Your cart is currently empty!
Alright, Day 17. Let’s get real about what happens after the self-discovery.
If you’ve been using your toolkit—really using it, not just letting it collect dust—you’ve probably had some big revelations. You’re figuring out who you are, what your intentions are, and what you actually want. That’s huge. Seriously, pat yourself on the back right now. Most people never get that far.
But here’s the part nobody talks about: the grind.
Starting something new is hard. REALLY hard. It’s frustrating. You feel clumsy, like an infant. You picked up this new skill you’re passionate about, and even though you love it, some days you want to quit. It gets tougher each day, but because you love it, it also fills you with this crazy energy. You want to live and breathe it, even when it’s kicking your butt.
That feeling? That’s the sign you’re on the right path.
So first, acknowledge how far you’ve already come. You started. You’re moving from that infant stage to becoming a full-blown adult in your craft. That is a massive victory. Own it.
Now, let’s talk about the next inevitable step: monetizing it.
And oh boy, can this part suck the joy right out of you. Nothing is more boring than the business side of your passion. Suddenly, you’re not just creating; you’re dealing with paperwork, government registrations, and whatever other bureaucratic hoops they make you jump through where you live.
And don’t even get me started on funding, taxes, and all the other not-so-fun stuff you’re suddenly thrown into. It’s a painstaking, tedious process. It’s unfamiliar ground, and our brains hate unfamiliar ground.
Nobody loves this start. It’s awkward and confusing.
But here’s the truth: it’s only hard because it’s new. This is just another skill to learn. With time, these things become a breeze. You’ll look back one day and be shocked at what you’ve accomplished—things you never thought possible.
So soldier on. Do not drop this new thing you picked up just because it got difficult. The difficulty is the price of admission for a life doing what you love.
And most importantly, do not be afraid to look dumb.
Walk into that bank and ask the “stupid” questions. Pitch your work to people even if your voice shakes. You are not yet expected to be an expert. You’re supposed to be learning. So wing it. Be awkward. Be new. It’s the only way to get to the other side, where your passion isn’t just a hobby—it’s your life.