nothing happens, then everything does
“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” — Henry Ford
Yesterday, something strange—and at the same time, deeply motivating—happened to me.
I checked my inbox like I usually do. But this time, something caught my eye:
“New sale on Gumroad: 19.99€”
I read it again. It had to be a mistake. I refreshed the page. Checked it again.
Nope. It was real.
It hit me all at once: this is possible.
It’s just a €19.99 sale. But to me—it meant everything.
It was a turning point. A moment where the old version of me shattered. That version who believed this wasn’t possible. That it was for “others.” That I wasn’t cut out for this.
But now, I had proof. I did it. I crossed that line. And more importantly—I changed. Not the world, not the internet. Me.
I changed my lens. My internal dialogue. My story.
I went from “I don’t think I can” to: “This is real. And I’m the one who will make it happen.”
It reminded me of Dan Koe’s line:
“Nothing happens. Then everything happens. All at once.” — Dan Koe
That’s what it felt like—a miracle, almost. Like life finally smiled back after years of uncertainty.
A short story
I started writing online around May last year. I had no clue what I was doing. I was insecure but still I posted my ideas on X (Twitter) and hit “publish” with a pounding heart.
I had 0 followers by then, but that was exactly my advantage.
No one knew me so I was free to test, to fail, to reinvent myself again and again.
And here’s the truth:
You can test. You can pivot. You can post like nobody’s watching—because no one is. Yet.
And that’s your edge.
For me it wasn’t about becoming an “influencer.” It was about learning in public, documenting the journey, adding value, building something meaningful and owning a name in the process.
As my account grew—0 to 400 followers—I launched my first digital product: a calisthenics ebook. I gave it away for free. A few downloads here and there.
But then, a stranger messaged me. He thanked me and told me the ebook inspired him, that it gave him hope. That my journey gave him faith in his.
I started giving him free coaching, one-on-one. I shared what I knew, how I had grown. I gave him everything I had.
Then, out of nowhere—my X account got suspended.
It wasn’t the first time, so I waited it out, but this time felt different.
Weeks passed. No resolution.
I lost everything. Every post. Every message. Every follower, every connection there.
And for a moment, I broke. I felt like nothing worked, despite giving it everything.
“Was all that time, effort, money…for nothing?”
But instead of complaining—I owned it. I took responsibility, and moved forward.
This time, on Threads.
I started again: new platform, new game—but same fire.
And then yesterday…
That email. That €19.99. That first win.
After over a year of writing online, that was the first euro I ever made from my own digital product. A product born from my experience. From my trial and error.
And suddenly, Dan Koe’s words echoed louder than ever:
“Nothing happens. Then everything happens. All at once.”
And this time—I believed it.
And now I know: It was never about the €19.99. It was about becoming the kind of person who makes it happen—against all odds.
Sometimes, the smallest win holds the loudest truth: You’re closer than you think.
So if you’re still on the fence—start. Write the first post. Publish the first idea. Create the thing you wish existed. And let the rest take care of itself.
Believe me.. eventually it will.
“If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” — Reid Hoffman (co-founder of Linkedin)
P.S.
If you want to build a body that looks carved from stone, move with strength and style, and master your body on your own terms- you should read this simple ebook i wrote.
If not you can always follow me on Instagram/Threads as @aynat_one and be my favorite silent observer- until you’re ready to move/build/create.
