Two weeks ago, I started writing my first book.

I'd been dragging my feet on this for a year. I was always ‘too busy’.

But writing books is my dream. And I was unhappy in my business because I wasn't doing what I wanted.

Which is the topic of today's email.

Are you making the wrong decision?

Naval Ravikant once said: "The only test of intelligence is if you get what you want from life."

I think about this often. There are a lot of smart unhappy people, and I'd hate to be one of them. But it's too easy to make choices that make you miserable. Usually due to incentives like money or status.

But lurking underneath these drivers, it's fear.

When I think about the book, I'm terrified it'll flop.

It might expose that I'm not as good a writer as people think. Or confirm that whisper in my head: "You're not that interesting and no one cares."

The smart move would be sticking to emails and products.

Because at least that’s safe.

Playing things safe is just another way of slowly dying. It's why Benjamin Franklin (reportedly) said, “Most people die at 25 but aren’t buried until 75.”

You must remember:

You get one shot at life, but many shots within it.

You might ask: What does this have to do with Magnetic Writing?

Simple.

The best writers are pioneers.

It's your job not to hide in the crowd. It's your job to carve your own path and invite the world along for the ride.

The internet will reward you for taking risks

I learned this when I quit dentistry to write online. But your moves don’t have to be so grandiose. It just has to be unique to you.

Because few people have the balls (or ovaries) to do what they want.

Take this email for example.

I was speaking to a copywriting friend on Friday, and I explained that I'd love to write more about philosophy. But it’s not ‘optimal’ for my business. As the words left my mouth, I realized I sounded like a little bitch.

…which she politely confirmed.

So here we are.

The people on my list who want tangible writing tips think this email is crap. But I care deeply about what I do with my life.

I'm hoping you might read this and think, “hell yeah, me too”.

If not, that's okay. As a writer, it's not your job to please everyone.

If you let fear dictate your direction, don't be surprised when you end up somewhere shit.

This is true for content, business, and life.

If fear is the enemy, then the solution is joy

I can't preach about being fearless. Every big decision still sends me running to my business mentor-turned-therapist.

But here's what I’ve learned:

When faced with two decisions, pick the one that lights you up.

Even if it's scary.

Hell, especially if it's scary.

Because fear is just a signal for growth.

You don't need permission. You can just do things. And sure, sometimes they won’t work. At least not initially. But failure is not fatal. And the person you become by betting on yourself is worth every bump along the way.

What’s more…

You create your best content when you feel alive.

You build your best business when you love what you do.

People are attracted to energy. That's how you'll become a writer worth paying attention to.

It's how you'll enjoy your life most, too.

And isn't that the point?

Don't do what's expected, do what you enjoy.

There's never been a better time to get what you want. You’ve just got to take the leap and go for it.

Kieran