👋 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! 🚀

Hi Reader,

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.

Then it hit a wall.
So I pushed harder.

Then one of my business partner stepped away.
So I pushed harder.

I told myself: "the only way out is through”
And I pushed even harder.

The more I see the pattern, the more I see how my work was like an addiction:

Obsession.
Persistent desire for more.
Continued effort despite negative symptoms.
Etc.

Here’s the thing:
For me, it’s not the work itself.

I wasn’t addicted to the work.

I doubt many people are.

“Workaholism” is a misnomer.

What is it then?

It’s control.
It’s addiction to a particular future.
It’s obsessive and relentless pursuit of a particular version of success.

The truth is this:

I’m addicted to my dreams and ambitions.

And I know I’m not alone.

I can spin it as good:
I’m a hustler.
I’m resilient.
I don’t quit easy.
I’m a high achiever.

All of those are true.

But every strength has a dark side.
And I’m getting to know mine.

There’s good news.

In recovery they say:

“Acknowledgment is the first step toward acceptance, and acceptance is the first step toward recovery.”

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.

This is a reminder to myself.
I hope it does the same for you.

In Case You Missed it:

A few recent posts and articles you may have missed...

From the Newsletter:

📰 It's quitting day! 🥳 - On finding freedom to quit the things that aren't working.

📰 The Death of The Meaning Movement ☠️ - On creativity, risk, death, and what it means to be fully alive.

From LinkedIn:

📰 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 don’t stick....

📰 You can fix the root cause of burnout this year.

It’s easy.

But most don't want to hear it.

📰 This year: Let it be easy - my theme for 2024.

Things I'm enjoying:

📘 Raj Lulla's Novel

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.com

Preorders: https://amzn.to/3SwaI2K

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 Papasan's newsletter (the Twenty Percenter)

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:

Jay Papasan

Best-Selling Author, Founder, Creative CEO

Every Friday, I share concise, actionable insights for growing your business, optimizing your time, and expanding your mindset. Co-author of multiple million-copy bestsellers.

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.