Fuck It and Lock In: My 2025 Mottos
What I learned from putting out my first book without warning
At the start of the year, I knew I wanted things to be different. Not just different, but better.
Admittedly, I don’t think I’ve recovered much from what had happened to me in the past two years. They were difficult times, a little too difficult. Emotionally and financially, they cost me a lot. Then we reached 2025. I had new problems stemming from old problems. And there appeared to be no end to them.
Then one day I chose to self-publish my first book of poetry. There was nothing different about that day. It was like any other day. But something clicked in me. Something made me want to put my book out there. Something made me think that I could make things different—better, even—if I just started there.
So I self-published my book. And I told everyone. I’ve made a few sales, and things have been a little different since—almost a little better.
There have been two reminders I set up on my phone last month. The first one appears at 9 am every day: fuck it. It could mean a few things, depending on the mood I’m in. Fuck it, I don’t need this. Fuck it, it’s not worth it. Fuck it, just do it.
The second reminder is meant to reinforce that latter meaning: lock in. My phone rings at 12 pm every day to remind me that “fuck it” is meant to be motivational. Don’t wait on it. Just go for it. There’s no better time than the one you’re in now, because it’s the time you’re inspired and wanting to do it.
And that’s probably been the toughest lesson last month: there’s no better time than now because there will never be a perfect time to do it. Something will always come up. Something will always try to get in the way. Something will always be an excuse to just let go of what you want.
But things could be better—you could not let it stop you. You can wake up one morning and just put the damn book out there. You can see how it can change your world slowly but surely—maybe it can change it overnight. You can see how making the smallest changes can lead to the best results, better mindsets, and ultimately something different—better even.
So I’ll keep those reminders on my phone. Fuck it and lock in. There’s no better time to do it but now, today, and forever.
Thank you so much for reading this short post. I truly appreciate it.
As mentioned above, I self-published a book of poetry the world is burning and i’m late for work at the end of January. It’s done pretty well, so far, and I’m happy for the feedback everybody has had for it.
As far as promotion for it goes, I’m still working on it, relying mostly on word-of-mouth. If you’ve yet to purchase a copy, you can check out any of the links on my Linktree to purchase it wherever you’d like. It’s available as both physical and ebook on all major retailers, from Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Amazon (blegh), and even Kobo. You can also contact me directly for a personalized signed copy.
If you have time, please try to leave a review on Goodreads. Again, I’m relying a lot on word-on-mouth. Any sort of promotion helps and is greatly appreciated.
Also, I’d like to give a certain shout out to Jackie G Andrews and congratulate her on the release of her latest book One Last Family Dinner. Her book is officially out today and I cannot be more happy and proud of her. Jackie has come a long way since we first met in 2019, and reading her new memoir will show you how. Please consider buying a copy. It too is available through all major retailers. And be sure to spread the word.
Thank you so much for reading again! ‘Till next time!