I remember with embarrassment how unreasonably nervous I was the first time I purchased a second-hand wardrobe and had to go pick it up in a small van.

No joke. It was soon after I married and, being the man, it fell to me to furnish my hitherto Batchelor pad in a way worthy of a woman’s presence.

I was terrified.

Whatever the physiological explanations for these amplified feelings about mundane inconsequential activities (like collecting a piece of furniture for the first time) it highlights something I see again and again in the creative realm.

We’re afraid to do new things.

Every time you step out, you’ll often face inflated emotions.

But I’ve also found this. The second time is less terrifying. And the third even less so.

The first time I pressed publish was alarming. I’ve published a thousand books since that day.

The first time I pushed out a podcast made me squirm. I’ve recorded hundreds of episodes and don’t think twice about switching on a microphone now.

What petrified me in the early days of my online journey I now eat for breakfast!

My advice if you’re just starting out?

Feel the fear and move forward.

“And God, the source of shalom, will soon crush the Adversary under your feet.” (Romans 16:20 CJB)