Hey Reader,

How many times have you put yourself out there but let the results prevent you from taking the next step?

We’re about 3 weeks in with Dreamflow Lounge (online community I’m building) and I’d be lying if I said it hasn't brought up some uncomfortable, familiar feelings from the past.

In 2021-22, I launched my first cohort + community. It was my first time putting myself out there with a digital product/service and I obsessed over bringing this thing to life.

I immediately started building the curriculum by myself, only asking for feedback from my partner at the time. I assumed that I “needed to be the expert,” therefore why should I ask for my audience’s opinion? I should be the teacher, right?

After thought-mapping and scripting the entire course, I spent hours and days and weeks filming and editing and re-editing…

Perfectionism and the need to prove myself swallowed my entire process.

8 weeks went by and I finished my first cohort with $500 in sales.

I was exhausted.

Looking back, I hate the fact that I saw that amount as a failure because I decided not to relaunch the cohort and instead crawl back into my comfort bubble.

Today, I want to leave you with a few key lessons I learned in case you’re on the fence with pursuing something that feels a little scary, because who knows? It could create all the change you're looking for.

#1: Do not try to build alone.

Nobody likes a know-it-all. Find a select group of people who fit your demographic to co-create with and send them an invite. Tell them about your vision. There are people out there who want to help you build.

I ended up trashing the entire course I created because my mindset has shifted. I don't practice the same content strategy I was teaching. Chances are, had I asked what people wanted (vs assuming), this course would still be alive having made me lots more than $500.

Note: When asking for help, always, always, always offer value in return. You can do this by offering your time, a service, digital product, or even money. i.e. I’m offering Dreamflow OS ($67) for anyone who joins the community and pitches in ideas. Plus, you will get first access to challenges and courses at a highly discounted rate as I beta-launch.

#2: Focus on what you can control.

Reps > results. The person who shows up regardless of the results will always win. Wear the process like a badge of honor. As Naval says, knowledge workers work like athletes. Sprint, rest, then reassess. Iteration overtime is key, and taking action will give you the best data to iterate on.

#3: Always celebrate the small wins.

It’s great to take inspiration from other creators and founders, but never forget that comparison is the thief of joy. Taking the first step in something new is always worth celebrating. Not whether or not someone claps for you, gives you validation, or pays you money.

Take time to rest and reassess this weekend. You deserve it.

Cheers,

A

P.S. With the help of the community, we’ve decided on a (free) 7-day challenge where my promise is to help you show up confidently and authentically on camera, so you can build a powerful brand without the self-sabotage or burnout. If you're struggling to press record, join Dreamflow Lounge to stay tuned. I'll be hopping on a few group calls next week with updates and would love to connect.