👋 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,
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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 through”
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:

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

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

I wasn’t addicted to the work.

I doubt many people are.
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“Workaholism” is a misnomer.

What is it then?
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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.
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I can spin it as good:
I’m a hustler.
I’m resilient.
I don’t quit easy.
I’m a high achiever.
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All of those are true.
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But every strength has a dark side.
And I’m getting to know mine.

There’s good news.

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.

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

It’s easy.

But most don't want to hear it.
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📰 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. Subscribe​

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 👋 on Twitter or LinkedIn!

And follow along:

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