372: Why Your Book Isn’t a Side Project — And Why You’re Still Stuck | Azul Terronez

You’re a coach, entrepreneur, or leader with a powerful message—and you know a book could expand your influence and open doors. So why does starting still feel impossible?

In this solo episode, I talk about why brilliant, experienced leaders get stuck and why your book isn’t a side project. You’ll learn the mindset shift needed to move past overwhelm, silence self-doubt, and finally take the first real step toward becoming a published authority.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” this is the moment to begin.

Many aspiring authors know they’re meant to share a message, yet the process can feel overwhelming and easy to delay. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I offer a reminder: your book isn’t just a task—it’s your legacy.

The Inner Struggles Holding You Back

A recurring theme I hear from clients is that they feel paralyzed by hidden beliefs. It’s not a lack of expertise or compelling stories blocking their progress, but doubts like, “Am I a real writer?” or “What if nobody cares about my book?” The pressure to make every word matter, fear of judgment, and the possibility of failure can freeze even the most brilliant leaders.

I challenge this internal dialogue because you don’t need permission from a publisher, a massive following, or perfect writing habits to begin. You already have everything within you to start. The real shift happens when you take action—no matter how small. Waiting for the “right time” risks never sharing your voice or missing out on the impact your story could have.

The Path to Getting Unstuck

So how do you move from stuck to unstoppable? For me, it always begins with reframing your beliefs and taking tangible, manageable steps. That’s why I created my private audio series, Born to Write, Scared to Start, tailored specifically for coaches and leaders. This intimate series meets you where you are, helping you break through overwhelm and take focused action.

Each episode is intentionally short—just 8 to 12 minutes—making it perfect for busy lives. The series draws from real coaching sessions, illustrating how one small step builds momentum and alleviates pressure. The rhythm of taking action, just as I teach in my Mentored Author program, helps authors move past limiting beliefs and unlock their potential. If you’ve felt paralyzed by self-doubt, these tools are a powerful way to begin.

Why Writing a Book Is a Game-Changer

Writing and publishing a book shifts more than your visibility—it shifts your identity. I share my own journey of moving from educator to author, and how I realized my voice mattered outside the walls of my classroom. Taking that leap created opportunities to coach, speak at conferences, and present at TEDx events. None of those came from waiting for perfection—they came from stepping forward and sharing my story.

Your book becomes an anchor for your message, mission, and contribution to a wider audience. Your confidence grows, your reach expands, and your business and impact deepen. Your book isn’t the “prize” at the end—it’s the vehicle for growth, clarity, and connection.

Take the First Step—Today

You don’t need a huge audience or flawless habits to begin. You simply need the willingness to take your next step, even if it seems small. The Born to Write, Scared to Start audio series is my free gift to anyone who wants to finally write their book, gather wisdom, and clear a path forward.

You can access the series at AuthorsWhoLead.com, under the Born to Write section. Simply submit your info and begin. And if you want ongoing inspiration, the Authors Who Lead podcast offers interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a supportive author community.

Your Legacy Is Waiting

Whether this is your first episode or you’ve been listening for years, I want to extend my gratitude and encouragement: now is the time to write your book, share your message, and expand your influence both in your immediate world and beyond. The smallest step is the beginning of a journey that could change your life—and the lives of those waiting to hear from you.

Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.

That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.