This is the 100^th email I’ve sent since starting my daily emails.

Apart from time off for hols, I’ve kept up a daily writing routine. 

And I’ve learnt a few things along the way.

So here are three lessons which might also help you.

The first is this…

Perfectionism leads to paralysis.

When I started writing these emails, I knew they could be better.

Sometimes the phrasing was clunky…

Or the tone wasn’t right …

Or the idea wasn't clear.

At the start this bugged me.  I didn’t like the idea of putting anything out into the world unless it was “perfect”.

But you know what?

It doesn’t matter.

Perfectionism is the enemy of getting things done.

I know if I strive for perfection, the emails will never get sent.

And I’ll also miss an opportunity to fine tune them.

Because it’s sending the emails each day that helps the phrasing, tone and ideas improve.

I see now that the way to get better at something…

(writing emails, or anything else)

…is to embrace imperfection and learn through doing.

The second idea is related.

And it’s this:

There’s power in taking the first step.

I didn’t send the first email with the idea of sending another ninety-nine.

I thought I’d just send one.  

Then the next day I sent another.

And I quickly built up some momentum.

Now I’m enjoying the process and look forward to sending these emails.

But I’d never have sent 100 emails without sending the first.

So whether it’s learning a new skill or hitting a goal, just get started. 

There’s an old saying which says “the journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step”.

And I think that sums it up nicely.

On to the last lesson…

And it’s this:

You’ve got to stick to your guns, even when other people are trying to knock you off course.

See, a lot of people are surprised I send these emails daily.

After all, daily emails means writing every day…

Finding new ideas every day…

And it seems like a lot for people to read.

Some people have suggested I send the emails two or three times a week instead…

Or even once a month.

And I could’ve just said to myself “Yeh, why not?”.

But the whole idea is to send emails daily.

I have various reasons why (which I won’t get into here).

So even though it would be a helluva lot easier to send an email once a week, I’m sticking to my guns.

Point being...

Don’t get knocked off course by what others think.  Even if the advice is well intentioned.

Sure, be open-minded and listen to what others have to say.  

But don’t change course just because someone is suggesting you do.

So these are my three tips:  Embrace imperfection, get started, and stick to your guns.

Hopefully one or two of these resonate with you.

That’s it for today.

- Tom 

p.s. Whenever you're ready, here are the ways you can connect with me