👋 Hi! I'm Dan. I help entrepreneurs and creatives find the clarity and motivation to get their work out into the world. If that sounds good, let's go! 🚀

Hi Reader,

The recipe for a life without regret is simple,

But few will do it:

1 part action — taking big bold steps toward what you want.
1 part self-compassion — stopping self-criticism and learning to let go.

Without both, you'll either burn out or sit on your hands.

Case in point: Our Mexico adventure.

We're living in Merida, Mexico for ten months.
It's all because of a dream to live outside the States and give our kids an international experience.

This is our boldest adventure yet.
We've traded our Seattle suburban life for a vibrant Mexican one.

It's a perfect example of this recipe.

We took action by pursuing our desire for adventure and following through.
We practice kindness by embracing the unknown and forgiving any bumps along the way.

Maybe I'm missing Seattle's changing seasons.
Maybe I'm anxious about the financial challenges we've faced.

It's ok.
No regrets means letting it go.

The challenges have been numerous:

cultural differences,
language barriers,
logistical hurdles in a less developed city,
and even a car accident with subsequent insurance issues.

But the benefits are breathtaking:

jumping in cenotes,
exploring jungles,
warm weather,
endless beaches,
stunning sunsets,
and endless family adventures.

Both are true. As I wrote about last time, you don't get one without the other.

It's the same in business too.

The leaders I work with often struggle with this balance.

Fear of regret driving them to burnout.

I come alongside and help with both:

Take bold action with AI, process, and automation.
Practice self-kindness along the way.
Lean into your zone of genius.

This experience has shown me how chasing your dreams can unlock new perspectives and potentials in yourself and your work.

Without both action and self-compassion, you'll either burn out or underperform.

What big dreams are you sleeping on?
What's one step you could take today?

Remember, adapting to a new culture – be it finding drinking water, communicating, or sourcing vegetables – is part of the adventure.

Embracing challenges with self-compassion is key to growth and fulfillment.

Join the Beta AI Cohort:

For the better part of this year I've been working with overworked business owners and leaders free up their time and prevent burnout via better processes, AI, and automation.

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you've likely heard!

It's a high touch and high ticket ($$$) service. But now, I'm developing a cohort style course. The goal is to teach you everything you need to know to cut through the noise and get you spending less time on the worst parts of your work, and more time doing what you love.

Think of it like:

How to Use AI without Losing Your Soul.

A Masterclass in AI Applied.

I'm looking for 10 people to join my "build as we go" beta. And shave off 5+ hours from your work weeks via better processes, AI, and automation.

I'm building this specifically based on your needs. You come with the questions, I'll build the answers.

Along the way you'll also:

Skill up your AI proficiency,
Learn the best new tools to use in your workflows,
Develop an AI first mentality,
Build an AI strategy that fits with your values, and
Free up more time to do that good juicy stuff that you love and only you can do (the biggest benefit!)

We'll meet biweekly for deep dives on how to use automation and AI to get more out of your:

Communications
Content creation
Copywriting
Social Posting
Task and project management
Data Analytics
AND MORE

Along the way I'll host AMA Office Hours, and help you any way I can.

You'll also get 12 months of access to all the sessions and the community I'm building around AI and business.

Hit reply if you're interested or have questions.

Favorites!

I love sharing what I'm into. And I love hearing what you're into as well!

(If you've made it this far, hit reply and tell me some of yours!)

Here's this week's list:

🤑 Monarch Money

I've tried just about every household budget app out there, and finally found one I love, Monarch Money.

They make it easy to budget, track expenses, and save. My favorite is the swipe left/right transaction checking on mobile. It's actually fun!

Here’s my referral code for an extended trial:https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/lmp4f164jp

🎹 Natey G - April Showers

This song was the background for a reel I watched the other day. I knew I needed to track it down.

To be honest, I liked it more before I saw the video 😆

I don't know anything about this kid, but it looks like he was in high school when he recorded this. And maybe this is all he ever made? It's fun. Wholesome. A bit corny. And just has a great vibe all around. I hope he finds this and starts rapping again:

🌰 Candied Pecans

One of the things I'm missing most about being in the states is these candied pecans I like to make. They're dangerous. But fantastic on salads, especially with a little goat cheese.

Your turn

Anything great you've been enjoying? Hit reply and send it along! I'd love to know. Seriously.

9,500+ people are getting this email, and I can count on one hand how many responses I usually get. You have the chance to change that! Hit reply. Tell me what's good!

Yours in meaning making,