-term, values-aligned creativity.
Even rock legends get stage fright.
Grohl describes the intense fear of messing up in front of the world, a moment that speaks to something we all experience: the fear of judgment when stepping into the spotlight, whether literally or metaphorically.
In this Short Tales of Psychology piece, Byron explores:
- Why fear of what others think never fully goes away
- How even the most successful people face doubt
- The power of stepping forward in spite of fear to live authentically and meaningfully
What if success had nothing to do with likes, applause, or sales?
In this Short Tales of Psychology video, psychologist Byron McCaughey shares a powerful reframe from The Creative Act by legendary music producer Rick Rubin — the mind behind artists like the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Strokes.
Rubin defines success not by the outcome, but by the moment just before you release something — when you’ve poured your heart into the work and created something meaningful.
In this piece, Byron explores:
- Why redefining success as values-driven can free us from fear
- How to stay creative without being paralysed by “what will people think?”
- A mindset shift to help you keep making, even when outcomes are uncertain
A powerful approach for entrepreneurs and founders who create.
Why do we hide parts of ourselves — even when it costs us?
In this Short Tales of Psychology video, psychologist Byron McCaughey shares a powerful lesson from the documentary Still, which tells the story of Michael J. Fox and his years-long journey with Parkinson’s disease — and the effort he made to hide it from the world.
What drove that secrecy? The same force that shapes many of our behaviours: fear of rejection.
In this piece, Byron explores:
- Why fear of being judged or excluded is hardwired into our psychology
- How that fear can shrink our world and wear us down
- The liberating power of authenticity, even when it feels risky
- This video is for founders and entrepreneurs who have ever felt the need to mask who they are — and want to live more freely and fully.
Want to go deeper?
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