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Brooke Carver's avatar

This explains why things have been clicking a bit more for me recently with my music. I stopped trying to learn everything at once and just focused on building small, complete ideas. Nothing big, but finished. That alone changes how I see the process. Before, I had a lot of half-starts and no real proof. Now I at least have something to point to. That identity shift you mentioned is real. It makes it easier to keep going when you know you’ve already built something. Thank you Idris Elijah for the consistent valuable content and enjoy your weekend!

Idris Elijah's avatar

Very important lessons you’ve shared here. Small moves is where it’s at. And they build and compound. You’re most welcome! Have a great weekend!

Maria Santos's avatar

This made me think about how my daughter and I approach learning together. When we first started dancing, we would try a little bit of everything and not really finish anything. It felt busy but not very rewarding. Now we focus on one routine at a time and actually see it through, even if it’s not perfect. It’s made the whole experience more enjoyable, and we both feel more confident. That idea of a “good start” really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing this with us Idris Elijah and Happy Friday to you!

Idris Elijah's avatar

Focus. Intention. Curiosity. That’s all you need. And you see that! Have a great weekend! 🤗🤗

Jody Freedman's avatar

I recognized myself a lot in the “wrong direction” section. Jumping between ideas, chasing inspiration, avoiding finishing. Lately I’ve been approaching things differently with smaller studies, clearer intent and the difference is noticeable. What you said about the first 10 hours shaping whether you even want to continue feels very true. When I get those early art sessions right, I’m much more likely to come back the next day. Outstanding newsletter Idris Elijah, Happy Friday to you!

Idris Elijah's avatar

Facts. I’ve been there. Restraint is such a powerful tool. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend! 🤗

Brian Robert's avatar

This really pulled everything together for me. The last few newsletters got me thinking about reps and slowing down but this one made me look at how I start things. I can see now that I’ve been wasting those first hours by keeping everything too broad and undefined. No real target, just movement. The identity piece hit too because I’ve spent a lot of time feeling like I’m trying instead of actually doing. That shift to “I built something” feels like the missing link. Another dynamite newsletter Idris, Happy Friday!

Idris Elijah's avatar

Yeah, you actually have to do the thing. Small steps at a time. Building stuff is a pleasant experience even. The process. Have a great weekend! 🤗

Chloe Lawson's avatar

The point about identity is crucial. Early output doesn’t just build skill, it reframes how you see yourself in relation to the craft. Without that shift it’s easy to remain in a perpetual state of preparation. I’ve found that finishing even a small bit of writing creates a kind of internal proof that changes how I approach the next story. Direction, as you put it, is what makes those early hours meaningful instead of forgettable. Thank you Idris Elijah for continuing to reinforce what I learned in your ebook and have a great weekend!

Idris Elijah's avatar

You really nailed something on the head here. It’s all about how you see yourself in relation to the craft. That’s the shift. Thanks for sharing! And have a great weekend!! 🤗🤗🤗