The best investments
We’re two weeks out from the launch of the Inner Workout book!
It started to feel real last week as I finalized plans for virtual and in-person launch gatherings (Chicago fam, shoot me a note if you’d like an invitation!).
I committed to writing these reports through the end of June because I wanted to document what happens beyond the launch. I’m particularly interested in observing the long tail of my investments into press and podcasts. This is all an experiment, remember?
I’m still learning what efforts create meaningful impact, but I can already tell you what have been my top two investments: relationships and my reputation.
Networking always made me think of men in suits out looking to meet people for personal gain. I don’t think of myself as a talented networker. Yet, by some stroke of luck, I’ve built a supportive community over the course of my career that ranges from close friends to colleagues to acquaintances to cheerleaders.
And they’re all making the launch process that much smoother.
There are folks like L’Oreal of
, who’s moderating the virtual book launch, and Jessica, who’s having me on her podcast, who offered their support before I could even ask.There were people and companies who were immediate “yeses” to a collaboration around the book. I didn’t have to craft an extravagant pitch. They know me. We’ve worked together. They’ve seen me in action. And I know their communities. I could easily highlight how a collaboration would benefit us both.
It sounds so simple when I share this here. However, I need you to know how terrified I often felt when sending emails. It took a pump up playlist and a Focusmate buddy to give me the chutzpah to press send. I don’t enjoy asking for support. It’s a whole thing, but this book launch is forcing me to move through that. And I’m blown away with the level of support and encouragement I’m receiving.
As I consider what’s next after my first book is out in the world, I find myself thinking in decades rather than days. I imagine there’s someone reading this who sees where I’m at right now and feels like they have to get here ASAP. From here I’m sitting,this doesn’t feel like a “here” to get to. I don’t feel like I’ve arrived, and I don’t know that I ever will.
There’s no rush, friend. Be present in the season you’re in. Build relationships. Explore your interests. Share your journey. The seeds you’re planting are your best investment. They’ll bloom into something more beautiful than you could ever imagine.