In today’s episode, I share a gem of a quote that came from Fiona Kruger (thanks Fiona!) — one her manager used to repeat almost daily:

“The first draft is the hardest.”

Simple, powerful, and so true.

I unpack how that idea plays out across everything from corporate projects to book writing — and why accepting that the first draft will always be hard takes the pressure off. It’s not supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to exist.

You’ll hear me riff on:

• 💡 Why getting the first draft out is 90% of the battle
• 🧠 How Fiona’s approach to front-loading her work made collaboration easier
• ✍️ My 52-day sprint to write The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint (and why a tight deadline saved me from overthinking)
• 🎧 The incredible Ira Glass quote about “the gap” between your taste and your skill — and how to close it through volume
• 🔥 Why perfection kills momentum and why iteration builds mastery

My challenge to you this week:

Create your next first draft — even if it’s rough. Publish it. Send it. Ship it. Because you can’t edit what doesn’t exist.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Fiona (and her brilliant quote!)
• The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint by yours truly
• Ira Glass on closing the creative gap — full transcript here

Takeaway:

➡️ The first draft is the hardest — but it’s also the most important.

The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll get good.

🎧 Thanks for listening — if this resonated, share it with a friend who’s been stuck in “draft limbo.”

I’ll speak to you tomorrow.

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Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.com

P.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:

1. Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.
2. Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. 

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Visit my website: leannehughes.com

Email me: [email protected]

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