I recently got an email from another author about my book It’s Not As Bad As You Think, in it, he mentioned his appreciation for the book and asked a question about my motivation when it came to writing.

I wouldn’t say writing is necessarily difficult, but what is hard is sticking with something you’ve been doing for months or years on end even when you haven’t seen a return.

It’s those early mornings or late nights when you’re writing and look back at 47 sloppily written pages that you inevitably begin to wonder, is this even worth it?

Every author has their own reasons as to why they kept going, for me, it was the idea that there was at least one person out there in the world who I knew could benefit from this. Knowing that there’s someone out there whose life could be changed by the very ideas that changed mine, was more than enough to keep me going.

And that applies to a lot of aspects in our lives.

Doing what’s hard with an “others first” mentality is going to keep you going a lot longer than if you went in with a self-centered attitude.

You see it all the time.

Veterans telling stories about how it was an honor serving with the intent of providing freedom for the people of their nation.

Mothers who wake up at 5AM every morning for years to make lunches for her kids.

Politicians who despite criticism, keep speaking about what they believe in because the people of their state believe in it as well.

People who show up every day doing their job with the benefit of others in mind. It’s a powerful motivator. It doesn’t have to be the world or an entire nation. But even doing it for one person can be more than enough.

Take it from me. Because that’s what kept me going from day one.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m now rereading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. A philosophical oriented guide to life written by one of the greatest Emperors of Rome.

Quote Of The Week - “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” — George Addair