The Surfing Lesson

Years ago, my friend enrolled her young son in surfing lessons. Picture this: a long, hot drive to the beach, the anticipation of catching waves, and then… a flat refusal to even dip a toe in the water. My friend, understandably frustrated, asked him a simple question: “What would need to happen for you to start this surfing lesson?”

His answer? “I guess I would just need to decide. I would need to decide to do it.”

Genius, right?

That’s the same truth that applies to your book. All that “faffing around,” all those excuses, all that stalling? It boils down to one thing: you need to decide.

• You need to decide that your insecurities won’t dictate your path.
• You need to decide that your delusions of self-sufficiency are holding you back. (“I can do it myself” is a lie smart people tell themselves to stay stuck.)
• You need to decide that investing in yourself always pays off, often tenfold.
• You need to decide that mentorship is rocket fuel for your creativity.
• You need to decide that community fuels productivity.
• You need to decide that by [Your Target Date – in the email, Labor Day], you’ll have a book you’re proud of.

I’ve had the privilege of guiding over 100 writers, from first-timers to seasoned authors, from twenty-somethings to octogenarians. Some weren’t even sure they wanted to write a book, but they felt a calling. A summons.

Are you feeling that call? That summons?

When you delay your dream, you deny your dream.

Decide.

Watch as the miracles start rolling in, like waves crashing on the shore.

(Remember how that always happens? Yeah. It’s cool.)

The Power of “Decide”

The word “decide” comes from the Latin “decidere,” meaning “to cut off.” Like “homicide” or “patricide.” It means to end the debate within yourself, to cut off alternative courses of action. To commit to an irrevocable path.

But here’s the kicker: not deciding is also a decision.

#micdrop

Hear from Those Who Decided:

• “Thank you for your brilliance and spirit as I moved through writing my first book. It has gotten stellar reviews.” – Sherry Williams
• “Yes, thanks to Sam, I have a book proposal and an outline. The accountability and community of the group kept me moving forward.” – Michelle Haner
• “Sam – Well, I did it, and you helped. I just sent my query, book proposal, and manuscript for review. You’ve been so much more than a coach.” – Diane Reed

Your Time is Now.

The world needs your story.

P.S. By the way, you look really great today.