Today was a tough day.

I woke optimistic. I planned on writing my first YouTube video. But when I sat to script my idea, my excitement turned to dread.

My mind asked a million questions:

• How do I write a great hook?
• What’s the best topic?
• How do I edit?
• Should I build a system for the process?
• How can I avoid sounding like everyone else?
• How do I tell stories that my audience will love?

Three hours later, I still hadn’t made progress.

Instead, I was deep into the YouTube rabbit hole, planning and plotting.

It felt productive.

But when I finally peeled myself away from the computer I realised I was avoiding the one thing that mattered most:

Writing and recording a bloody video.

Our monkey minds are designed to protect us from discomfort.

It sounds counterintuitive, but overthinking is a form of safety.

Because the less you act—the less you need to fear.

This is particularly true when you start something new. Especially if you have high standards.

Because the gap between what you want and where you are is staggering.

The distance creates doubt in the form of excuses and questions as you try to ‘get it right’.

But the pursuit of perfection is the enemy of progress.

It is the biggest cause of failure among writers and entrepreneurs.

Because you don’t learn through reading or planning.

You learn through doing.

The reason we fail to achieve our dreams is not because we aim too small, but because we aim too big.

I know this spits in the face of classic hustle advice. But it doesn’t matter how many goals you set, how much manifestation you do, or how powerful your vision board is.

For 99% of your problems, action is the answer.

The secret is to decide what you want, then rig the odds in your favour by changing the game.

So here’s a question I ask when I start a new project:

What is level one?

For example, I’d love a great YouTube channel.

I want to be a great storyteller, with fantastic frameworks and powerful points.

But level 1?

Write and record a video.

Level 2? Do 2 more.

No pressure on the hooks. No pressure on the quality.

Just produce 3 useful videos.

Because then I’ll have a clearer idea of what problem needs to be solved for level 3.

After reminding myself that the point of YouTube is not to serve me, but to serve you, I took a walk and wrote my first video.

I’ll release it soon.

But for now, a lesson:

Gamification prevents stagnation.

But note, the levels are NOT external outcomes.

Why?

Because these are outside your control.

Which is a guaranteed way to make the journey hell.

Instead, you set output targets that sit on the edge of your comfort zone.

Maybe it’s to publish 10 social media posts, or send 100 DMs, or pitch 3 companies.

The point is to get going.

Because the path will reveal itself the more you walk.

So where are you making life harder than it needs to be?

Make success a game and enjoy the journey.

Kieran

P.S.

You can rewire your mind to love the uncertainty too.

Sure, I felt frustrated today. But I love being a beginner again. There’s nothing more exciting than following your curiosity and seeing what emerges.

I’m doing the same with my first book, which I (re)started a few weeks ago.

I’d love to write something great.

But level 1?

Finish a first draft.

So every morning I spend 2 hours diving into my ideas. The chaos can be overwhelming. But I always remind myself that every masterpiece starts messy.

Although I’d love your help.

Because again, this is not about me. It’s about you.

So would you mind filling out a brief questionnaire to let me know what you’d like to read in Magnetic Writing?

We already had 40 people submit their answers. When you join them, I’ll send early access to a free chapter once it’s written.

I appreciate your time:

​https://tally.so/r/3jAoBx​