👋 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,

This one’s for the bread winners.​
​
The ones not chasing your dreams:
​
​This one’s for the responsible ones.​
Carrying the weight of others on your shoulders. Putting in the hours.
Not because you want to.
But because someone else depends on you.
​
​This one’s for the dreamers, ​
Filling in the margins &
Scribbling between the lines —
With the hopes you may never pursue.
​
​This one’s for the handcuffs — golden and otherwise.
And for those who wear them
Because the risk is too high.
There’s too much on the line.
​
Bills. Food. Future.
Fear.
​
​This one’s for the late nights and early mornings.​
Spent carrying the weight.
​
​This one’s for the anxiety.​
The fear & self-doubt that creep in,
And wake you at 3am—
haunting your thoughts.
​
- Maybe you missed your chance.
- Maybe it’s too late.
This one is for all of you.
​
​Because no one understand until they’ve been there.​
​
I have. It’s hard.
Months without a paycheck.
Watching the bank account drain.
​
The pain of not knowing how to make it through.
​
“Entrepreneurship”, “chase your dreams”, “building something you care about” —
It’s all so fun… if you have the runway for it.
​
It’s easy to talk here like it’s what everyone should do.
​
But the stakes are not equal.
And the starting line is never the same.
​
​This one’s for the heroes, holding down the fort.​
Not because you love it.
But because it’s the right thing to do.
​
I don’t know who needs this today,
But Whoever you are,
No matter your situation.
I see you.
I feel you.
I’m with you.
​
Stand proud.
You’re doing exactly what you need to do.
​
Don’t give up on your dreams.
But It’s ok to have other priorities right now.

🖤

This Week's Sponsor:

Sponsored by: Vaer Watches​ Vaer C5 Dirty Dozen Quite possibly the most famous military field watch of all time, the WW2 "Dirty Dozen" is an iconic collection from twelve historic Swiss brands. Compact, legible, and waterproof, it was worn by soldiers in key moments of the European campaign. Our C5 Dirty Dozen is a true homage, merging classic design with modern tech to create a fitting "13th model." Priced at $299, it combines style and durability with an accurate USA-built FTS Ameriquartz movement, 10ATM water resistance, and rugged capability to withstand even the toughest environments. ​ ​Note from Dan: I love Vaer’s aesthetic. They feel like something my grandfather would have worn — and as a WWII vet, maybe he did. Check out the C5, mentioned above. Also, the R1 Racing series is killer. Don’t miss it. BUY NOW

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(PSST: If you're interested in sponsoring a future issue, hit reply!)

WORKSHOP
AI Excellence Made Easy: Master Prompting, Context, and Workflow

Let me be straight with you: AI doesn't need to be complicated.

I tested these frameworks with hundreds of creatives and entrepreneurs. What started as tech headaches became their secret weapon. No more second-guessing. No more tool-hopping. Just frameworks that work.

When: Tuesday, 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern. Click here to register.​

Live event only (no replays!):

• Real practice sessions
• Live demos
• Direct problem-solving
• Ready-to-use templates

BONUS: You'll also get a first look at my new coaching program

Here's what I know: You don't need to be technical to get great results. You just need clear direction. Click here to register.​

What others are saying:

Ready to build real AI confidence?

​Register Now to Save Your Seat​

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In Case You Missed It:

A few recent posts and articles across platforms

From LinkedIn:

📰 19 years ago today. Barely a penny to our names.​

📰 The easy button is broken.The shortcut is the long road.​

📰 Nobody asks for the hard parts. I didn't.​
​

From the Newsletter:

✉️ Chasing Dreams All the Way to Mexico​

✉️ We’re moving to Mexico. And I have AI to thank for it 😳​

✉️ I left the C-Suite to build my dream business... then it blew up 🫣​

Favorites: game edition!

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:

🧙‍♀️ Harry Potter Battle of Hogwarts

I never thought we'd be a Harry Potter family, but we're quickly becoming one. My son just turned 9 and we got him this game. It's complex, but really fun. He and his sister (6) want to play it all the time.

We love it. You might too. Find it here.​

🏝️ Forbidden Island

We also recently picked up Forbidden Island. It's a cooperative adventure game. My 9 and 6 year olds play it together — which is a breakthrough in our family.

It's fun. Easy to learn. And very cooperative. Find it here.​
​

🎴 UNO: Día de Muertos edition

Embracing the festivities around Dia de low Muertos here in Mexico, we picked up a special edition of Uno. We abandoned our generations old house rules and have loved a fresh start with the really fun art.

In fact, my six year old just came in to ask if we could play. You can preorder it here.​

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,