208 ☼ The Difference Between Starting and Beginning
the space between buying the thing and actually using it
Dear friends,
You know that moment when you've bought the thing, made the plan, set the intention, but somehow you're still not actually doing it? That space between having what you need and using it? This week's about closing that gap.
Today is also the official release of Process Workbook Vol. 3, and the last day to get it at the early bird price of €9.99. Tomorrow it goes up to €14.99.
Process Photo Walks in London - Sept 20th
In just a few weeks, I'll be back in London for the second Process Photo Walk in this amazing city. Last year was such a special day, and this year I'm bringing some gifts and surprises for everyone who joins us. Thanks to MPB.com's support, it's completely free, just RSVP here. Limited spots, so grab yours soon!
I'm writing this from Tuscany today, so I'm sharing some shots from my daily walks here last year. Sometimes the right photos just match the moment.
The difference between starting and beginning
I watched it happen again yesterday.
A guy in the coffee shop pulled out a brand new notebook with that still crisp, untouched feel. Expensive pens, still in their packaging. He arranged everything just so, even took a photo to post. Then spent the next hour scrolling his phone.
He had started. But he never began.
There's a difference.
Starting vs. Beginning
Starting is buying a camera. Beginning is taking a bad photo.
Starting is downloading Photoshop. Beginning is making something ugly.
Starting is joining the gym. Beginning is showing up when your legs already hurt.
Starting gives you the dopamine hit of possibility without the vulnerability of actually trying. Beginning is where you find out if you can keep a promise you made to yourself and whether you're any good at this thing or could be with some effort.
When Beginning Gets Real
I see this pattern everywhere: photographers who've "started" five times, writers with more notebooks than finished pages, musicians whose gear costs more than their first car.
I've also totally been that person myself. But I'm grateful I eventually figured out how to get past this step, because the magic happens in the messy middle. When the novelty wears off but the habit hasn't quite formed yet. When you show up not because you feel inspired, but because you said you would.
The Five-Minute Revolution
What got me from starting to beginning was making the barrier so small that not doing it felt harder than doing it.
I didn't commit to an hour of exercise. I just started with “if I work out for 15 minutes that checks the box”. I didn't promise myself 30 great photos a day or even 30 minutes with my camera. During my busiest times, I told myself that going outside for 5 minutes to take photos, however many, was a win.
Five minutes. Not 30.
If you write, commit to one terrible sentence every morning before breakfast
If you love photography but work those draining 8-to-6 days, commit to one phone photo at lunch (even if it's just your sandwich)
The question isn't "Am I ready to start this?"
The question is: "What's the smallest version of beginning I could do right now?"
Not tomorrow when life makes sense. Right now, with what you have, where you are.
Process Workbook Vol. 3 - Available Now
The new Process Workbook is built around exactly this principle: 100 daily prompts, each small enough to do in five minutes. Each one designed to help you get out of your own way and just begin.
If you preordered, it should have already arrived in your inbox. If you didn’t preorder, , today's your last chance to grab it here at the early bird price of €9.99 (regular price €14.99 starts tomorrow).
Process Photo Club members: Check your email for your 100%-off coupon. Not a member yet? Join now and get instant access to this workbook plus all my other resources at no extra charge, including both previous volumes of the workbook.
The official 100-day journey starts September 11th, but you can begin whenever you're ready to begin. Even today!
Thanks for reading, and thanks for beginning whatever it is you're beginning.
Talk soon,
Wesley
P.S. Want to see more photos from Tuscany? Check out Process 157 and 160 in the archive.
📷 What I Used This Week
People often ask what I’m using and here’s this week’s setup:
Camera: Fuji X100F.
My current digital go-to: Canon EOS R5 and Canon RF 24-70 mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens. Canon EOS R5 and the Canon RF 24-70 mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens.
This issue is supported by MPB.com, my personal go-to for buying, selling, or trading used gear. Everything comes with a 6-month warranty.
This issue is also supported by picdrop.com, my preferred tool for building online galleries where clients can review, select, and download photos from shoots. Use "PROCESS" at checkout for a free 2-month trial.
Lab: My film is processed by Carmencita Film Lab. I trust them completely for both their work and their humanity. Use code "PROCESS" for a free upgrade on your next order.
Next Week
An interview with a legendary author about bringing together productivity and creativity. Someone whose work has taught me so much over the years, and I'm excited to share his insights with you. Can you guess who it is? You have 100% seen his books at the airport and probably any major book store you’ve visited.
🗃️ Browse the Process Archive.
📜 Read the Process Manifesto.
🚧 Currently Working On1
Currently Working On / Project Updates (r = release date)
Process Workbook, Vol. 3 — Out today!
Process Workbook, Vol. 4 — Started writing and planning (r: Jan 15)
Creatives In/AMS — Pitching potential sponsors (r: tbd)
NOTICE Journal, Volume Two — Planning stages
25 in 2025 — Scheduling (r: Nov 7)
3 new video pieces
Never thought about the difference between starting and beginning. And it's so true! The hard part is beginning the work but once you do and get into a flow it feels good.
Thanks for writing this piece. I found it insightful and it put into words where I have been with my art practice more than once in my life.