Do you know what’s nerve-wracking?
Announcing that you’re starting a podcast…
And not having a single episode recorded.
It’s true, two weeks ago when I was teeing myself up to announce the launch of The Clean Living Podcast I only had a spreadsheet of ideas.
I talk all this game about starting before you’re ready, setting small goals and taking baby steps to do big things…
But it’s scary.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for a long time, I’ve launched big projects before and I’ve pushed my comfort zone more than once — imposter syndrome is something you simply can’t escape.
So, what did the past two weeks look like?
A series of very small and deliberate steps.
There was one day dedicated to the podcast trailer and intro, another day to write the first three episodes, another day to write the podcast description and landing page…
Then there was an entire morning and afternoon that I spent sitting on the floor of my closet to record the episodes I had written.
And repeat.
As of right now, I’ve finished the trailer and the first 10 episodes and sent them to my podcast manager for editing.
But do you know what my first thought was when I sat down to record for the very first time?
“Oh, shit.”
And then: “This is so much harder than I thought it was going to be.”
I often say that if we knew how difficult it was to launch a business idea, new project or any unfamiliar venture, then we wouldn’t ever start.
And that’s exactly what I was thinking as I hit record for the 70th time:
What did I get myself into?
Whether it’s something as daunting as starting a new fashion brand or something smaller like a podcast, it’s time and persistence that are the antidotes of the unfamiliar.
I spent all day sitting in that closet and by the time I emerged, with a sore back, hoarse voice and tired eyes, I had done something I was very worried I wouldn’t be able to do.
And that’s the name of the game.
Want to tackle a big goal?
Declare it to the world.
Want to actually accomplish that big goal?
Break it into baby steps, give yourself plenty of time, expect it to be difficult and persist anyway.
We’re about a month out from the launch of The Clean Living Podcast and next week I’m going to ask you to vote on what you think the podcast thumbnail should be.
This is the image that you’ll see on iTunes or Spotify next to the podcast name — and I’d love your opinion on it.
In the meantime, I want you to remember: We can do hard things.
I’m right there with you.
