Kurt Vonnegut often spoke about the struggles of being a writer. In interviews and public talks, he shared how, early in his career, he faced constant rejection. Magazine editors rejected him again and again. He joked that for a while, the only one who appreciated his stories was his dog.
But he kept writing. He reworked his style. He learned from the rejection. And eventually, he published Slaughterhouse-Five, a novel that would become one of the most celebrated anti-war books of the twentieth century.
His point was simple: the early days aren’t glamorous, and they don’t need to be.
That stretch where things aren’t working yet? That’s where growth happens.
When you’re trying to master a skill, expect to struggle. Embrace it.
That uncomfortable space between who you are and who you want to become is where the real work lives.
Just keep going. Even if, for now, only your dog is paying attention.
Timeless Presenter, my new book on the principles of communication that never expire, will be released soon.
If you’d like to be notified when it’s out, you can join the early access list here.