If I hear one more person saying THIS

This issue comes from my very own DeLoran - as I am on maternity leave I collected some of the core lessons I have learned over the beginning of 2025.

Here’s a lil something about me. Since I was ten, I knew I wanted to be a writer.

I imagined myself as the Italian, female version of Stephen King: penning dark stories, drinking too much coffee, and typing away in a quiet corner of the world.

Apparently, the universe had other plans. But still… I became an author.

My first book was a self-published experiment born out of passion and urgency. I had something to say, and I didn’t want to wait for permission to say it.

My second book, “Reclaim Your Time Off”, came from necessity, a love letter to the workaholic in me (and maybe even yourself) who needed a reason to slow down and reflect.

This third one, though? This one has been different.

It’s the most researched, most ambitious, most “me stepping fully into expert mode” thing I’ve ever created.

And that’s also exactly where comparison crept in. Sneaky as ever.

Because the moment I started writing it (with a traditional publisher, double the page number, and the whole academia-meets-marketing experience) my brain did what most of ours do: it opened the tab of comparison. And it kept it open.

Suddenly, every book deal, every launch campaign, every marketing expert with a bestseller to their name felt like a measuring stick.

This newsletter is about the very real experience of comparison, and how to move through it with your self-worth (and creativity) intact.

I know the advice. You’ve heard it too:

As if it’s as easy as closing a tab or muting an Instagram story.

But comparison is a reflex. A built-in feature of being human.

And if you’re building something publicly (a brand, a business, a book) the temptation to measure your progress against others is constant.

With this third book, comparison hit differently. It was more than numbers… it was about credibility.

Am I expert enough? Respected enough? Ready enough?

The problem isn’t comparison. It’s what (and who) you’re comparing yourself to.

Instead of asking, “Why don’t I have what they have?”, I started asking:

During this book journey, I had moments where I’d look at other authors and think,

“They’ve got more resources.”
“They’re more recognised.”
“They’ve got it figured out.”

What helped was changing the lens I was using (prepare for a plethora of book analogies today).

Here’s the process I now follow, and what I recommend to anyone building something meaningful (especially when the path isn’t linear):

The moment you catch yourself spiralling into comparison, pause. Literally name it. We’re are these people in their journey? It goes a little bit like this:

“I’m comparing my journey to someone else’s Chapter 20.”

This simple act gives you distance from the feeling, and control.

Remember, your version of success is indeed, well, yours. So what does it look like for you in this season?

A great question is: what would make me proud of this next chapter?

Instead of only tracking metrics like sales, followers, or views, track actions that reflect your growth.

For me? Sending a messy draft to my editor. Redefining the scope of the book even when it meant more work.

It may be word count. Or prioritising your writing time. You name it.

Progress may not always be public (even if building in public can help - conversation for another day). But it’s always worth noticing.

Comparison is sneaky because it dresses up as ambition.

But chasing someone else’s timeline won’t get you where you actually want to go.

This third book taught me that truth in real time. It challenged how I see myself, how I define expertise, and how I handle visibility.

The hardest lesson of all is that your pace is not a problem.

Your voice, your perspective, your way of building: that’s the whole point.

Ever wonder how we built our email audience? On September 15th at 11am Eastern, we’re showcasing how we use our Kit account and the real tools & systems behind our email growth.

In "What's in Alt Marketing School's Kit?" we’re sharing the actual lead magnets, welcome sequences, and partnership strategies that work.

Join the free workshop

If you’re in a season where things feel slow, uncertain, or too quiet, remember, that’s often where the real growth is happening.

It’s in the pages you’re quietly writing behind the scenes (yes, I managed to sneak another book analogy in).

The Customer-Driven Marketing Handbook is now available for preorder.

If you’re building a marketing strategy that actually reflects your audience (instead of just mimicking what works for others), this book is for you.

I cannot wait for you to get your hands on it!

Always cheering you on,

Fab ✌️