Day 15/45 | The Marathon Mindset: Writing, Editing & the Power of Showing Up

Day 15 of the Likhega India Mission arrived with a gentle shift — the transition from pure creative flow into the world of editing. For many authors, this is where doubt, comparison, or FOMO quietly slips in. And today, as Mentor for a group of 60+ authors, I felt the need to address it directly.

When some authors complete their book early, others start to feel the pressure. “Am I slow?” “Should I rush?” “Why am I not done yet?”

But writing a book is not a race. And it is certainly not a comparison sport.

This morning, I reminded everyone:

• Do not get influenced by someone else’s timeline.
• Do not let FOMO disturb your creative flow.
• Every author has a pace that is true to their life and their story.
• There are no competitors in this mission.

We are all running a marathon — not a sprint. Each with a different terrain, different breath, different stamina, and a different story waiting to be told.

What truly matters is one thing: Show up.

That is the secret of Likhega India. The shared discipline of 6 AM creative flow and 7:30 PM learning sessions. The collective heartbeat of authors across the country writing together. The group energy that carries us when our own energy dips.

Editing begins only after the first draft is complete. Perfection comes after completion — never before.

And today’s reminder was simple but powerful: Stay in your journey. Respect your pace. Honour your story.

We will all reach the grand stage of the Open House ceremony. We will all rise together — step by step, session by session, day by day.

— Lakshmi Nanduri