A few weeks after I launched the Heavy Flow podcast, I got a DM from a publisher:
“We love your voice. Have you considered writing a book?”
And then I did what any aspiring author who’d dreamed of writing a book their entire life would do when approached by a publisher: I ignored it.
Part of me thought it was spam – until they followed up with an email.
That's when another part of me said, "nuh-uh. Hard no."
I wasn’t an expert. I had no plan, no proposal – none of the things I thought you needed to have or be before publishing a book.
I told myself: Maybe in five years. Then I’ll be ready.
Eventually, I realized this could be now or never situation… So even though I felt far from ready, I said yes.
In the process of writing that book, I became the expert I thought I needed to be first.
I learned an important lesson from that experience:
✨ Taking action is how we become ready. Clarity doesn’t always come before the leap – sometimes it’s what lands while you’re already in midair.
When I think about it, most of the best decisions I’ve made in my creative work were ones I made before I felt ready.
Writing the book.
Starting Slow & Steady.
Heck, I’m not even sure I’m ready for the launch I’m in the middle of right now.
Sound familiar? You're not alone. “Not being ready” is one of the most common phrases I hear from creative small business owners.
But here’s what I know now: You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to move.
That’s the energy we’re bringing into the Slow & Steady Decelerator.
It’s not about being fully ready because deep down inside I think we all know that day is never going to come. So it’s about having the structure and support to take the next right step. And to keep going, even when the fear shows up.
That’s how you build momentum.
More on the program soon. But for today, I want to offer you a journal prompt:
What’s one thing you’ve been waiting to feel ready for?
What’s one small thing you could do today to move in that direction?
What might happen if you did?
Set a timer for five minutes and keep your pen moving. That alone will help build your momentum muscle.
Until next time, go slow and stay steady.
Amanda Laird
Growth Marketing Strategist
Founder, Slow & Steady Studio