Hey—it’s Clay.

Earlier this week, I wrote about the power of early action—why the smartest decisions are usually made before they feel urgent.

Today’s Kindling stays in that lane.
Because waiting until you’re “ready” often means never starting at all.

This week, I’ve got a story about what finally pushed me to launch Campfire Gentleman, a gut-check list to help you spot the signs you’re stalling, and a quote that reframes why letting go might be the only real way forward.

Let’s get into it. 🔥

Why I Launched Campfire Gentleman Sooner Than Planned

Back in the Fall of 2024, Campfire Gentleman was just a fuzzy idea.
Something I carried with me on walks and drives.
Something that felt important—but wasn’t quite ready.

By December, the message started taking shape. The audience came into focus.
And I told myself I’d launch in the summer—maybe June or July. I just needed a little more time. A little more clarity. A little more polish.

Then in February, I picked up The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (the second time I’ve mentioned this book in four weeks—take the hint).
And it punched me in the gut in the best way.

He wrote about Resistance—and how perfectionism is often just procrastination dressed up in a nicer outfit.

That was me.

I wasn’t refining. I was hiding.
I was telling myself I needed to get it right—but what I really needed was to just start.

So I did.

Not in June.
Not in July.
In April.

It wasn’t flawless—I’m not even sure it was or is good.
But it was real.
And that’s what matters.

You don’t need perfect. You need momentum.

Quote of the Week

That’s a very poetic way of saying something really simple:
To move forward, you have to let go.

Let go of the illusion of safety.
Let go of comfort disguised as control.
Let go of expectations you never agreed to carry in the first place.
Let go of the fear that says now isn’t the time.

You won’t get where you’re going by gripping the dock.
At some point, you have to push off—and trust that forward is better than stuck.

The Real Shift

Launching before you feel ready.
Making the move before life makes it for you.
Letting go of “perfect” so you can finally begin.

This week’s message wasn’t about rushing.
It was about choosing.
Because the longer you wait, the fewer choices you have.

So here’s the challenge:

👉 Pick one thing you’ve been putting off.
Start it this week. Even if it’s small. Especially if it feels early.

Don’t wait for perfect.
Push off from the dock.

That’s how forward begins.

Until next time—
Keep the fires burning,
— Clay

If you’re digging Campfire Gentleman, check out a few other newsletters I actually read and recommend. No fluff—just solid stuff from like-minded guys trying to build something that matters.