The hidden catalysts that shape our worlds
E92: Rediscovering the quiet forces behind sharing ideas about effortlessness
My heart broke a little when I heard the news.
There are moments in life that catalyse you to think, act, or feel in ways you couldn't have imagined before.
That’s the magic of a true catalyst — it sparks change.
And that’s why my heart broke a little.
The catalyst that has brought you ideas about effortlessness each week — since I started sharing them with you in October 2022 — is closing down. That catalyst is Write of Passage, "the writing bootcamp that shows you how to become the writer you've always wanted to be".
Catalysts, however, can be hindered by inhibitors — things that slow or stop their progress.
And in the case of Write of Passage, the inhibitor was, sadly, the challenge of making a vibrant learning programme and community sustainably profitable.
When we think about "success," we often default to thinking in financial terms. But focusing solely on financial success betrays the other vital ingredients that make a catalyst work its magic.
So, what’s the magic I’m choosing to remember from Write of Passage?
Here are three things that have forever changed the way I think, act, and feel about writing.
People
It sounds simple, but the concept of “writing from conversation” has been the biggest transformation for me. Instead of sitting in front of a blank page, conversations always catalyse my ideas. They help me refine them, too.
There are countless people who have been part of my writing journey through Write of Passage. Their insights, feedback, and encouragement have shaped me and my writing. Thank you.
Focus
Before joining Write of Passage, my writing was inconsistent. I would publish sporadically to my email list and then stop for weeks, or even months. Write of Passage taught me the importance of focus — on showing up consistently, honing my craft, and making my writing "POP" by being personal, sharing observations, and being playful.
Purpose
One of the core ideas of Write of Passage, created by David Perell, was about getting ideas out into the world. When ideas have an impact, it’s a magical feeling.
Even though I know that some of my Effortless Thursday editions might fall flat, while others may spark something in you, I’m constantly reminded of the power of sharing.
When I hear how my writing has catalysed a change in the way you think, act, or feel, it warms my heart.
That’s what keeps me writing.
The effortless worlds I (try to) create with my words
As I reflect on what brings more effortlessness to my own life, I hope that this week you’ll reflect on yours.
I couldn’t think of a better way to help you find more effortlessness this week than to revisit some of my favourite — and your favourite — Effortless Thursdays editions.
Each of them embodies the lessons I’ve learned about turning effort into ease.
🌱 If Michelangelo could sculpt perfection by leaving what's unnecessary to one side, imagine what you could achieve by doing the same in your life. 👇
🌱 Is your quest for perfection holding you back from embracing the power of 'good enough'? 👇
🌱 What if improving your performance at work was as simple as prioritising your health? 👇
🌱 Worlds create worlds. Here's how you can use words to transform the people around you. 👇
🌱 What if the key to thriving isn’t fixing what’s wrong, but building on what’s already right with you? 👇
🌱 What if your leadership skills were only as sharp as the food that nourishes you? 👇
🌱 Could changing what you eat for breakfast be the simple solution to unlocking your brain's full potential? 👇
🌱 Why is it so easy to lose optimal health—and could striving for perfect wellness actually be making it harder to maintain? 👇
👉 Over to you!
As you rediscover the quiet forces shaping your world, how might they help you lead and live more effortlessly this week?
ps If you’re an entrepreneur, a lawyer or another high-flying professional - who’s looking to pause when you most need it to live and lead in a way that feels effortless, get in touch and let’s have a conversation.
That’s it for this week!
As always, I appreciate your feedback on Effortless Thursdays.
If Effortless Thursdays resonated with you, I'd be grateful if you told just one friend to subscribe. They and you can always unsubscribe using the link below.
What did you think of this week’s edition? How can I make it more useful to you? Let me know in the comments, by email, on X or on LinkedIn.
To your health, joy, and success—one step at a time!
Eric
This is a lovely reflection and I agree with what you summarized. The people and community is the hardest to explain in words. It's so awesome I had the opportunity to meet people like you in WoP, someone I'd probably never casually run into on the street. I'm so happy this was a catalyst we were able to take advantage of.
You have been one of the most consistent people I know from write of passage who is publishing almost every week. Write of Passage was magical and you showing up every week is spreading that magic + magic of effortlessness.
Write of Passage will always always be close to my heart.