I still remember the day I decided to write my first book.
It was Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 7:15 a.m. I was sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, asking the universe to show me a way forward when I hear a tiny whisper, “Write the damn book. Start today, and do it fast.”
Startled, I opened my eyes.
If there was one thing I had learned in my creative life, it was to act on the tiny voice when you hear it. I opened my laptop and got to work. I was going to write a book, and I was going to write it fast.
It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
I had no idea where to start, how to structure my ideas, or even if anyone would want to read what I had to say. But deep inside, I knew I had a story to tell, and I was determined to see it through.
Little did I know, the journey of writing that book would teach me some of the most profound lessons about life, success, and resilience.
1. Life rewards persistence.
Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. After eight books under my belt, I have found, there are days when the words flow effortlessly, and then there are days when I stare at a blank screen, willing the words to come. But I learned that persistence is what separates a writer from someone who just dreams about writing.
Life works the same way. Anything worthwhile requires perseverance. The people who succeed aren’t necessarily the most talented; they are the ones who keep going despite the obstacles. Writing taught me that success is less about inspiration and more about discipline and consistency.
2. Success comes from taking one step at a time.
When I first start on a new book, the idea of writing an entire book feels overwhelming. But when I break it down into small, manageable tasks—writing 500 words a day, outlining one chapter at a time—it suddenly becomes achievable.
This lesson applies to everything in life. Whether it's building a business, losing weight, or learning a new skill, breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them manageable. Writing my books showed me that no matter how daunting a task may seem, progress happens one step at a time.
3. Self-doubt is part of the process.
Every writer I know, even the most successful ones, struggles with self-doubt. "Is this good enough? Will anyone care?" Those questions haunted me as I wrote my first book—and every book after that.
I realized that self-doubt is not a sign to stop; it’s just part of the process. The key is to keep going despite it. If we wait until we feel 100% confident, we’ll never start. The same applies to life. Taking action despite our fears is what builds confidence, not the other way around.
4. Perfection is the enemy of progress.
I used to agonize over every sentence, rewriting and tweaking endlessly. But eventually, I had to accept that no book is ever "perfect." Done is better than perfect. My first book wasn't flawless, neither were the subsequent ones. But they were finished, and that’s what mattered.
This mindset shift applies to everything. If we chase perfection, we’ll never complete anything. Whether it’s launching a business, starting a new career, or publishing a book, taking action is more important than waiting for everything to be just right.
5. Writing is a journey of self-discovery.
Through writing, I learned more about myself than I ever expected. I uncovered my beliefs, my fears, and my strengths. I realized what truly mattered to me and what kind of impact I wanted to have on the world.
Life, like writing, is a journey of self-discovery. We don’t have all the answers upfront. We learn as we go, and that’s okay. The key is to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
6. You never really “fail” unless you quit.
I’ve written books that sold well and others that barely made a dent. But every book taught me something valuable—about writing, marketing, and myself.
The same is true in life. Every setback is a lesson, every rejection a redirection. The only real failure is giving up. If we keep learning, adapting, and improving, success becomes inevitable.
7. The power of community and support
Writing may be a solitary act, but no book is written in isolation. I’ve found immense support in my Author Circle community, fellow writers, and mentors who encouraged me when I felt stuck.
Success in any field is rarely achieved alone. Surrounding ourselves with the right people—those who uplift, inspire, and challenge us—makes the journey easier and more fulfilling.
Writing my books has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has taught me patience, resilience, and the power of showing up even when I don’t feel like it. More importantly, it has shown me that success isn’t about luck or talent—it’s about persistence, growth, and never giving up.
So if you have a book inside you (and I believe everyone does), start writing.
Not only will you create something valuable for the world, but you’ll also discover strengths you never knew you had.
And that, I promise you, is worth every struggle along the way.
On Wednesday, I am going in depth about "Ongoing Marketing–Keeping the Momentum Alive." You won’t want to miss it!
That’s all from me today.
As always, thanks for reading.
Your description of writing is a little like my art, sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t, but to return to the one that you weren’t happy with can sometimes turn out to be one of your best works. A bit like my stones. Knowing you Neera, with your dedication you will always achieve.
Love that are having the biggest transformations now! Who knew this would be such an exciting time in life?