The Creative Work Hour Podcast

Episode 70: From One Day, to Day One!

Episode Summary: This episode explores the shift from “one day” ideas to “day one” actions—how creatives give themselves permission, start small, tolerate imperfection, and build momentum. The crew discusses soft openings, systems for ideas, reframing expectations, and the emotional triggers that turn hesitation into action. From blockchain curiosity to pop-up sessions and daily practice, the conversation highlights practical ways to begin, sustain, and normalize starting—again and again.

Today’s Crew:

• Alessandra
• Greg
• Devin
• Shadows
• Gretchen
• Bailey

Key Themes:

• Permission to start: Give yourself consent to have the idea and to take a small action.
• Soft openings and pop-ups: Low-stakes starts that build confidence and clarity.
• License to suck: Imperfection is part of the process—so is patience.
• Obstacles are the message: The flaws, noise, and glitches tell a true story of making.
• Systems beat piles: Track ideas so they don’t gather dust; revisit and decide.
• Words matter: Reframing “one day” to “day one” changes behavior and momentum.
• Community helps: Seeing others do the thing often unlocks permission to try.

Noteworthy Quotes and Observations:

Alessandra:

• Quote: “I have the permission to have this idea. I also have the permission to do a little something with it, and I’m not under any obligation to do it.”
• Observation: Soft openings and pop-ups reduce pressure and make starting feasible. She turned frustration about understanding blockchain into action by hosting her first Twitter Space—an example of converting “one day” into “day one.”
• Keypoint: “Obstacles are also the message.” The clicks in a clarinet recording or a camera angle gone wrong are part of the authentic story of making.
• Memorable line: “You have the license to suck—and you have the license to soar.”

Greg:

• Quote: “Maybe today is the day. It’s okay to make mistakes.”
• Observation: Community commitments and putting a date on the calendar (“What does Wednesday look like?”) move ideas into action.
• Keypoint: Starting a podcast with a partner (Rich) came from support-group momentum and the belief that kindness should be part of the show.
• Note: Emphasizes repurposing early material and accepting imperfect starts as learning.

Devin:

• Quote: “I didn’t know I could do that. Who told them they could do that?”
• Observation: Seeing someone else do the thing often breaks the permission barrier—resentment, envy, and a spark of defiance can catalyze action.
• Keypoint: Norm-challenging behavior (even small acts like wearing a shirt inside out) can train you to ignore conventions and try.
• Memorable refrain: “I don’t need your rules, man.”

Shadows:

• Quote: “My daily note is not a to-do list—I refuse to have a to-do list.”
• Observation: Uses a “suggestions and ideas” note in Obsidian; ideas land there and get revisited. Some stay, some get crossed off. Systems keep ideas moving without the weight of obligation.
• Keypoint: The “Echoes” work emerged from trying layers, not a single big launch. Start, test, adjust.

Gretchen:

• Quote: “Stop should-ing on myself. This is day one—I’m going to get this far, and as far as I get is okay.”
• Observation: Reframing “one day” to “day one” changes how projects feel—day-one piles energize, one-day piles suffocate.
• Keypoint: Grant yourself permission to repeat day one as often as needed; each reset is valid.
• Note: Language shapes behavior; choosing “day one” invites action and acceptance.

Bailey:

• Quote: “Allowing myself to suck—if I don’t have that, I’m afraid to write one word.”
• Observation: Creative work can quiet a loud, persistent idea that won’t leave your head—doing the work is soothing.
• Keypoint: Patience plus presence (butt in seat, notes on piano, words on page) is the recipe for starting.

Main Takeaways:

• Start with permission: You already have the idea—give yourself consent to act on it.
• Reduce stakes with soft openings: Try small, informal starts without big announcements.
• Embrace imperfection: Expect messy first attempts; keep going anyway.
• Turn frustration into action: Strong emotions can be fuel for a first step.
• Use systems, not guilt: Keep ideas in an accessible list; revisit and decide without shame.
• Put a date on it: A calendar commitment or partner accountability turns “someday” into “Wednesday.”
• Normalize repeat day ones: You can start again—day one isn’t scarce.
• Let obstacles speak: The flaws are part of the story; publish and improve.

Episode Highlights:

• Alessandra’s blockchain curiosity turned into a Twitter Space after getting “pissed off,” showcasing the catalytic power of frustration.
• The Creative Work Hour itself began as a string of soft openings and pop-ups—hundreds of test sessions before a formal launch in July 2021.
• Gretchen’s simple language switch (“day one”) reshaped her daily creative practice and relationship to unfinished projects.
• Devin’s candid insight about envy and permission highlights how seeing others act unfreezes our own hesitation.
• Shadows’ “suggestions and ideas” system offers a sustainable alternative to burdened to-do lists.
• Bailey’s mantra—patience and the license to suck—gets words on the page and notes on the instrument.

Actionable Steps:

• Identify one “one day” idea and turn it into a soft opening. Keep scope tiny. No announcements.
• Put a date on the calendar and invite one person to join or witness.
• Create a “Suggestions and Ideas” note; add, revisit, and choose without pressure.
• Publish imperfectly: accept clicks, glitches, awkward angles; iterate later.
• If stuck, borrow permission: watch someone doing the thing and use that spark to start.

Connect:

• Learn more: creativeworkhour.com
• Find Alessandra on socials: @AlessandraWhite
• Share your “day one” with us—what are you starting this week?