Just hit send (or publish…)
Over the past two months or so, I’ve been wrapping up a book I’ve been working on. After a few weeks of noodling around the edges — a different word choice here, a better verb there — I decided my creation had to be released into the wild. In other words, I finally let my wife be the first one to take a look. After some encouraging words and constructive critique, I shared it with a few friends for a more technical look. After that, I have one or two other friends and colleagues who have agreed to take a look, and then it will go to my editorial coach.
If I’ve got you wondering what this book is about, that’s kind of the point. You’ll know when it’s truly live and available. Suffice to say, it’s several stories and suggestions I hope will help others in a similar situation to mine.
But my book isn’t the point of today’s post. In fact, this post is about what I haven’t been writing. Posts. Just like this. You see, the other day I was listening to a short podcast by Joshua Medcalf called “Stop Hiding” — it’s on Spotify and you can probably find it elsewhere too. I also happen to love his book, “Chop Wood Carry Water” which has been a guiding force for me personally and professionally. More on that another time.
In his podcast, Josh talks about all the amazing books that never get published. All the posts that never get seen. And all the other amazing acts of creativity that for whatever reason, we decide we can’t send out into the world. As I said, I’m confident my new book will see the light of day over the next month or so. I say that with humility — hopefully people will find value in what I have to share.
But, as Josh notes, how many people do we know that are eternally “working on a book, or a post, or a (fill in the blank)? Countless. Working on working on something can be an amazing excuse for not moving forward on whatever you’re committed to. This can also take the form of developing and growing your business. Do you know anyone who is just taking that one more course before “really getting up and running?” How about studying that pitch just for a few more days before hitting the phones?
I say all this because while I wasn’t hiding behind my book, I realized that it had taken me out of something I love doing: Consistently sharing great ideas — whether they’re my own or as in this case, inspired by someone else.
So, I decided today would be the day to get back to daily writing and posting. And I’ll join Joshua Medcalf in saying “Just hit send.” Or as it applies to whatever you’ve been waiting for, get started NOW.
Have a great day. Robert
