The idea
The idea of writing a book started about 6 years ago while reading Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson. I had not laughed that hard at a book in a long time. I laughed harder when I realized it was because I was drawing parallels to my own life.
“…you are defined not by life’s imperfect moments, but by your reaction to them. And because there is joy in embracing—rather than running screaming from—the utter absurdity of life.” – Jenny Lawson
My life is a series of moments that I could not make up if I tried, and what I lovingly refer to as “The Katie Moments.” Some are simply the universe messing with me while others (unfortunately) are self-induced. Either way, it usually results in endless entertainment for those around me.
Getting started
I started inventorying the best of my stories that I could later write about in full. I also floated the idea by friends to see if they thought it would be worth the time and effort (i.e. would anyone actually want to read it?)
Most were really excited and thought it was a great idea, but it was the questions they asked that really got me thinking …
- Could you mess up your corporate career you have worked so hard for? Will people still take you seriously or think you are a ditz?
- Have you considered writing a more serious book maybe about leadership, thoughts on management, team building, etc.?
If you read my About Me, you probably got the sense that I am okay living outside the box. Did I really need to choose between humor and the “serious” stuff? What if I just focus on my goal to positively impact others through laughter, understanding and knowledge sharing and see where that leads me?
Identifying the hold up
Hurdle #1: Limited time
First I needed to realize a book was probably not my best option. It would take a LONG time to write given my work schedule, and there was no guarantee anyone would even wanted to read it after all that work.
Queue lightbulb moment…create a blog instead! It would allow me to write in shorter intervals, as well as see what people are interested in hearing about.
Hurdle #2: Fear
I bought my URL and was genuinely excited to start a blog, but I found myself talking more about my blog than actually getting my blog up and running. It took a while, but I realized fear was getting in the way. Fear of…
- Internet trolls
- Unintended consequences – what if I damage my career as my friends were worried about? what if upset a friend or family member with sharing a story that involves them?
- No one interested in what I have to say
One upside to being hyper-rational and analytical is as long as I can identify a fear, I can usually think my way passed or around it. I will share some tips and techniques I use if helpful in another post.
Hurdle #3: Perfectionism
My biggest weakness is perfectionism. Thankfully it only applies to me, but it is still a never-ending battle which at best is exhausting and at worst paralyzing at times.
Although I fight the gremlin in my head telling me I am never good enough, it is also that gremlin that drives me to be smarter, stronger and better than I was yesterday. It is a balancing act where I am learning to appreciate how perfectly NOT perfect I am.
This blog is part of that learning journey. Although I have no shortage of ideas and stories to share, I spend too much time getting the words just right. I am a work in progress, and will do my best to embrace that sometimes “done is better than perfect.”