How to Start a Newsletter About Nothing

Unfortunately, 'The Nothing Newsletter' as a name was taken, so sadly, I had to name this one '4nothing Newsletter.'

All right, here we go— the first edition of the 4Nothing Newsletter

Actually, this is the Zero Edition, not the first! This one is just to introduce you to the newsletter really! ok, enough, let's get into it!

Officially!!

You’ve officially entered the space where nothing is everything, and everything is… well, let’s just call it "4nothing" or simply “a work in progress.”

Now, before you ask, “Why a newsletter about nothing?”

let me tell you this: I’m not some literary genius or a self-proclaimed newsletter guru. I’m just a guy who decided to write about nothing after five long minutes of intense thinking (yes, I lost a lot of weight thinking for that long).

But why nothing, you ask?

Because nothing is freeing, nothing doesn’t judge you. Nothing just is. And if you stick with me, you’ll see that starting with nothing can lead to something. Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Name Game: Pick Something… Or Nothing

When I decided to start a newsletter (after Ann-Murray Brown🇯🇲🇳🇱 adviced me to do so in reply to my comment on one of her posts), the first hurdle was the name.

I spent a good 30 seconds considering “Onifade’s Observations” and another 10 seconds on “Habib’s Thoughts.” Then I thought, “Why lie?” I don’t have a profound message; I have random thoughts about private sector engagement - and that’s how Nothing Newsletter was born, well, 4nothing Newsletter.

Lesson: Your name doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to exist. Think of it as naming your goldfish. Whether you call it “Bubbles” or “Fred,” the fish doesn’t care. Just pick something, slap it on the tank, and move on.

Commitment Issues: Writing Is the Gym Membership for Your Brain

Let me tell you about my first attempt at a newsletter. It lasted three editions. Three. I ghosted it faster than an awkward Tinder match. Why? Because I overthought it. I wanted every word to sparkle like Beyoncé’s Grammy outfit.

This time, I’m doing it differently. I’m committing. Not because I have to, but because I want to. Writing isn’t just about filling a page; it’s about showing up for yourself. Think of it as brain cardio—it’s hard at first, but the more you do it, the stronger you get (I hope).

Actionable Step: Choose a frequency you can stick to. Weekly? Bi-weekly? Monthly? Pick what works and stick to it as you stick to your favourite Netflix show.

Frequency: Goldilocks That Thing

Here’s the thing about frequency: it’s like porridge. Too much, and you’ll burn out faster than a cheap candle. Too little, and you’ll forget why you even started. For me, bi-weekly felt just right.

But let’s get personal. I once tried to do a daily journaling habit. By Day 3, I was Googling, “How to stop journaling without feeling guilty.” Oh, as I mentioned earlier (it is probably not a good thing to repeat things in a newsletter), I started a newsletter on this platform last year. By the third edition, I felt like I was writing a PhD thesis!

Lesson? Don’t overcommit. Start small and adjust as you go.

Guide Tip: If you’re not sure what frequency works, experiment. Treat it like trying to find the right spicy level at a restaurant. Start mild, then add more heat if you’re feeling bold. But be aware that extra-hot chilli can does cause some issues that should not be discussed here. DM me)

Consistency: The Marriage-Level Commitment

Writing a newsletter is like being in a marriage. You must show up, even when you’re not in the mood. Nobody forced you to do it (unless you have some boss breathing down your neck), but since you’re here, you owe it to yourself to give it your best.

Here’s a story: Once, I skipped writing because I “wasn’t in the zone.” I'm still waiting for the zone to return; it never came, but the guilt did - like an uninvited guest who eats all your food.

The lesson? Just write. Even if it’s terrible, even if you hate every word, just write. (so I am told)

Pro Tip: Consistency isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. Whether it’s your newsletter, your side hustle, or finally assembling that IKEA shelf—keep going.

Your Thoughts Are Like Tom and Jerry

Let me paint you a picture: my thoughts are like Jerry the mouse, running frantically through my mind, with Tom (self-doubt) chasing right behind.

There’s always something on my mind. Bills, deadlines, that one embarrassing thing I said in 2012—you name it. The key is capturing those thoughts and turning them into something. That’s what this newsletter is: a collection of the chaos in my head, served up bi-weekly for your (and my) entertainment and maybe education.

Actionable Step: Write about what’s on your mind. Don’t overthink it. That random thought about how socks always disappear in the washing machine? That’s gold. Run with it.

How Nothing Becomes Something

Here’s the magic of starting with nothing: it becomes something. Case in point—this newsletter. I started with nothing but a blank page and a vague idea, and now you’re here reading it.

Want to try this in your life? Start small. Write a blog, record a video, host a workshop—anything that gets you moving. The point isn’t to be perfect; it’s to start.

Guide Wisdom: Starting isn’t about knowing the outcome. It’s about taking the first step, then the next, and trusting that you’ll figure it out along the way. 

Why Are You Still Here?

Seriously, why? This is a newsletter about nothing! But maybe that’s the point. Maybe “nothing” is the blank canvas you need to create something.

So here’s the deal: if you want to keep exploring this journey of nothingness with me, subscribe. I promise to bring you humour, personal stories, and maybe even a nugget of wisdom here and there.

About Me

Name: (Al)-Habib Onifade (yes, there’s a story, but you’ll have to stick around for that.)

Occupation: Coach and Advisor (fancy, huh?)

Unique Value Proposition: Helping businesses and development programs work profitably together.

Mission: Deliver development impact with competence and professionalism.

Call to Action: Subscribe so I can keep writing about nothing—and maybe inspire you to create your own “nothing.”

Final Words

Here’s my parting thought: start your own journey of “nothing.” Call it what you want, do it how you want, but just start. You might surprise yourself.

Happy New Year, and I wish you Nothing but success!