Calling all future first-timers
Oh, hi friends!
When’s the last time you did something for the first time?
It’s a little strange. A lot strange.
You think, Can I do this? Should I? Who am I to try?
Yesterday I recorded an audio track for a script I had written. I had to go into a sound booth and put on headphones and hear my voice loud and clear. Because I had been working all day, I didn’t have time to overthink this new thing. I was in and out in an hour. And it was fun.
Perhaps that’s the trick. Instead of treating new endeavors as some sort of test or gauntlet, they can just be another part of your day. Sneak 'em in.
You can go boxing after a long day of work. Or read a book on entrepreneurship during your commute. Or pepper your friend with questions about their career to get a sense if their work might suit you.
I don’t know what new thing you want to try. All I ask is that you don’t make it hard for yourself. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t be scared. Just go into the room—and start.
Since Alex Jeffries introduced me to her Twitter, I’ve been obsessed with this author and how frank she is regarding rejections. Reminds me that I haven’t pitched in ages.
I also recently saw someone else say they committed to getting 100 (possible) rejections this year—and now can barely keep up with everything she's been accepted to.
Numbers! Numbers. Nothing's personal. And it's always a numbers game.
The first song on my workflow playlist has long been Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money.” (Very on the nose, I know.) Until this week. Rolling Stones. “Start Me Up.” Because all you gotta do is start…then let it ride.
PS — Oh hi, new friends!
This week, I wrote about how to construct the perfect email subject line for The New York Times’ Smarter Living section. (My favorite tip is to compliment the other person. Never fails!)
So if that sent you here, welcome! I’ll be in your inbox at 7:30 a.m. EST every weekday. (At least that's the goal!) Here’s my archive to give a sense of what you’re in for.
We won’t discuss the news, but we will talk about work and careers, productivity, balance, Sondheim songs, stories I find interesting, writing advice, and more. I pass along jobs that sound decent and good apartments in the city and videos that might make you laugh or think or cry. I’ll rip off the Band-Aid on my own creative failures and successes as a journalist, playwright, screenwriter, and Porg owner living in Brooklyn. (More about me.)
Basically, I want you to wake up and read this and have the best day possible.
And I’d be very glad to hear about your life! Because we’re all in this together. That's the whole point. So hit reply anytime.
Do you like these daily emails? Please share with a friend!
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love, Kara