🌴282. The First Draft is the Hardest

In today’s episode, I share a gem of a quote that came from Fiona Kruger (thanks Fiona!) — one her manager used to repeat almost daily:“The first draft is the hardest.”Simple, powerful, and so true.I unpack how that idea plays out across everything from corporate projects to book writing — and why accepting that the first draft will always be hard takes the pressure off. It’s not supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to exist.You’ll hear me riff on:💡 Why getting the first draft out is 90% of the battle🧠 How Fiona’s approach to front-loading her work made collaboration easier✍️ My 52-day sprint to write The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint (and why a tight deadline saved me from overthinking)🎧 The incredible Ira Glass quote about “the gap” between your taste and your skill — and how to close it through volume🔥 Why perfection kills momentum and why iteration builds masteryMy challenge to you this week: Create your next first draft — even if it’s rough. Publish it. Send it. Ship it. Because you can’t edit what doesn’t exist.Mentioned in this episode:Fiona (and her brilliant quote!)The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint by yours trulyIra Glass on closing the creative gap — full transcript hereTakeaway: ➡️ The first draft is the hardest — but it’s also the most important. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll get good.🎧 Thanks for listening — if this resonated, share it with a friend who’s been stuck in “draft limbo.” I’ll speak to you tomorrow.Sign up for free for my best articles every week: Work Fame.Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.comP.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. Let's connect on all the channels:Leanne Hughes on LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: [email protected] you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.