7 Lessons from 7 Days of Publishing

7 Lessons from Publishing for 7 Days Straight¹

1. I enjoy the act of writing ✍️ 

When I started a podcast in 2020, and then launched the second season in 2022, I felt like I was all in on creating podcast content as the main way of sharing thoughts and experiences around living your values and, in turn, having a fulfilling life.

In 2023, I’m not sure exactly why other than just pure will and inspiration, I decided to start writing publicly. Well now, over a year later, I think I might have to admit out loud that… I actually kind of enjoy writing more than podcasting…

I think there are some logistical reasons for that—for example, it being much easier to simply open up a writing app or my journal and letting the thoughts flow. I don’t think I’ll abandon the podcast, as I do get a lot of joy and fulfillment from connecting through conversation and, truthfully, working on a more complex project that involves editing tools and the like…

But for now, I’m going to keep reducing the friction and go with where the momentum takes me.

Which leads me to the next realization…

2. I enjoy the act of self-expression 🧑‍🎨 

Whether it’s podcasting, writing, or simply engaging in a thoughtful conversation, I’ve learned that I really enjoy getting to share my perspective with others.

Growing up, I did a lot of hiding, abiding, accommodating, and shying away from things… people, confrontation, sensitive topics, you name it.

But my dad always told me I had a “hard head.”

When something triggered me emotionally, that’s usually when I spoke up. Not always the healthiest form of self-expression.

Now, as an adult in my 30s, I’ve learned how to channel my emotions a little better (well, maybe ask my wife what she thinks 😉), and I’ve gotten more confident in speaking up and speaking out.

Which leads me to…

3. Writing regularly has allowed me to connect more deeply with my inner thoughts 🤔 

I’ve always been a journal-er. I picked up the habit senior year of college, when I was started to feel a lot of pressure and overwhelm with the full plate of school, work, and social responsibilities.

But I’ll be the first to admit, writing for myself and writing for others always felt different to me. I felt this pressure like I had to say something of distinguished value to the reader. I questioned why someone would want to read something I’ve written.

While I haven’t gotten over those things completely, I have to say that fulfilling the goal of publishing daily for a week has significantly reduced the pressure I feel to say something of value. If anything, it has encouraged me to simply share what I feel is true, knowing that it might resonate with some (or nobody 🤷🏻‍♂️), but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s my experience—it’s valid, and it’s real.

4. Writing daily has helped me move through analysis paralysis and into unconscious momentum 🏃 

Along the lines of the above, publishing (almost) every single day for a week forced action. I am a creature of habit, and what I’ve learned about myself this week is that I have no tolerance for handling the “hanging over my head” feeling if I haven’t published before my workday winds down, typically before dinner time.

It’s a good balance for me, because I can ensure my work gets done during the day, and writing/publishing has turned into my wind down activity before I transition into evening/home/chill-out/recharge mode.

5. I’m pulling on a thread and am interested to see where it will take me 🧵 

I’ve mentioned to a few writers in my Foster cohort this month that the thread I’m pulling on is that of “Connectedness” as a value, and its impact on feeling fulfilled.

Feeling connected has always been a high value of mine—funny story, I used to like listening to the radio when I was a kid when I was by myself just to feel like I was participating in the same experience as somebody, somewhere… I guess I didn’t like feeling completely alone 🧐 

6. Writing has opened up pathways for connection - with old friends and new 🫂 

I mentioned the Foster community, which has been an amazing support network for growing as a writer. Through participating in their latest cohort, I’ve met some new writers and mentors, which has been both enjoyable and validating.

I’ve reconnected with other writers who I admire, and I even sourced feedback from my best friends on a piece that I hope to publish soon.

Talk about feeling connected 😁 

7. I learned that I can still challenge myself - and meet that challenge 🧗‍♂️ 

I said out loud to a friend a few weeks ago that I haven’t been feeling challenged lately. Work and life have been feeling a little stagnant, and yet I was resisting taking action to do anything about it.

Well, I think this challenge I set for myself of writing 7 posts in \*7 days was the perfect recipe for feeling challenged and gaining a sense of fulfillment.

With this post, I have officially accomplished my goal—one that I wish I could say was a softball, but felt more like a bowling ball that I somehow bunted out of the infield…

Can you tell I’m itching for baseball season? 🧢 ⚾️

If you’ve made it this far, I sincerely want to thank you. It means the world to know that you’re taking the time to read what I have to say… and maybe this will serve as a little encouragement to go set out on a new challenge for yourself.

You know I’ve got your back 💪 🙌

And if you want to continue to follow along the writing journey, you can do that here:

’Til next time,

Bagel 🥯

¹ Still funny to me, aren’t my people supposed to rest on the Sabbath (Saturday)?