Micro-seasons, micro-lessons + micro-actions

Launch Diary #03: reflections on week one of the Brand Seasons® Playdeck campaign

This is part of a five-part series documenting the creation and publication of the Brand Seasons® Playdeck and Paper.
01 · 02 · 03 · 04 · 05

Launching a new project is rarely straightforward, and my Kickstarter campaign for the Brand Seasons® Playdeck has tested my ability to remain grounded through the highs and lows — like hitting 25% funding one day and waking up to no new backers the next. In this third instalment of my launch diary, I’m sharing these early hurdles, and the lessons learned along the way.

Before diving into my week one reflections, I wanted to share a quote I discovered through

Cassie Wilkins

. It was timely and needed, and I thought it might resonate with those of you navigating similar changes (or launches).

“Dreams are fun when they are distant. The imagination loves to play with possibilities when there is no risk of failure. But when you find yourself on the verge of action, you pause. You can feel the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Thoughts swirl. Maybe this isn't the right time? Failure is possible now.”

— James Clear

Clear reflects on how those moments of pause, when faced with uncertainty, lead to real growth. It’s less about the outcome, and more about having the courage to take the leap and go after what we truly want in the first place.

His words capture the fear I felt in launching this campaign last week. The first day was exhilarating—25 backers joined, putting their belief in me and the Brand Seasons® Playdeck—and then the campaign slowed. I was prepared for the early rush and inevitable hush that followed, but not for the emotional peaks and troughs!

The little things

It’s common to see the polished result of someone’s hard work on a campaign. Meanwhile, the struggles often go untold.

Launch day didn’t go as planned — the first campaign video was more of a rough cut, as Jonathan and I quickly realised we needed more footage! And a few Kickstarter-related hurdles nearly kept us from meeting my self-imposed deadline.

However, we got it over the line, are now one week in and, at the time of writing, 25% funded! This feels incredible, and I *beam* at every single pledge. But for every milestone reached, there is, of course, the reminder that there is still some way to go.

Much to the surprise of some people, I am not familiar with launching. And those moments where the gap between my vision and reality is glaring—like having what felt like an incomplete video—do not bring the sense of ease I’m trying to lean into. But instead of spiralling in that moment, I reminded myself that this was our best and our best was good enough. We can show up in ways that are imperfect and impactful at the same time.

One of my highlights was sharing the campaign on Notes and realising that backer number 25 was

Carmen Luisa

from my Brand Seasons community. And it was lovely to feel the support from this space, which has held my hopes and dreams for this project for the last 18 months.

So, if my work or words have touched you in any way during this time, I invite you to share my campaign or, if it’s within your means, back my card deck. Because I’m also finding it within myself to ask for help. This doesn’t come easy, but it’s necessary if I want to breathe life into this project.

Micro-seasons

This process, I’m learning, is all about staying buoyant — a theme I touched on with

Sara Duigou

in the latest podcast episode.

Before publishing, I listened to our conversation about the Season of Grounding (from my Brand Seasons® Method) and was reminded of how vital it is to tap into micro-seasons. In the case of this launch, that means making space for moments of rest.

We don’t have to wait until we’ve crossed a particular milestone before we exhale, or run ourselves into emotional and physical unease. By inviting moments of calm into my days and weeks, I can keep showing up for what is essentially a Season of Blossoming with my project. Launch energy is very much summer energy, and that needs extra holding when the days become shorter and darker.

It’s tempting to push during a launch, but I’m realising more and more that stepping away is what’s allowing me to keep coming back stronger. Rest isn’t just self-care, it’s survival.

Micro-lessons

Kickstarter itself has been overwhelming — especially the influx of spam emails…nobody prepared me for that! — so I’ve tried to shift my attention back to outreach. Less worrying about numbers, and more focusing on my skillset!

It’s easy to get caught up in the rise of backers and funding — my dopamine levels in the first 48 hours were likely through the roof, only to flatline — so I’m doing my best to turn my attention to the creative energy needed to drive the campaign forward. This means easing my grip on the numbers a little.

I listened to a helpful conversation between

Claire Venus

and

Lucy Werner

about how to successfully run a crowdfunder, and Claire touched on the deadzone — the period I’m now entering before the influx of backers arrives (we hope) towards the end.

👩🏻‍🏫CLASS REPLAY: How to successfully run a crowdfunder

This brings me to say, that if you’re hanging off until the last few days to see what happens, please reconsider and support me today. A pledge is a pledge, it doesn’t deduct your account until the last day (if the campaign is successful).

I feel it’s also important to highlight that ‘the happy dance’ is a thing. I’ve discovered moves I didn’t know I had in me. Will this encourage you to leap with me? Perhaps. Will I release that outtakes video including said dance moves when we reach 50 backers? Possibly! All we can do is try…

Micro-actions

I’ve also been listening to

Oliver Burkeman

’s latest book, Meditations for Mortals, a fascinating reminder of how unreasonable I can be with myself—especially with the pressure to be productive.

His way of thinking speaks to the part of me that wants to find ease in this process, and I enjoyed listening to his conversations with

Sarah Philp

for the Space to Think podcast. There are two episodes—one being an earlier chat about Four Thousand Weeks, a book I know some of you are familiar with!

E.8 4000 Weeks with Oliver Burkeman

Another thing that’s been helping me stay centred, which Burkeman touches on in chapter four of Meditations for Mortals, is keeping track of my achievements with a “ta-da list.”

On launch day, I made the mistake of creating a to-do list that gave me no margin for error. I usually allow time for unforeseen problems, especially around a deadline. Instead, I spent hours trying to edit images for Kickstarter, which was more of a headache than expected.

Thankfully, imperfect action is what week two of Meditations for Mortals is all about. It’s been so encouraging to have this voice in my ear each day over the last week and to know it will remain there until the end of the campaign.

This process, I’m learning, is about embracing the small victories, the kind messages, and, yes, even the humbling moments. It’s about approaching each day with some grit and grace, and a touch of humour.

If my work speaks to you in some small way, I’d love your support. Be among the first to bring this project to life, whether by backing the Brand Seasons® Playdeck or sharing it with your community.

Did you know that all backer names will feature in This Creative Life - A Brand Seasons® Paper? I can’t wait to share more about my vision for this special addition. Week one was all about bringing my card deck to life, and now I’m turning my focus to the mini zine. I’m excited to reveal how it connects to the Brand Seasons® Playdeck and offers even more creative inspiration. Stay tuned!