In this episode, we delve into the process of creating the life we want to live. We begin by asking ourselves a series of thought-provoking questions, starting with what we want in our lives that we currently don't have. Taking five to ten minutes to reflect on this question allows us to pinpoint what is missing and identify our desires.Next, we examine the aspects of our lives that we have but don't want. By identifying these conflicting elements, we gain a clearer understanding of what is standing in the way of our aspirations.Considering the location of our life is also crucial. We assess if our current surroundings align with our goals and aspirations or if a change of scenery is necessary.We then shift our focus to our desired side hustle or small business and evaluate how it fits into our overall plans. This exploration helps us understand the relationship between our entrepreneurial aspirations and our desired life.To further explore our goals, we move on to developing "how can I" questions. By asking ourselves how we can acquire what we desire, we can assess potential paths to achieve our goals. We also evaluate if these goals genuinely align with our mission and desires.Developing a financial plan is essential to turn our aspirations into reality. We examine if our current finances can support our goals or if we need to explore additional income avenues.Expressing gratitude for what we already have is an important practice. We take a moment to list the things we are thankful for in our lives, recognizing the blessings we often overlook.To navigate our lives more effectively, we analyze our sphere of control, influence, and concern. Rather than solely operating within our sphere of control or concern, we focus on the intersection of these three areas, maximizing our impact.It can be beneficial to tune out the noise of the news and the opinions of others that may lead to unnecessary distractions. Instead, we consider advice and criticism only from those whom we trust and would seek guidance from ourselves.Transforming our "how can I" questions into action-oriented statements is a key step in this process. We select one task related to our desired goals and commit to taking action on it today, moving us closer to our aspirations.We remind ourselves that we deserve the life we desire but acknowledge that it requires hard work and effort to achieve. Believing in ourselves and our abilities is crucial as we put in the necessary work to transform our dreams into reality.It's important to seek inspiration from those who have achieved what we desire. Finding individuals who are willing to mentor us and learning from their experiences can provide valuable guidance along the way.We regularly review our lists and plans, making updates as needed, until we have achieved the life we want. This practice helps us stay on track, making adjustments whenever necessary.Ultimately, action is the key ingredient to pursue the life we envision. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to us, we take an active role in seeking them out. We create a structure and dedicate time each day to work towards our goals, taking action every single day.Through hard work, dedication, and a belief in ourselves, we can manifest the life we desire. It's up to us to put in the effort and contribute meaningful work to make our dreams a reality.

In this episode, we explore the concept of "Ikigai" and how it can help guide individuals in finding their purpose when starting a side hustle or small business. We discuss the importance of considering strengths, interests, and passions when embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. By identifying the things that bring us joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies like fishing or woodworking, we can discover potential opportunities that align with our passions.However, it's not only about what we love doing; we must also assess our skills and abilities. For instance, if someone excels in carpentry, they could provide services like building fences or outdoor living spaces. By recognizing our talents, we can tap into areas where we have a competitive advantage.Moreover, it's crucial to understand what the world needs. By identifying the gaps and demands in the market, we can find opportunities to fulfill those needs. It's important to strike a balance between what we are good at, what we enjoy doing, and what the world requires. The ideal intersection of these aspects lies at the core of our mission, which is our "Ikigai."Discovering our "why" and pursuing a life that serves others and brings fulfillment is key. By intentionally seeking out opportunities that align with our interests, strengths, and the world's needs, we have the potential to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. Embracing our "Ikigai" can guide us on this journey, helping us find purpose and success in our side hustles or small businesses.

In this episode, we explore the concept of purpose and how it is not always about grand missions or monumental tasks. Instead, I believe that purpose is about using our unique gifts, talents, skills, abilities, and personality to positively impact others while enjoying our own lives. By doing work we love and making a difference for others, we can find true fulfillment.Purpose is not just about the end results or the destination, but about shaping the outcomes of our lives and the lives of others. It requires an investment of time and effort. Our passions and values serve as our compass, guiding us towards what truly matters to us. Purpose is a journey filled with experiences, growth, and self-reflection that influences every aspect of our lives.To discover our purpose, we need to engage in self-reflection. This may initially feel overwhelming, but it is a valuable investment in our future and creating a fulfilling life. By adopting a growth mindset, we can explore our interests, talents, gifts, and abilities, even those that are currently dormant or undiscovered. This process allows us to uncover our true potential and align our lives with our purpose.

