Last week Chris King got in touch to say that, as someone who wasn’t really a completer finisher he didn’t think he could ever get to write a book. As someone who biases towards starting myself, I know where he comes from. Since starting the book project I have also established a number of new clients, launched the WB40podcast (episode 26 available this morning!), launched the Minimum Viable Workplace initiative, started a 7-month build project at home, delivered a number of unique presentations, been a dad…
It’s probably a worry that that last one comes last.
But on the other hand if I’m not doing things that inspire me at work then I’m a grumpy bastard and a pain to be around.
Ultimately, though, for all of my starting, I need to be able to carve out enough consistent time to be able churn out enough wordage for the book to happen. I need to make it into a habit. To a great extent that is a big driver behind doing this 30-day stint – to get me into the habit of churning out 500 or so words every day that aren’t other blogging or setting up a podcast or winning a new client or whatever. I obviously need to do those as well.
Obviously?
Andrew Abboud dropped me a line suggesting two things, one of which was the concept of going nonline. I’m not convinced, as the extent to which I now rely on others online is too great to lose. There might be some periods at the end when I choose to lock myself away, but at this stage I need input from others.
But probably time to stop doing more new things if I have a chance to finish it.
Which brings me to Andrew’s other point. Could I imagine what an 80-year-old me would advise the 46-year-old me to do. I’ve tried, and to be honest I don’t think I can. I’m not sure that the 80-year-old me is going to be any less confused. But that suggestion has made me realise I need to dig out some old tricks from the NLP box of psychological voodoo, and create myself a compelling vision of success.
I want a launch party. That might sound vague and vacuous, but it isn’t (trust me). I want to imagine that point at which I can bring together a bunch of friends and collaborators together in a room to celebrate that I have delivered something that is engaging, and interesting and gets people thinking. We will have a few drinks. We will go home. I’ll find my next big project.
You’re all invited.
So, it’s time for a plan of action. And that plan of action starts with reviewing my current book outline. I’m not sure it reflects the book I want to write any more…
mmitII 
I can’t wait for the launch party!
What date shall I put in my diary and shall I bring a bottle?