About seven years ago, I released my very first e-book.
It was a tiny book. Ten pages long. Just a wee little thing.
It didn’t take very long to create. In fact, the whole process took less than two days.
First, I drove to my favorite coffee shop. I ordered a triple-shot latte. I was lucky enough to snag a big, cozy, velvet armchair right by the fireplace. I snuggled deep into the cushions. And then I wrote the
book in one afternoon. (Again, we’re not talking about War & Peace or Anna Karenina. This was a micro, mini, pint-sized book.)
While working on the book, I pretended like I was writing an extra-long email to a friend.
I didn’t think, “Oh my god, eek, I’m writing a book, I
don’t know how to do that…”
Instead, I told myself, “I’m just writing to a friend to share some advice and encouragement. I know how to do that. I do that all the time. No big deal. Easy!” That mindset helped things to flow along pretty quickly.
The next day, I read the Word document
aloud to make sure it sounded like “me” — conversational, human, not robotic. I cleaned up a few typos. I added a very basic cover page with the title, my name, and my website. Then I clicked File > Save As > PDF.
And just like that, my very first e-book was… all done!
It was a tiny project,
yet it brought me big buckets of joy. Joy, and also satisfaction, pride, and a big boost in confidence. I felt like a “finisher,” not just a “starter” or a “dabbler.” It shifted how I felt about myself as a writer, as an artist, even as a human being. A tiny shift — yet, a big deal.
I love projects of all sizes. But I especially love tiny projects.
A tiny podcast. Each episode could be just five minutes long.
A tiny book. Just twenty pages or less.
A tiny audiobook. Thirty minutes of love.
A tiny event. Six people gathered in your living room.
A tiny mission. Write one “thank you” card every Friday and mail it off.
A tiny moment. Journaling in your diary and writing a poem for nobody else. Just for you.
Once I decide, “I’m going to do a tiny project. Nothing too crazy. Simple and small,” it’s amazing how much R – E – L – I – E – F floods into my body.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel focused. Instead of giving up, I march forward. Instead of feeling inadequate, I feel capable. When
I set tiny goals, ironically, I make big moves.
If your heart is feeling heavy… if your to-do list is feeling monstrous… if you’re sick of starting projects and never finishing… I encourage you to hit the DELETE key on everything and switch to a tiny project instead.
Tiny projects can get you
unblocked.
Tiny projects can lead to surprising opportunities.
Tiny projects can change many people’s lives. Including yours.
Tiny projects are a big deal.
-Alex
PS. I've been listening to this
playlist and I love it. It soothes my brain.
PPS. This story about a tiny act of kindness made me cry... and cry. People can be so
good.
PPPS. I am now the proud mom of... a tiny dog named Dudley. I don't use social media these days, however, my partner Brandon does... and he made an Instagram account dedicated to our new dog. So, if you're into that sorta thing, you can follow Dudley's adventures here. I hope lil' Dud brings delight into your day!
