“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” — Charles Kingsleigh (from Alice in Wonderland)
Every great endeavor starts with a spark of intention, but turning that intention into reality often requires overcoming significant challenges.
For me, writing my book, The Intentional Engineer, was one such challenge—a journey that began with fear and uncertainty but culminated in a powerful testament to the impact of intentional living and working. Today, I’d like to share the story behind why and how I wrote The Intentional Engineer.
The Theme of Intentionality
The concept of being “intentional†has always been at the heart of my work. As a coach and trainer, I’ve spent years helping people identify their intentions, gain clarity on their goals, and live more intentionally. This approach became a guiding principle in my practice, shaping the way I interacted with clients and the advice I provided.
Over time, the idea of being intentional in everything we do became a theme that I couldn’t ignore—both in my professional work and in my personal life.
Overcoming the Fear of Writing
But while intentionality was a theme I embraced, the idea of writing a book was something I feared for a long time.
You see, I didn’t always enjoy writing. In fact, I actively avoided it for much of my life.
As an engineer, I gravitated toward math and science—subjects with clear right and wrong answers. Writing, with its subjective nature, was something I found intimidating and uncomfortable. So, when I thought about writing a book, it was more of a distant dream—a status symbol, perhaps—rather than a real, tangible goal.
Over the years, however, I began to write more frequently out of necessity. As a career and leadership coach, I started publishing blogs, articles, and newsletters regularly. What began as an uncomfortable task gradually became a skill I honed and even began to enjoy. I wrote weekly blogs, bi-monthly newsletter articles, and guest posts for various outlets. In a typical month, I might write six to ten pieces of content. This consistent practice helped me overcome my fear of writing and prepared me for the larger challenge that lay ahead.
The Decision to Write the Book
The decision to finally write The Intentional Engineer didn’t come easily, but it was catalyzed by a series of conversations with mentors. For some time, I had mentors asking me when I would write my first book and what it would be about. Their encouragement planted the seed, but it wasn’t until one particular conversation that I decided to take the plunge.
I remember the moment vividly: It was a Thursday night, and I was speaking with a mentor in New Zealand. He asked me, “Have you written that first book yet? When are you going to do it?”
At that moment, I realized I had been putting off something important—something that could make a significant impact. I mentioned that I had an event coming up in a little over three months, and how great it would be to have a book to share at the event. My mentor’s response was enthusiastic, and it sparked a resolve in me. I thought, “Why not now?”
The Process of Writing “The Intentional Engineer”
With that decision made, I knew I needed a plan. Fortunately, I had recently reconnected with another mentor who was a book coach. He had a program designed to help people write and publish a book in 90 days, and I decided to commit to it. I referred to the deadline for my event as a “forcing function”—a motivator that would push me to achieve my goal.
The next three months were a whirlwind of writing, editing, and revising. I drew on my years of experience as a content creator and writer, but this time, the stakes felt higher. I was not just writing another blog post—I was crafting a book that encapsulated years of knowledge, experience, and passion. My wife, who became my first editor, provided invaluable support, and I also worked with a professional editor and my book coach to ensure the manuscript was the best it could be.
There were long nights and early mornings, but I pushed through. The result? I completed the book just a week before the event. The feeling of holding that first printed copy in my hands was indescribable—it was a tangible proof of what could be achieved through intention, commitment, and hard work.
The Outcome and Success of the Book
The Intentional Engineer launched successfully and quickly became a top new release in its category. A few months later, I released the audiobook version, which further expanded its reach. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how the book has helped others live more intentional lives and careers.
The Broader Lesson: Commitment and Support
Looking back, the journey of writing The Intentional Engineer taught me a crucial lesson: with the right intention, commitment, and support, we can achieve what once seemed impossible. Perhaps there’s something in your life that you’ve been putting off—something that feels overwhelming or out of reach. My advice is to fully commit to it. Rally the support you need, set a clear deadline, and push yourself to make it happen. The reward is worth the effort.
The story behind The Intentional Engineer is one of overcoming fear, embracing intentionality, and achieving what once seemed impossible. It’s a testament to the power of commitment and the importance of having a clear plan and support system. I hope this story inspires you to pursue your own goals with intention and determination. If you haven’t yet explored The Intentional Engineer, I encourage you to check it out—it might just help you live a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Watch more in the video below:
