# 01: Where's This Going?
Getting Unstuck & Starting.
What’s this Newsletter about?
Truth is, I don’t know where this is going to go… I only know how it’s going to start.
The newsletter, like life, is a process. I’m not here to teach you how to make “quick money” or “Master AI” - I’ll leave that to the Gurus.
I’m here to share my experiences, lessons and insights - with the hope it will help you.
I can pretty much guarantee that the start of this newsletter will be focused on what I’ve learned that’s brought me to this point: Getting Unstuck.
After that I hope it gets good and maybe funny and maybe cool and maybe…
Who’s Jonny?
The quick & dirty: I’m a relatively private person. You’re not gonna see my posts on social media about how cool my lifestyle is… probably cause it isn’t. I’m an old man trapped in an older man’s body.
I’m a Canadian, living in Montreal. I’ve done a lot of travelling. Started and sold a biz making novelty gifts, I’ve worked on a popular Youtube show and have done a lot of sales & business development in my career. Through all of this I’ve experienced rare glimpses of fulfillment.
What I’ve come to realize is that I’m happiest when I’m able to help the people around me. What can I say? I’m just a “great guy” 🙄
This newsletter is my way of starting a new chapter. One with more meaning.
Until now, I’ve been feeling stuck.
But more like stuck on the couch watching 1000’s of hours of Law & Order avoiding what I know I could be doing. I’m at a point now where I should either apply to the NYPD or start a Law & Order fan fiction blog.
Why Writing?
I’m convinced that for me —> everything starts with writing ✍️
But for you, it could be something different. Music, spreadsheets, athletics…
I’ve given myself so many reasons to write. I’ve read books on it. Watched Podcasts and most importantly - Instagram reels 😏
My goal isn’t to become a prolific writer, but to use it as a tool to create.
Create a new path. A path that will have an impact on myself and hopefully others.
Writing, I believe, will set me on the path I was “meant to be on” 👇
Truth is - I enjoy writing.
In fact, I’ve written every day for almost 3 years, but pen and paper style, kinda like a journal, a version of what’s called Morning Pages.
But sitting in front of a computer, typing in words, for some reason I've been anaphylactic to it.
I’ll do everything BUT. I’ll make AMAZING plans on doing it, sketch the process, take a class and watch youtube vids, and then….Bupkis!
Growing up, writing looked like the most boring thing in the world. I was also terrible at learning English (grammar, syntax etc..). If there wasn’t an LGBTQ+ movement, I would have no idea what a pronoun is.
Every time I write though, I get answers.
But the thought of putting my words out there, makes me cringe.
As I sit here, typing these words, I can tell you I already feel different. Less stuck.
I’ve made a commitment to launching a weekly newsletter. Absolutely committed. Like “Burn the fucking boats” I’m launching this newsletter to an audience of one, hey Ma!
What’s the plan?
Start a weekly Newsletter.
See where it goes.
I know - “Brilliant”.
Bottom line: It’s about getting started.
Everyone (on the internet) says “Just start”. “Start”. “Bias for action”. I don’t know about you but without a Goal and a WHY - I would just go back to solving murders on Law & Order. They need me!
Why a newsletter?
Why not just post pieces on twitter or wherever? Don’t you need to build a following first and then direct them to your newsletter?
Quick answer: Yes.
Long answer: My goal is to create a writing workflow with a weekly deadline.
I like the idea of a newsletter or long blog post. Something a little more in-depth. I could always break down the newsletter into smaller pieces and distribute…. 🤔
This, to me, creates consistency.
Consistency is what I’m after.
Why now?
I’m out of excuses…. And I’m amazing at excuses 🏆
It’s also helped that recently I’ve worked in businesses that are so completely unfulfilling that if I don’t give this a shot now - I’ll regret it.
Not that I’ll look back and regret not launching an email newsletter, but that I didn’t start down this path of being “creative” and sharing it.
I can sell myself on anything that’s NOT actually writing or putting myself out there. Want me to come over and move furniture? Need me to run an errand? I can always do this later, YOU come first. 😁
“Timing is everything” - they say.
But how do you create timing?
It’s only when I started down a different path, a path more intuitive (for me) - Helping friends with their plans and goals… that it started to evolve.
Next thing I knew while I was helping friends, I was helping myself.
Now, here I am writing, taking my own advice.
Takeaway: You want to move forward in a new direction? Start helping the people around you with what you’re good at (for free)… something will come from it.
What’s Next?
Next week’s newsletter. That’s it.
One step at a time.
Jonny G.