“Do not go where the path may lead…” 🚶🏾‍♀️✨

Turns out, marathons aren’t just for runners. And side hustles? They’re not one-size-fits-all either. Here’s how I’m finding my own way. (#409)

Mar 22, 2025

(…go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson)

I’ve always believed that there’s more than one way to be an entrepreneur. But what I didn’t realize? There’s also more than one way to do a marathon. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Late last year, I fractured my foot and was stuck in a walking boot for what felt like forever. Anyone who’s dealt with an injury that forced you to pause doing things you love knows how frustrating that can be.

For me, that meant no dancing. No swimming. No favorite self-care activities.

But then, the universe sent me a little spark of hope…

First, an awesome chair yoga video from Lindsay, a fellow juggler.

(By the way, would you call yourself a juggler? Does that sound better than #jesspicker? I'm thinking it might be a fun way to name my community!)

Secondly, I was getting my hair done, and someone casually mentioned that people walk marathons. Wait, what? My ears perked up. “Yeah, people walk them all the time,” they said.

YOU CAN WALK MARATHONS? 🤯

Mind. Blown.

I’ve never been a runner (trust me, I’ve tried, and my shins are not a fan), but I LOVE walking. And suddenly, this thing I thought wasn’t for me… actually was.

My brain started going:

Could I walk a marathon?
I probably could… but that would take some training.
Maybe that’s too ambitious. What about a half marathon?
Better.

So I did what I do best: I used AI to create a training plan and break things down into smaller steps.

Here’s the plan:

Tomorrow: Do the 2-mile Shamrock Shuffle (so excited!)
Summer: Tackle a 5K (we have plenty of options here, so I’ll find a fun one)
November: Do the Hot Chocolate 10K (yes, you get chocolate when you finish!)
Next year: Half-marathon?

“So, what’s the lesson, Jess?”

Well, it’s three things:

There’s more than one way: I assumed marathons were only for runners. Turns out, walking is totally valid (as long as you can meet the pace requirements - often 15 min per mile). And for me, success isn’t about finishing quickly; it’s about finishing, period.
Baby steps make big goals doable: Instead of jumping straight into a half-marathon (or a 10K for that matter), I’m working my way up slowly and consistently.
External accountability is magic: Signing up for events gives me clear milestones and a reason to stay on track. (Plus, let’s be real—once I’ve paid for something, I’m way more likely to show up. 😂)

Where in your journey are you assuming there’s only one right way? Or was there a time when you discovered there was another way to do something?

Hit reply and let me know - I’d love to hear!

#picks 😍

Sanebox = smarter email. I love curating resources which has me thinking more about partnerships in my business. This week, I had the chance to chat with the head of partnerships at Sanebox. Got a sneak peek at some new features and shared some feedback. Sure, you could set up your own email filters, but if you don’t have the time, this tool can do it for you. It sorts your inbox into folders for newsletters, emails to review later, follow-ups, and a "black hole" for unwanted senders. And the more you use it, the smarter it gets. (Plus, they send fun stats! Last week, I saved 1.8 hours because it filtered 214 out of 305 emails for me.)
Deep rest and play for 2025? Yes please. I’m intentionally prioritizing breaks throughout my work day (yes, with some much-needed stretching!). On the play front, I have a bunch of jigsaw puzzles ready to go, along with this LEGO set and journal on my wishlist. What’s on your rest & play lists?
Two Ridiculously Tiny Habits That Completely Changed My Life. I adore this post with its focus on 10-minute habits - baby steps amirite?

#icymi

😍. Last issue’s top pick: The 5-Minute Side Hustle Boost: Practical Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs

#jesspicks

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” 🎯 ~Robert Collier

You spoke, I listened! Or more accurately… you replied, and I read. 😆…

3 months ago · 3 likes · Jessica L. Williams

🌱 Side Hustle Idea Kickstart: Stuck on what business to start? This mini-course gives you six bite-sized lessons plus personal feedback from me!

#classifieds 🗞

Feeling overwhelmed with side hustle ideas? Try this quick exercise: speak your thoughts into Voicenotes. It transcribes everything and helps organize ideas for when you’re ready to create. I used it for this week’s intro!
Wish marketing felt less awkward? Discover how to grow your audience and connect with them in a fun, authentic way that matches your personality. Works at any stage of your side hustle journey.
“I wish I could remember all the great things I read...“ Readwise collects your book and article highlights in one place and brings them back to you in daily emails.
(like these ads? get yours here)

#lifevibes

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Thank you, Kelly, Melinda, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keyn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️

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