I’m finally starting. On a plane. Right before takeoff.
I’ve been saying I’m writing this book for three years. But the truth is over these past three years, I’ve been doing everything but writing the book.
It’s been a masterclass in procrastination.
In the beginning, I thought I was doing the right thing. I interviewed dozens of other marketing leaders to make sure the book was grounded in some form of research. And I spent hundreds of hours developing ideas and mapping out concepts.
Most of it’s been useful. And I do believe the book is massively better as a result of it.
But at a certain point, it would have been clear to anyone looking at my approach that the prep had started getting in the way of just getting going with the writing.
I’ve come to realize this is a pattern for me.
“Well, I need to respond to these emails before I can get into this new project.”
“I should probably start the laundry before I really start the work for the day.”
“You know, I can’t really start cooking until I’ve cleared all the counters.”
Over these past several months, I’ve also learned more about what’s behind procrastination. More on that later. For now, though, I’m just glad I’ve increased my awareness around this, and I’m ok with acknowledging that I’ve been largely procrastinating for the past three years.
But now it’s time.
As I typed that – now it’s time – I felt a sudden desire to get clear on why that is. Maybe in an effort to make sure I’m not BSing myself. So let’s see. Why is now the time for me to write this book?
I’m convinced there is now enough original thinking and useful ideas in what I’ve been developing for it to be worth the enormous effort that writing a book will require (in addition to all the other stuff I’m juggling).
I’m at a point with my coaching work where it would be more beneficial than ever to have the ideas of this book crystalized, expanded upon and ultimately published for both clarity and credibility so I can keep helping more people.
I’m still in need of the guidance that this book will provide for my own continued growth as the stakes get higher and the opportunities get bigger in my own career and life. Yeah, I still need this stuff too.
And to be really honest:
If I wait too much longer, the chances of something else coming up and taking over my focus will only go up. So although I don’t want to operate from worry, I have to acknowledge the risk of continued inaction.
It’s not that I’m not committed to this work – I just realize years go by and things happen in life.
So yeah, now is the time. The time is now.
And if you’re still reading, thank you.
Thank you for caring about this journey. And thank you for being open to the ideas I’ll be sharing. Lots more coming.
