When you’re standing at the bottom of “Mount Book”, the summit can feel impossibly far away. Maybe you’re stuck thinking you need to have everything perfectly lined up before you can even begin. Maybe you’re battling that nagging voice in your head saying your ideas aren’t good enough. Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed and wondering if you really have what it takes to write a book that matters.

We get it – because we’ve been there. And we’ve helped plenty of thought leaders climb that same mountain.

In our latest episode of the Intelligent Think podcast, we dig into the mindsets that make or break your book journey. Because while strategy and structure are important, they’re not the only pieces of the puzzle. How you think about your book – your readiness, your confidence, your expectations – can have just as much impact as the words on the page.

Here are a few takeaways:

You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. But a vision is crucial.

We see it all the time: incredibly smart people who think they need to have a flawless plan before they can write a single word. The truth? Plans are helpful – but they will change. 

Instead of thinking about getting all your chapters perfectly mapped out before you start writing – put that energy towards a clear vision for your book’s future impact. Use that clarity as your North Star, and then let your blueprint evolve naturally as you start drafting. 

Remember: keep your positioning rock solid, but let your journey explore and twist. 

Progress builds confidence – not the other way around.

One of the most powerful mindset shifts we talk about with our authors is this: confidence doesn’t come before action. It comes from action. Every time you share your ideas, write a messy first draft, or get real feedback, you’re collecting evidence that you can do this.

You don’t need to be bursting with confidence to begin. But you do need to begin to build it.

Your inner critic isn’t the enemy.

We love what our fabulous Better Book Project alumni Dr. Bex Bell says in her book Inner Critic to Inner Coach: your inner critic doesn’t need to be banished – it just shouldn’t be given the mic.

It’s normal to feel doubt when you’re doing something that matters. Those critical thoughts are often a sign that you care. The trick is to notice them, acknowledge them, and then get on with it anyway.

You can’t do this in a vacuum.

One of the most effective ways to overcome mindset wobbles is to stop trying to do it all on your own. You need people around you – thinking partners, editors, coaches, community. People who will challenge you and cheer you on. People who will call you out and lift you up. That’s where the transformation happens.

Because even the most reluctant thought leaders (we see you!) have something worth saying. And with the right mindset and the right support, you can turn your ideas into a book that genuinely changes lives – especially your own.

Want more? Listen to the full podcast episode here. We dive deeper into all things mindset, share more behind-the-scenes stories, and offer up practical ways to move forward – even when your inner critic is loud and the path to writing a book feels steep.