🏗️ Why the Setup Feels So Hard (But Pays Off for Years)

Day 20 of 30 — Laying the Groundwork for a Smoother Creative Workflow

Author

Selim Uysal
June 20, 2025

Hi friend,

I’m living this right now, and maybe you are too:

➡️ The beginning of anything worthwhile feels harder than it should.

You want to make progress.

But every step takes twice the energy.

You wonder:

“Shouldn’t this be easier by now?”

Lately, I’ve been working on automating parts of my content workflow.

And it’s been slow.

Tiring.

Frustrating at times.

For example:

Instead of writing 2-3 posts manually (which I could’ve done in 1-2 hours),

I spent 2+ hours figuring out a new Zapier workflow.

It didn’t feel like progress.

But next week, and every week after that, it will save me 30–60 minutes per day.

And more importantly, it saves energy.

Because that’s the thing no one tells you:

🔁 Once your system is in place, momentum takes over.

This is true whether you’re…

  • Starting a new habit

  • Learning to use a tool like Zapier or Notion

  • Setting up a content calendar or lead magnet

  • Moving to a new city or switching careers

🏡 Here in Germany, even the smallest construction project can take months of preparation, permits, paperwork, delays.

But the mindset? Slow is smooth. Smooth is strong.

Build it once. Make it last.

📚 Backed by Research:

According to BJ Fogg (author of Tiny Habits), the hardest part of any behavioral system is setup: defining the trigger, mapping the routine, and removing friction.

Once that’s done?

“Design beats willpower.”

— BJ Fogg

Set it up once, then let the system carry the weight.

Today’s reminder:

If something feels hard right now, that’s not a bad sign.

It might just mean you’re doing the foundational work.

Build it today.

Let it serve you tomorrow.

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💬 What’s one system or automation you’ve been avoiding, but know would free you up?

Reply “system” or DM me, I’ll help you set up your first one in 15 minutes (free call).

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Onward,

Selim

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