Finish the Thing!

The most important career advice I ever got was don't quit at the finish line.

This advice came from a well-loved and respected friend who knows me well.

Looking back, I realise these were some of the best words I could hear at the time.

It took me from a podcast producer to a published author in 9 months.

Here are a few key lessons I learned along the way.

1. Combine your interests and skills.

My podcast served as a foundation for the book series.

Conversations weaved with my own memories and writing.

Each guest served as a springboard for what bubbled up inside.

Win/win - celebrating people and stories and leaving a legacy for all involved.

2. Don't do initial edits (even though you'll REALLY want to!)

Something I still struggle with, even with three books out the door now.

Type with the screen turned off.

Just start writing the alphabet if you have to.

There are many, many reasons for this.

Allow drafts. Many drafts.

Your first attempt will not be perfect.

Stop kidding yourself.

3. You have to do the work.

It's worth it.

The self-growth is pretty phenomenal.

Artifical programs won't experience any emotions or growth; you will.

Do the work.

4. Be realistic.

As much as you think you might be able to write a book in a weekend (a fallacy we are often sold on the internet), will it be polished and decent?

Start by writing every day.

Start a spreadsheet to track how many words are written each day.

Aim for one word at a time if you have to.

Overnight success stories take years of overnights to get there.

Publishing a book is not for the faint of heart.

There are thousands of wanna be authors who won't cross the finish line.

Which side of the statistic are you?