What’s the best type of advice you'd give your younger self?

This message from @sarablakely made me rethink what I think about failure, especially with my kids. cc: @JesseItzler

You never know who’s listening when no one’s clapping. That’s the thing about real influence. It doesn’t always come with instant feedback or applause. Sometimes you’re sharing, writing, leading, showing up and it feels like no one notices. But someone’s watching. Someone’s being moved. Someone’s quietly passing your words along. And one day, that ripple turns into results you never saw coming. So keep showing up. Keep planting the seeds. Keep living the message. Because influence isn't always visible. But it’s always happening.

5 Myths About Publishing a Bestseller (That Could Be Costing Most Authors Big) I’ve launched hundreds of books, many of which became bestsellers but here’s what most authors don’t realize: It’s not always the best written book that wins… It’s the best positioned, promoted, and persistent one. Here are 5 common myths that keep authors stuck, frustrated, broke or unable to make the impact their work deserves: Myth #1: “If the book is good, it will sell.” Truth: Great books flop all the time. Why: A book doesn’t market itself. Strategy does. “Your message can’t create impact if it never finds an audience.” Myth #2: “You need a huge audience to hit a bestseller list.” Truth: It’s not about how many followers, it’s about how engaged they are. 1,000 buyers who take action > 100,000 passive followers. Myth #3: “You’ll make your money from book sales.” Truth: Most of the time, the real ROI isn’t royalties, it’s what the book leads to: Speaking. Clients. Media. Courses. Partnerships. Myth #4: “The launch is the end goal.” Truth: The launch is just Day 1. The most successful authors build momentum long after launch day. Myth #5: “Traditional publishing guarantees success.” Truth: Publishers bring distribution, not demand. YOU are still the driver of your book’s success. The truth? If you want your book to succeed... it takes strategy, intention, and ongoing effort.

I look at this almost every day... Replace HAVE TO with GET TO. It’s a great reminder that life is a gift, not an obligation.

After helping hundreds of authors launch books - many to the top of the bestseller charts - I’ve noticed three recurring barriers that hold people back. The good news? Each one is beatable with the right mindset, strategy, and a little intention. Read the tips here: linkedin.com/posts/danieldec…

Instead of trying to build an audience... Build an association with a specific word or idea. • James Clear: Habits • Dan Runcie: Business x Hip Hop • Codie Sanchez: Boring businesses • Nick Huber: Sweaty startups • David Perell: Personal Monopoly • Wes Kao: Spiky Point Of View When you are associated with a specific word, phrase, idea, or movement, that connection spreads. As it spreads, it gets stronger. That association is what builds the audience – and a very targeted audience at that.

"Doing your best is not a weakness. It's a sustainable strength. It's showing up with the best energy you can bring today. It requires honesty and integrity. To look in the mirror. To tell yourself the truth. So, the next time you catch yourself feeling like you aren't doing enough, pause and reframe it: Are you doing your best? Because if you're doing your best, you're doing enough." - @SahilBloom

I think about this quote from @JonAcuff often. It’s a great reminder to keep yourself in check. One of the biggest dangers of success is our ego.

The current state of the world will bring out the best in some people and the worst in others. Just remember that you get to choose which it is in you. Respond vs react. Be kind. Be compassionate. Extend grace.

Every decision that I make today, I am going to make with a Positive Expectation. I’m going to look for a YES vs assuming a NO. I’m going to trust in the Positive Intentions of others. I’m going to focus on Solutions vs Problems. I’m going to believe the Best is yet to come. You in?

Struggle with self-promotion? Remember these two things: 1. A message can’t get shared unless there is a messenger willing to share it. 2. It’s only self-promotion if you are focused on promoting yourself.