The Dumbest Thing I Did That Taught Me the Smartest Lesson

Hey Reader!

Something funny happened yesterday that got me thinking about systems.

Picture this: It's early morning, I’m groggy from a late night out, running late for a marketing event, and there’s no time for breakfast. Just enough for a quick coffee.

Now, here’s the thing no one tells you about living alone and owning a car — removing the car cover solo is like a full-body workout. Especially when you’re holding a hot coffee in one hand.

So what do I do? I carefully place the coffee on the hood of the neighbor’s car (don’t judge), wrestle with the cover like it’s the final boss in a video game, and finally jump into my car, feeling victorious.

Until I drive away.

Without the coffee.

Still sitting there, forgotten on the neighbor’s car.

That one silly moment got me thinking. The problem wasn’t that I was tired or in a rush. The problem was: I had no system.

The quality of our systems determines the quality of our lives.

What I needed was a simple, repeatable system for my mornings — one that could've saved my coffee (and my sanity).

Here’s what I should have done:

1. Place essentials inside the car first – bag, coffee, whatever you're carrying.

2. Remove the car cover – with both hands free.

3. Get in and go – no items left behind, no chaos.

It’s not about being overly rigid; it’s about making your decisions before you're half asleep. Systems are like setting up "future-you" for success.

At TownScholar, the clients who stick with us aren’t just impressed by our creativity. They’re impressed by our systems. The way we onboard them. The way we manage projects. The way we deliver consistently.

I’ve noticed something fascinating: Success isn’t just about talent or hard work. It’s about building reliable systems that work even when you’re having an off day.

Think about it:

• The most successful creators I know don’t wake up wondering if they’ll create content. They have systems.

• The most profitable businesses aren’t relying on bursts of inspiration. They have systems.

• Even that client meeting I had at 9pm yesterday? It went well because we have a system for client conversations.

So here’s my challenge to you: Look for the coffee cup moments in your life and business. Where are you consistently dropping the ball? That’s where you need a system.

It doesn’t have to be complicated:

• Maybe it’s keeping your coffee INSIDE the car first.

• Maybe it’s a checklist for client meetings.

• Maybe it’s a specific order for editing videos.

Small systems create space for big thinking. And that’s what separates the good from the great.

What’s your equivalent of my coffee cup moment? Hit reply — I read every email!

Until next edition,

Epaphra

P.S. We’re looking for office space for TownScholar! Nobody teaches you the infrastructure of building a company in school. I’ll keep you posted on our office hunt adventures!

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