Hey Reader,

At the beginning of 2024, I set a simple goal: Running 5 kilometers without stopping.

I did it on December 29th.

Don't judge me, it was a busy year.

Just kidding—I was just really good at making excuses for 12 months.

Next, I signed up for a 10km race with a 12-week training plan.

But through a happy coincidence, I ended up running my first 10 kilometers six weeks ahead of schedule in a pretty coastal town in Spain. 🇪🇸

It wasn't even a challenge because I had been so afraid of the 10k goal that I was already overprepared.

And last weekend, I finally crossed the finish line of the race I had originally planned for.

10km with ease and a smile on my face—with my loved ones waiting at the finish line:

That’s what happens when you do the hard thing—until it feels easy.

When I look back at the past 10 years, anything that was worth doing felt scary at first.

Publishing my first 100 pieces online? Terrifying.

Selling my first online course? Anxious mess.

Hosting my first coaching call? I wanted to vomit.

But you show up again. And again.

By the 10th time, it starts to feel... normal.

By the 20th, maybe even fun.

This isn’t just about business or running.

Anything you do for the first time feels scary.

It's part of the process.

I've worked with thousands of people who started their online writing journeys over the last five years, and most of them feel scared for the first few weeks or even months - even if they've been writing for their entire lives.

And that's perfectly fine because feeling a little scared means that you care about your goal.

When you've done something hundreds of times, you start to feel disconnected from how hard it really is.

Publishing an article or newsletter doesn't feel scary to me anymore because I've done it thousands of times.

Running a half marathon, on the other hand, feels scary even though I know that millions of people are doing it every year.

It's only scary because I haven't done it yet.

Take a second to zoom out and reflect on all the hard things you've already done that now feel easy.

Whether it's starting to write online, launching your newsletter, selling your first digital product, or taking another "first step" in your creator journey.

All of it sounds scary at first because it’s unknown.

But the only way it becomes familiar is by doing it.

So don’t let fear stop you. Let it guide you.

The first time is always the hardest.

The 10th time is routine.

The 100th time?

That’s when fear turns into fun. 🔁

If this message hit home, take five minutes today to reflect—and remind yourself how far you’ve already come:

1. What’s something that used to feel scary… but now feels easy?
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2. What’s one thing you’re avoiding because it still feels unfamiliar?
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3. What would change if you committed to doing that thing 10 times?

Reply to this email with your answers if you’d like. I read every response and would love to hear what you’re currently aiming for. 💌

Big love from my screen to yours,
Sinem