"Do It," She Said

#5: Undo/Redo Mini-Essay Series of 2024

Jan 01, 2025

We are typically motivated by a goal. But what if it doesn’t matter if we actually ever meet the goal? What if the goal is a bridge pointing us to where we are meant to be?

Here is a short story to ring in the New Year. I believe some of you need this encouragement to take that intimidating step in front of you.

What I didn’t expect

About eighteen months ago I met with an acquisitions editor, Grace P. Cho, at a conference. I wanted feedback about whether she thought I was ready to pursue publishing. I spent the whole meeting trying to convince her I wasn't ready and the book wasn't ready, even though I wanted it to be.

I was trying to be realistic. I probably was suffering from impostor syndrome, but I was so convinced I was just being practical. And even though I'm a certified writers coach, I couldn't walk myself past this stuck point.

After my long persuasive speech she looked at me and said simply, “Do it. Just do it. You're ready to take the next step. You need to just do it.”

It completely caught me off guard. I don’t know if I was expecting her to bring down a judge’s mallet or to had me a long checklist, but I definitely wasn’t expecting this! Then, anytime we’d pass each other at the conference over the next day or two, she’d call over to me, “Do it!”

(If we are in an anime version of life - AI generated)

Doing it

And so I finally tried. I bought an advent-like-calendar to reward myself for each agent I pitched. Then I spent the next year cold pitching 30+ agents without ever finding one. I received good feedback and encouragement. I wrote a lot more. I got published in bigger publications. I self-published two resource books I wrote awhile back.

But I didn't publish the book I talked with Grace about.

Review

Recently, I saw Grace Cho at this year’s conference. We kept trying to find space to chat, but it wasn’t until I was leaving that we found a moment. Filling her in on everything that transpired in the last eighteen months, suddenly it became evident that without her encouragement to “do it,” nothing might have happened at all. I didn’t feel ashamed that “the book” hadn’t been published yet. Instead, we celebrated together an amazing story that came out of taking a risk.

Do it!

I share this today, on New Year’s Eve, because some of you need to hear “do it” as you begin 2025. This message is for you. Don’t get caught up on the “am I ready?” or “am I qualified?” any longer. I don’t know what step is in front of you, blocked by the bully, Impostor Syndrome. But I can assure you, he only steals, kills, and destroys.

Instead, hold on to the promise that there is life—and even better—life to the fullest!

That being said, do it!

P.S. If you’re willing, reply to this email or respond in the comments what it is you need to just take a next step moving towards!

December includes: A “Kindness is the Revolution” mug from the Happy Givers, pumpkin spice tea, and a wool fair-trade cactus ornament made in Nepal.

Choose one activity to do to enter here. You will be entered in this giveaway and any following. Your help is deeply appreciated, whether you leave some stars saying “I’ve read her other work so I am looking forward to this” on Amazon, or messaging your library. Thank you!

Authentically Elisa

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