Unwitnessed

In my favourite book series, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, there’s a moment where an army sets out to accomplish something monumental, knowing it will never be witnessed.

No songs will be sung, no rewards will be given, no one will even know what they did.

And yet, they do it anyway, because it’s the right thing to do.

That idea resonates deeply because most of life is unwitnessed.

The hours spent refining a skill, the early mornings grinding away at a project, the patience required to build something worthwhile—most of it happens without applause.

No one sees the drafts you delete, the failed attempts before the breakthrough, the quiet discipline of showing up every day.

In a world obsessed with results and visibility, it’s easy to feel like effort doesn’t matter unless it’s acknowledged.

But the truth is, the work that no one sees is often the work that matters most.

People generally crave the visible parts of success, without realising that much of it is unwitnessed.

Are you willing to do the work, even if no one ever sees it?

Because in the end, the effort you put in when no one is watching is what shapes who you are.

Success isn’t just about what’s seen—it’s built in the quiet, unseen hours.

The real question isn’t whether anyone notices.

It’s whether you are willing to keep going, knowing that the work itself is the reward.

Today’s Prompts

1 - How do you stay motivated when no one is watching?

2 - Would you still do what you do if no one ever acknowledged it? Why or why not?

3 - Have you ever underestimated someone because you didn’t see their effort?

Get the most out of your journalling:

• Choose one prompt: Focus on just one prompt each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Be brutally honest: Reflect openly and honestly. This is your safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings.

• Take your time: Sometimes it takes a few days to clarify your thinking. Here’s permission for you to take your time to unravel a prompt and not take on any new ones during that time.

• Journal your way: Whether you prefer writing, audio recording, or video, choose the method that suits you best.

• Don't stress about streaks: If you miss a day, don't worry. You can always revisit a previous prompt.

I’d love your feedback

What was your favourite prompt of the day? Is there any specific challenge you want prompts for? How can I improve the content of the newsletter? Reply this mail and let me know!