There’s Nothing More Difficult Than Becoming Known
Inspired by a note from Landon Poburan
Scrolling through Substack Notes this week, I stumbled across a line that stopped me cold. In (researched) Pursuit is a platform that I wanted to create to spotlight other people’s work, whether it is Notes here on Substack, or content from other platforms. This Note that inspired me was written by Landon Poburan, and it perfectly captures where I am right now:
“There’s nothing more difficult than becoming known. There’s nothing more valuable than being known. There’s only one thing in your control — getting started.”
Since I’m in the middle of shifting from ghostwriting for others to finally writing under my own name, that quote hit hard. It sums up the tension so many writers and creators feel deep down. We know that being known is where opportunity lives, but the path to get there often feels unclear and slow. All we can really do is take small, imperfect steps forward.
In my opinion, the only real move you’ve got is just to get started. Everything else is messy, unpredictable, and mostly out of your hands. What matters is taking control of what you can today and putting something out there, even if it’s rough. Starting doesn’t mean you’ll have it all figured out. It just means you’ve stopped waiting for the perfect moment. Every post, every idea you share, becomes a small doorway where someone new can discover your work. Momentum doesn’t come from overthinking; it comes from motion.
I’ve spent years writing behind the scenes as a ghostwriter, helping others share their stories while staying invisible. I’ve created thousands of these small doorways for others. Each one is an entry point that helped readers connect with my clients’ work. But this October, I decided it was time to step forward and start writing for myself. These first three posts mark that beginning; the point where I stop hiding in other people’s voices and start building my own. If you want to see where I began, check out:
Why This Matters
Visibility is hard to buy. Advertising can grab attention, but it doesn’t build the kind of recognition that lasts. While paid promotion might help attract new readers, I’ve noticed that within the Substack community, it doesn’t always translate to a lasting connection. Readers here tend to value authenticity over ads. Visibility grows from showing up consistently, creating work that matters, and earning trust one piece at a time. It’s not about chasing clicks. It’s about building a body of work that speaks for you even when you’re not in the room.
Over time, that consistent effort creates a real community. Readers look forward to what’s next and share your work because it resonates.
Reputation compounds over time. Every post, every connection, every thoughtful comment you make adds up. It’s like making steady deposits into a long-term account that builds interest with every bit of effort. Keep showing up, and that reputation will eventually start working for you instead of the other way around.
You can’t outsource the first step. I’ve seen so many people try. As a ghostwriter, I’ve helped countless creators produce great work. However, without showing up themselves, they never truly connect with their readers. You can hire editors, designers, or marketers, but consistency (the real engine behind being known) can only come from you. The reps, the experimentation, the lessons you learn along the way are what shape your unique voice. If you skip that, you end up dependent on others to keep your presence alive. Showing up for yourself is the only way to own your story.
This isn’t just theory.
It is your Call to Action.
The work of being known isn’t passive.
It demands your daily footprints across the digital sand.
The next part is where we move from reflection to action.
It’s the system I built for myself to stay consistent and visible, and I’m sharing it with my paid subscribers because it’s a real blueprint, not just inspiration. To make that easier, here’s the 30‑Day “Get Known” Sprint Calendar. Use it as a playbook. You don’t have to follow it perfectly. Just start somewhere and let it evolve.
