How One Constraint Broke My Paralysis

Hey Reader,

Two years ago, I created a newsletter and, in a moment of unintentional self-prophecy, named it "Sometime." The landing page sat there reflecting its name.

“Sometime” I’d start writing. “Sometime” I’d have something important enough to say. “Sometime” when I felt more ready, more skilled, more certain.

Then I made one simple change: I replaced "Sometime" with Sunday. One non-negotiable weekly deadline. Three months and twelve newsletters later, I've learned a lesson about turning intentions into action.

The Paralysis of Potential

The gap between intention and action is where dreams go to hibernate. For two years, my newsletter existed as a perfect idea, untouched by the messiness of actual creation. I wasn't avoiding writing; I was perpetually preparing to start.

This pattern revealed something about creative paralysis. By remaining passive, I preserved the seductive idea of perfection.

I've seen this pattern play out repeatedly in my life. Each time, the fear of imperfection prevents progress.

The Power of Constraints

The breakthrough came when I realized "Sometime" isn't going to happen. By giving myself infinite time, I had created the perfect conditions for perpetual postponement.

Converting "Sometime" to Sunday changed everything. A weekly deadline isn't just a constraint—it's a commitment to begin. It doesn't guarantee quality, but it motivates action. And that is where real learning happens.

I haven’t missed a week publishing in three months with a deadline. Not because I became a better writer, but because I finally started writing.

Beyond Sundays

This lesson extends beyond my newsletter. I see how many of my creative projects live in that comfortable "Sometime" space—ideas that remain perfect because they're untouched.

The solution isn't complex. It's about replacing vague intentions with specific commitments:

• "Sometime" becomes Sunday.
• "When I'm ready" becomes next week.
• "Once it's great" becomes good enough to release.

The goal isn't to create masterpieces. It's to break free from the paralysis of potential and move into actual creation.

What project are you saving for "sometime"? Maybe it's time to set a deadline.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse