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Get UNSTUCK by Pat Flynn

Launch day confessions from a nervous author


Issue #145 | June 3rd, 2025

Hi, it’s Pat!

I almost cried when I found this in my email archive:

It’s been three years, five months, and thirteen days since I sent a draft proposal to my book agent. And today, June 3rd, 2025 — Lean Learning is officially published.

I feel relieved, exhausted, nervous, and every other emotion you could experience when you work so hard on something, and it finally comes to life.

Now that we’re here, am I done?

Definitely not. This is actually just the beginning. It’s like a commencement at school — it’s not the end, it’s the beginning of the rest of your life.

Here’s what’s on my mind today. Let's get unstuck.

Quote of the Week

“Action without information is chaos. Information without action is a waste.”

Pat Flynn, Lean Learning

Story of the Week

I've noticed a pattern with many authors (myself included, with previous books): There's this massive push leading up to launch day, and then... silence. As if crossing the finish line of publication means the race is over.

But that's a huge mistake.

The truth is, launch day is just the starting line. The real work — the work that determines whether your book makes a lasting impact — happens in the weeks and months that follow.

That's why I'm approaching the release of Lean Learning differently. Instead of seeing today as the culmination of my efforts, I'm viewing it as Day One of a much longer journey.

My Post-Launch Game Plan

Here's what I'm committing to in the coming months to ensure that Lean Learning reaches as many people as possible:

1. Continued Podcast Tour: Most authors stop doing interviews after launch week. I'm planning to do at least 100 podcast interviews over the next year to consistently share the message with new audiences.

2. Creating Supplemental Content: I'll be developing free worksheets, templates, and guides that help readers implement the concepts from the book. These will be available on the book's website and shared through my newsletter.

3. Case Studies and Success Stories: As readers begin applying the principles of Lean Learning, I'll be collecting and sharing their stories. Nothing validates a concept like seeing real people achieve real results.

4. Speaking Engagements: I've blocked off time in my calendar specifically for speaking about the book at conferences, corporate events, and educational institutions throughout the year.

5. Ongoing Social Proof: I'll be actively encouraging and collecting reviews, not just during launch week but continuously. Social proof is powerful, and it compounds over time.

6. A Short Form Video Series: This may be the most unique approach, but it comes as a result of studying and learning about short-form content this past year. ShortPocketMonster on YouTube now has over 1.6M subscribers and 1.1B views in less than a year. If I hit the right notes along the lines of Lean Learning, I think it could be a game changer. There’s only one way to find out.

The NYT Goal (Why It Matters and Why It Doesn't)

I'll be transparent with you: One of my goals is to hit the New York Times bestseller list.

Is this about ego? A little bit, I won't lie. But it's about something much bigger, too. Making the list would amplify the book's message and help it reach people who might never otherwise discover it.

The principles in Lean Learning have the potential to transform how we approach learning in an age of information overload. They can help people reclaim their time, focus, and mental bandwidth while still acquiring the skills they need to thrive. In a world where burnout and overwhelm are epidemic, this message matters.

That said, I know the NYT list is just a snapshot — it only measures sales during this specific week. Whether the book makes the list or not, my commitment to spreading its message remains unchanged.

The real measure of success isn't a list; it's the number of lives impacted over the long term.

How You Can Help (If You Feel So Inclined)

If the message of Lean Learning resonates with you, here are a few ways you can help amplify it:

1. Share your thoughts: If you read the book, consider leaving an honest review on your preferred platform. Those reviews help others discover the book.

2. Spread the word: If you know someone who might benefit from the book, a personal recommendation means more than any marketing ever could.

3. Apply the principles: The greatest endorsement is implementation. Try the Lean Learning approach in your own life and share what happens.

Get Your Copy of Lean Learning Today

If you haven't picked up your copy yet, you can find it at:

Amazon (affiliate link)Barnes & NobleTargetBooks-A-MillionBookshop

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you've been following along since I first mentioned the book or you're just learning about it today, I'm grateful for your support and attention.

To help you take the ideas even further, I’ve created a free companion course inside the SPI Community. It’s a great next step to apply what you’re learning in a focused, practical way.

Here's to learning less and achieving more!

P.S. If you've already purchased the book, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I'd love to hear what resonates with you as you read it. I appreciate you!

My Upcoming LIVE Event!

Ever wondered what it really takes to write, publish, and launch a book?

Join me for an exclusive live Q&A session on Monday, June 23rd, where I’ll share the behind-the-scenes journey of creating my latest book, Lean Learning.

In this session, you’ll get an inside look at:

  • The real story behind Lean Learning
  • My personal writing process (what worked and what didn’t)
  • What it’s like to work with a traditional publisher

There will also be an open Q&A, so bring your questions about writing, publishing, or marketing a book launch!

This event is hosted in the free space of the SPI Community. If you're not already a member, you’ll be prompted to create a free account to secure your spot.

Cheers,

Pat Flynn

Founder, SPI

Dad Joke of the Week

What do you call a hen that can count their own eggs?

A mathemachicken.

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