You're ready for fresh momentum, even if it feels just out of reach right now. Maybe you've told yourself, "I want to start a newsletter," or "I should share my thoughts more regularly," but somehow, the idea stays stuck in your head. You're not alone. I've been there too, telling clients to start newsletters while my own sat silent, quietly collecting signups with no content to follow.
Here's the thing, often, when we say we're "too busy," it's really fear in disguise. Fear of committing and then not following through. Fear that what we put out won't be good enough. Fear that we'll fail publicly. I heard a quote recently that hit me right between the eyes: "Perfectionism is just procrastination dressed up as quality control." That rings so true. We hide behind wanting things to be perfect, when really, we're just scared to press send.
So how do you break through? You strip it down. You make it simple. No fancy graphics, no endless links, no complicated structure. Just one clear, actionable thought each week. A banner, a message, and a small step your readers can take in three minutes. That's it. When you remove the barriers, showing up becomes consistent, manageable, and meaningful.
Let me break down how you can do this too, step by step.
First, identify what's really stopping you. Is it time? Doubt? Fear of letting people down? Once you name the barrier, you can start removing it. For me, having someone else to be accountable to, like a co-host or a trusted friend, makes a world of difference. But if you're flying solo, make the process as easy as possible. Choose your platform, design the simplest layout you can, and set a manageable schedule.
Second, figure out the "why" behind your newsletter. I asked some trusted people in my circle what would make a newsletter worth reading every week. Their answer? Actionable content. People want something they can use right away, something that moves them forward in just a few minutes. That means your newsletter doesn't have to be a novel. It can be as simple as a quick thought and one small step for your readers.
Third, plan your content with purpose, but don't get trapped in endless planning. Keep your topics straightforward and store ideas in your notes app. Focus on what you want to say this week, and keep it relevant to your audience, or even just to yourself. Writing for yourself first is crucial. If you want to read it, chances are others will too. It's okay to be vulnerable. Sending out your thoughts is a little like stepping onto a stage without a script. It's scary but also electrifying.
Here's a quote from the legendary artist Chuck Close that I love and that fits perfectly here: "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." That's the mindset. Show up, write, and send. Don't wait for perfect inspiration.
Lastly, don't get hung up on numbers or growth at the start. Think of your newsletter as a journal, a weekly habit that helps you process thoughts and share value, rather than a tool solely for marketing or audience-building. That perspective takes the pressure off and lets you focus on the craft.
So, what's your king move? Start small, start simple, and start now. Write your first short message, pick one actionable step your readers can take in three minutes, and hit send. Hold yourself accountable by sharing it with a friend or posting about it somewhere. Make it about your voice, your thoughts, your unique perspective.
If you want a little extra motivation, I just launched my own newsletter at ethanking.com. I don't have the perfect name yet, but that's part of the fun, putting myself out there, committing publicly, and delivering value on my terms. If you sign up, you can expect straightforward ideas packed with practical steps, no nonsense.
Remember, as in chess and in life, sometimes the smallest move can change everything. Don't let fear keep you from making yours.
Want to hear the full conversation and get more insights? Listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc2O8xKkL_Y
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