Gradually, Then All At Once
Last week, I finally published a book I’d written more than a year ago. It had been finished, proofed, and ready to go. But for reasons I can’t completely explain, I never hit publish. It just sat there on my computer. Every so often I’d think about it and tell myself, “Maybe later.” Then last Sunday afternoon, something hit me. I suddenly saw the cover in my mind (this never happens), I knew what I wanted to call it, and I decided it would get uploaded the next day. That felt impossible. Pblishing a book in one day? But I didn’t argue with myself. I had faith that this was a message from the Universe. And I was going to listen. I mean, what did I have to lose? By Monday evening, it was done. The interior formatted, the cover designed, everything uploaded. That proof copy was ordered on Amazon KDP and would arrive Wednesday. Looking back, it’s strange how long I let it sit undone. Nothing external changed. What changed was that I finally decided to start. For me, that’s the part that feels most impactful. How something can feel too big to begin until suddenly, it isn’t. I realized that for me, it wasn't about motivation or discipline or having it all figured out. It was about that still small voice that said to me, “Why not try this, Thor.” In the week since, I’ve been thinking about how often life works like that. Gradually, then all at once. My book sat there forever (gradually) until last Monday (all at once.) If you’ve got your own version of a “book sitting on your computer,” maybe this is your reminder that you don’t need to wait for the perfect time. Sometimes all it takes is one small step to tip everything into motion. Because once you start, the rest has a way of catching up.