๐ Hi! I'm Dan. I help makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives find the clarity and motivation to get their work out into the world. If that sounds good, let's go! ๐
Hi Reader,
โ
In 2022 I was running a venture studio building multiple SaaS products.
(Maybe that's how you found your way here even)
We had one software that was doing great.
It had done more than $500k in its first year and change.
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Then it hit a wall.
So I pushed harder.
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Then one of my business partner stepped away.
So I pushed harder.
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I told myself: "the only way out is throughโ
And I pushed even harder.
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The more I see the pattern, the more I see how my work was like an addiction:
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Hereโs the thing:
For me, itโs not the work itself.
I wasnโt addicted to the work.
I doubt many people are.
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โWorkaholismโ is a misnomer.
What is it then?
โ
Itโs control.
Itโs addiction to a particular future.
Itโs obsessive and relentless pursuit of a particular version of success.
The truth is this:
And I know Iโm not alone.
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I can spin it as good:
Iโm a hustler.
Iโm resilient.
I donโt quit easy.
Iโm a high achiever.
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All of those are true.
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But every strength has a dark side.
And Iโm getting to know mine.
In recovery they say:
Be ambitious. Go after big things.
But hold it all loosely.
And be ready to let it all go.
Practice detachment and meditating on the death of your dreams.
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This is a reminder to myself.
I hope it does the same for you.
A few recent posts and articles you may have missed...
๐ฐ It's quitting day! ๐ฅณ - On finding freedom to quit the things that aren't working.
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๐ฐ The Death of The Meaning Movement โ ๏ธ - On creativity, risk, death, and what it means to be fully alive.
๐ฐ Highlights from 2023 - The single most consistently helpful action you can take for your life, career, and business is to review .
Studies have been done on this.
Goals without context donโt stick....โ
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๐ฐ You can fix the root cause of burnout this year. โ
Itโs easy.
But most don't want to hear it.
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๐ฐ This year: Let it be easy - my theme for 2024.
If you've listened to the podcast, you know Raj.
He's a close friend, brand strategist, and writer. He wrote a fun and touching novel about fatherhood. It's called The Caring House and it comes out soon.
It gives me hope that I can be a good dad and that I'm not defined by my lowest moments.
Anyone who knows a father, has a father, is a father, or who might ever be one should read it. Without question.
The book comes out in a couple months and he's donating all of his pre-orders to an incredible charity. Join his list, follow along, and buy the book here.
Newsletter: https://www.rajlulla.comโ
Preorders: https://amzn.to/3SwaI2Kโ
You'll hear more from me about it in the coming weeks. But for now jump on his mailing list and get the book. I promise you won't regret it.
Jay is a friend, thought leader, and author who writes about leadership & productivity. I love his easy to read insights. Click below to give his newsletter a try:
Anything great you've been enjoying? Send it along! I'd love to know.
Yours in meaning making,
PS- I'm working on rebooting the podcast and hope to have semi-regular newsletters landing in your inbox.
In the meantime, hit reply. I'd love to hear what you're excited about making/creating/doing in this season of life. I can't always respond, but I promise I read every email.
Dan Cumberland
Say hi ๐ on Twitter or LinkedIn!
And follow along:
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Hi! ๐ I'm Dan. My periodic newsletter helps makers, artist, entrepreneurs, and creatives find the clarity and motivation to get their work out into the world. I write on psychology and success to help you build a life on your own terms. Join 8,000+ other readers. I'd love to connect! ๐ค
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