Most creatives try to do everything at once--then beat themselves up when it all falls apart.
I’ve been there too: juggling a newsletter, a book draft, an album idea, and a community project. It felt like drowning in ambition.
However, I recently discovered a better way. Instead of fighting the chaos, I started asking a simple question: What season am I in right now?
It's been almost a full year since I started this newsletter.
I can't believe how far I've come in the time. I went from being afraid to publish anything online to publishing a bi-weekly newsletter without fail.
Bringing you some of the best knowledge I've gathered over the years, and continue to collect on this journey we affectionately call life.
Recently, I've been giving a lot of thought to the things I see on the horizon for us.
As we approach the 100th issue of the Portential Paradox, it has me wondering what the following 100 issues will look like. I never imagined I would get this far and help so many people live their best lives. Shining a light on important topics and techniques in personal development, creative writing, and the polymath lifestyle that we all need.
Most of the time we just need a reminder of the fundamentals.
Like taking a deep breath now and again.
Or pausing when we feel overwhelmed, heated, or when we just need to collect ourselves before moving forward.
All this has me thinking about the secret project I'm working on, the book I'm still figuring out, the album that remains in the early stages of ideation, and a community website that's still a while away from release.
I don't feel anxious about getting it all done these days, which I think we all have felt at some point as multi-passionate beings.
Instead, I feel like I'm in a season of building the foundations of a business that will allow me to leave my 9-5 job and never work one again.
I grow tired of clocking in every day.
Showing up not because I want to, but because I have to, if I want to earn money.
I know some of you feel this same sting day in and day out.
Nevertheless, the way I have structured my next steps has me very excited about the future.
Here's The Lesson I Want You To Take Away
Figuring out what season you are in so going to help make accomplishing your bigger goals a lot easier.
There's no way I could juggle a newsletter, book, album, and website all at the same time.
The only thing I can do is commit to a project for 90 days, and then decide whether I want to continue going deep or do something else.
I dislike the notion that's often promoted, suggesting life is short. Life is short if you waste it. However, if you see what it is and the many seasons that come with it, you see that life is very long.
So slow down to speed up.
Keep planning for bigger and better things.
And never give up on your dreams, and I mean never!
Embrace the mess.
In the comments, what season do you find yourself in these days, and where do you see yourself going next?
I really admire how your journey mirrors the act of writing itself. You start with a blank page and slowly shape it into something meaningful. The way you’ve built this newsletter issue by issue has taught me that progress isn’t about speed, it’s about presence. After reading this, I’m going to approach my writing with the same patience you’ve modeled in your own season. I’m inspired to bring that perspective into my writing and let it grow steadily, one draft at a time. Thank you for sharing this today Idris Elijah!
Reading about seasons really hit home for me as a single mom who also has a 9-5. Trying to balance my daughter’s needs, work and personal projects often makes me feel like I’m spinning plates. Your advice to slow down and focus on the current season reminded me that it’s okay to prioritize just one thing at a time. I’m going to dedicate this next season to strengthening my family routines while still allowing myself small creative projects on the side. Thank you for the reminder that slowing down is actually progress and that I’m not falling behind! Have a great holiday weekend Idris Elijah!