As I was sitting here and trying to decide what the topic for the upcoming email would be, I glanced up at the document file and noticed the title: Weekly Newsletter #77. I couldn’t help but feel proud of that because it means I’ve been sending an email to all my subscribers every week for over 77 weeks in a row. (Actually, there was a two-week break last summer because I was promoting my course and didn’t want the newsletter to get lost in the noise.)

Assuming the average length of my emails is 650 words, that’s 49,400 words of content since October 2020. This got me thinking: What were the results of these efforts so far? Here are the notable ones:

• Steadily growing email list. My list is not huge, but it’s more than doubled in size in the last 18 months.
• Improved email open rates. An ‘open rate’ measures what percentage of my subscribers open my emails. It’s gone up by an average of 10 percent in the last year.
• More engagement from subscribers. I find that a lot more people write to ask questions, challenge me on what I’ve written, and thank me for my newsletters.
• Knowing my audience better. I’ve gained a lot of insights as to what topics interest you the most.

So, here are three lessons you can take away for yourself:

1. Consistency Pays Off

Yes, yes. I know. You’ve heard the idea a thousand times before and are probably sick of it. But, regardless of how you feel about it, it bears repeating.

There will always be a shiny tactic you can try, a supplement to buy, and a diet that promises fantastic results. But, the most critical ingredient in the recipe of success is doing good work consistently. It’s about understanding the fundamentals and showing up day after day.

You don’t have to be perfect all the time, but you have to forge a strong chain of consistency. Those who succeed possess the willingness to persevere, learn from mistakes, and refine the process to perfection. The only way to do these things is to be consistent.

2. Accountability Is a Powerful Thing

Similar to consistency, accountability is one of these things we all know is good for us but never truly understand its power until we experience it. I often recommend beginners find an accountability partner if they struggle to exercise consistently, and for a good reason:

Knowing that someone expects you to show up is a powerful motivator that brings you on your feet and gets you to do the work. I’ve experienced the power of accountability first-hand because you expect me to show up every week. I’ve committed to delivering a valuable email to you every Tuesday, which forces me to get it done.

3. Do the Work, Regardless Of How You Feel About It

Prevailing wisdom suggests that we need to feel motivated in order to do something. For example, you should feel motivated first and then work out. But, I’m a firm believer in the opposite equation:

Just as motivation can precede action, it can also follow it. In other words, waiting for inspiration isn’t the only way to go about life. Sometimes, we have to force ourselves to start, regardless of how we feel about it. The good news is that getting started is often the most challenging part, and things begin to move more smoothly from there. So, instead of looking for motivation, ask yourself, “What can I do to make it easier to start?”

Thank you for taking the time! Until next week,
Philip

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