🌱 Messy 1st drafts (and my “Life Systems” template)

My palms are sweating as I type this out…

(You’ll see why by the end.)

Here are your 3 insights.

🦴 At the Crossroads

I love the messy beginnings behind great work.

For example:

• 1989: Rap group “The Band-Aid Boys” formed in Cleveland

• 1993: Changed name to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony after joining Eazy-E’s label

• 1995: Released “Crossroad” as a tribute to a lost friend, Wally. Heartfelt, but no commercial success.

• 1996: Reworked song as “Tha Crossroads” as a tribute to Eazy-E’s passing. Became a cultural phenomenon — #1 hit for eight weeks and a Grammy winner.

The first draft is never perfect. But it’s the necessary lead domino.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony today wouldn’t exist without starting out as The Band-Aid Boys.

“Tha Crossroads” wouldn’t exist had they not first released the first draft “Crossroad” version.

🔦 Show > Tell

“No method is more effective than a good example.”

— Late IKEA Founder Ingvar Kamprad

Communication 101: show don’t tell

🎁 Real Example (Video + Template)

Now, what kind of hypocrite would I be if I left you with just these two nuggets and didn’t SHOW a real example..?

So here you go.

My friend Joel replied to last week’s newsletter, asking for clarity around vision for his future life/business.

Since I LOVE all newsletter readers (esp those that reply with questions/feedback), I put together a compressed version of my “Life Systems” into a Google doc (think core values, core areas, vision, quarter/monthly focus, etc.)

And I recorded this loom video breaking down the doc and exactly how to use it.

Enjoy.

Salud,
Mitchell

Ps. What’s a first draft or lead domino you can knock out this week?