A snippet of a conversation overheard on the Design Matters podcast with Debbie Millman and guests Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach discussing control. This is from 2020, and in the years since I still think about this often. It really got to me think about and notice how, sometimes, if I’m trying to really control a situation, it was often because of underlying anxieties, which in turn helps me explore other ways to address said anxieties.

Sketchbook spread reads:

“Being a great leader is about trusting the people you’re leading. Being a leader means believing in people, which brings out the best in people.” –GD

“So we try to control things we don’t trust?” –DM (others: Yes!)

“There is also a fear factor. [control driven by fear driven by anxiety]” –AW

“The thing is when you have someone who is controlling and successful they regard the success of their life is because of their control. That’s also why it’s hard to disassociate the perceived need for control.” –AW

“Sometimes I find it’s not that I don’t trust others, it’s that I don’t trust myself.” –DM

“It’s like a deep spiritual belief, like how some people think things will always work out and others believe that if the world holds together it’s because they worried enough.” –GD