“I Almost Didn’t Send This Newsletter…”

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In “Fog to Focus,” the framework I am leaning into this year, I almost didn’t finish this newsletter. Honestly, I was overthinking everything. I found myself spiraling through endless questions: What kind of content should I write? Should I share research or something I’m currently learning? Should I talk about the latest project I’m building? Should I give a quick tip, share a quote, or perhaps tell a short story or case study?

I wrote pages on all of it. And somehow, nothing felt finished. It was frustrating.

Then another question began to bug me: Do I use AI? I recently invented and have been testing “Coach Clarity AI” as a bonus for my clients. Coach helps me plan tomorrow the night before, and it is honestly pretty cool.

Using AI would certainly be faster, but I wanted this to be authentic. Real. Personal. I want it to sound like me. So yes—I used AI to help organize my frameworks and communication structure. But these words? These struggles? These are entirely mine.

Then came a deeper question: Who exactly am I writing to? I am a Christian, and my faith shapes everything I teach. However, I also know that the struggle with focus is universal. I wondered: Will some leave because I am too faith-forward? Will others leave because I’m not bold enough?

Maybe. And honestly, that tension used to stop me. Now I realize that clarity requires choosing who you are—not trying to please everyone.

I’ve also been busy building six different newsletter frameworks. (Yes, six.) Fellow entrepreneurs will understand this—sometimes building the system becomes just another way to avoid starting the work. I’ll share more about that later, especially for intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs who want to grow an idea into something meaningful.

My long-term plan is simple: I want to provide free content that genuinely helps you grow, a low-ticket entry through my book “Focus!” with bonuses, masterclasses for deeper learning, and for a small number of people, one-on-one coaching for serious transformation.

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My real goal isn’t just to provide information. It is to help you become the person capable of achieving your calling, goals, and dreams. So, with all that said, let’s dive into today’s lesson.

The Power of the Deadline

The single best way to get unstuck is to set a deadline. I had blocked time to write this newsletter, but I hadn’t set a real deadline for completion. Consequently, the clock kept moving, and I found myself with only 15 minutes left and almost nothing finished.

Finally, I told myself: “Two hours. That’s it.” Something shifted immediately.

I faced the same problem years ago with “Time Tip Tuesday” on Facebook Live. The idea of going live terrified me. So, I removed the decision from the equation. Every Tuesday. A specific time. I would start no matter what. Fear lost its power the moment the deadline existed.

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

That verse reminds me of something simple but uncomfortable: Deadlines create wisdom. We all have limited time. The average lifespan today is about 79 years, and we each get only 24 hours today—no more, no less. You can always earn more money, but you cannot earn more time.

Redefining Failure and Prioritization

I used to hate goals because missing one felt like failure. Now, I see it differently. When I set a goal, one of two things happens: I achieve it, or I learn why I didn’t. And learning is never failure. Deadlines force prioritization. You never arrive at your destination if you never decide when the journey begins.

Deadlines create movement. A mentor once told me: “Screw it. Just do it.” Honestly, saying that still makes the kid raised in a conservative home cringe. But if that phrase bothers someone enough to unsubscribe, that’s okay too. Clarity sometimes means letting the wrong expectations go.

Deadlines also give us a necessary moment to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? What am I grateful for? What will I do differently next time? There is no better teacher than an honest review at the end of a deadline.

So if you’re stuck, if you’re spinning, or if something important keeps getting pushed aside… set a deadline. Then start.

Updates and Opportunities

Speaking of deadlines, I have a couple of updates for you: I’m preparing a new Fog to Focus talk, and I’d love for you to hear it first. You can find the link below to register. Additionally, I just completed the audiobook version of Focus! More details are coming soon—I’m excited to share it with you.

Until next time,
Chad Earhart
Fog to Focus