Don't Hit Publish If You Miss This Rule

11 Sep 2026 #writing

Nobody wants to read about the successful being successful. That’s a bad story.

James Altucher, one of the writers I’ve stolen from, shares not to be heroes, but vulnerable. Our struggles make our stories more relatable. He has a rule: if it doesn’t make you scared, don’t hit Publish. I probably read it in Choose Yourself Stories.

In 10 Simple Ideas That Changed My Life, I wrote about my burnout episode, my stomach issues, and, even bits of my dating life. For a moment, I regretted sharing that, especially in a book.

These days, a reader told me the book related so much with her, because she’s been going through similar situations. That made it a 5-star for her. And that’s the power of stories.

If it doesn’t make you scared, don’t publish it.