Join me on Dec 17 to design 2024 as your best year yet!Hey guys, welcome back! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving break. I personally took a couple of days off, so there were no podcasts on Thursday and Friday. But don't worry, we'll be catching up over the next few weeks to make sure we end the year on the right note.Now, let's talk about the number one thing you can do to make 2024 better than 2023. I ask this question because there are always things left unfinished at the end of the year. We set big goals that we don't even come close to achieving. Like last year, I bought a harmonica and promised myself I would practice for an hour a week. But to be honest, I didn't stick to it. I may have practiced here and there, but by mid-February, I had given up on it. It's easy to let our goals fall by the wayside.So why do we set these goals in the first place? It's because we want to achieve something. We want to live life on our own terms. But too often, we let life happen by default and get in the way of truly mastering it.That's why I'm inviting you to join me on December 17th for a goal-setting session. From 3 to 5 p.m. Central Time, we'll come together to intentionally create the best year yet in 2024. It'll be a casual and interactive session, like hanging out with friends. Feel free to bring a drink if you want, and if I can convince my wife, maybe we'll sit by the fire. I'll drop a link in the show notes where you can join the Zoom room for the session.I believe that every year should be our best year yet. This year, despite the stress, has been one of my best years yet because my family and I moved into a house after living in a camper for seven years. It's been a game-changer for us, and it reminded me of how much better things can get.So, what can you do in 2024 to make your life even better? How can you create a change that makes you want to let go of old habits or improve other areas of your life? Let's think about that together. I can't wait to see you on December 17th and hear about how amazing your 2024 is going to be. Keep up the good work!

Product of the day: LEOPO 12 inch Shelf Bracket for DIY Floating Shelf, 1/5 inch Thick Heavy Duty Bracket, 6 Pack, 11.25” x 6” x 1.5” (affiliate link)In today's episode, we dive into the topic of building trust in business. Trust is crucial for successful client relationships, and it requires effort from both parties involved. As a business owner myself, I've recognized the importance of trust and have implemented various strategies to foster it.One way I establish trust in my construction business is by requiring a deposit before starting a job. This not only provides financial security for me but also demonstrates to clients that I am committed to their project. However, I understand that some clients may be hesitant to provide a deposit upfront. To accommodate their concerns, I offer alternative options, such as requesting a payment when I arrive with the necessary materials. This flexibility helps build trust by showing that I am willing to work with clients to find a mutually beneficial arrangement.Building trust also involves aspects of authenticity, transparency, and open communication. I believe in being genuine and honest with my clients, ensuring they understand the process, timeline, and expectations. This open dialogue creates a foundation of trust and allows clients to feel more comfortable working with me. Additionally, it's crucial to tailor communication to each client's specific needs. Understanding their individual requirements and addressing them directly helps foster trust and demonstrates my commitment to their project.Another important aspect of building trust is demonstrating competence. I showcase my skills and expertise through past projects, social media presence, and client reviews. By providing evidence of my capabilities, I am able to instill confidence in potential clients and establish myself as a trustworthy professional. Furthermore, respecting clients' boundaries is crucial. This includes being punctual for appointments and ensuring that their time is valued. Additionally, creating an inviting environment that puts clients at ease contributes to building trust and fostering positive relationships.In addition to these efforts, consistently providing value and empowering clients to make their own decisions are crucial to building trust. I strive to go above and beyond for my clients, delivering exceptional results and exceeding their expectations. Furthermore, I believe in empowering clients by providing them with the necessary information and options to make informed decisions. By giving them the freedom to choose, it demonstrates trust in their judgment and builds a collaborative relationship.By implementing these strategies, I have been able to build trust with my clients, ultimately enhancing their experience and satisfaction. Trust is the cornerstone of any successful business relationship, and by prioritizing its establishment, we can create a solid foundation for long-term success.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting SMART goals as we approach the holiday season and the start of a new year. By consciously designing our lives and setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, we can avoid repeating the same year over and over again without making progress or achieving our goals.When it comes to setting goals, being specific about what we want to accomplish is essential. Breaking down our goals into smaller milestones allows for better tracking of progress and the ability to adjust our strategies if necessary. Additionally, having quantifiable metrics to measure our progress is crucial to track success and stay motivated.While it's important to aim high, our goals should also be realistic and attainable. We need to consider the resources and abilities we have available to us and ensure that our goals align with our broader objectives and life plan. By setting goals that are relevant to our overall vision, we can stay focused and motivated on the path towards success.Creating deadlines for our goals is essential in creating a sense of urgency and avoiding procrastination. Establishing a timeline, even if the goals are spread throughout the year and not all due by the end of the year, helps us stay accountable and motivated to take action.Ultimately, setting SMART goals and committing ourselves to do good work allows us to make progress, achieve new things, and create a positive impact in our lives and the lives of others. As we enter the holiday season and look towards the new year, let's take the time to reflect on our goals and ensure they are SMART goals that will lead us towards success and fulfillment.

In this episode, we explore the dynamics of virtual events and the mixed reactions from attendees. While many attendees are enthusiastic about the content and strategies offered, they often struggle with the implementation process. Despite wanting to learn and achieve their goals, many individuals hesitate to seek help or invest in assistance.However, it's important to recognize that virtual events exist to provide solutions to those seeking guidance. These events offer a path to success, whether it's financial stability or business growth, and it's up to the attendees to decide if they want to embark on the journey alone or with support.Some may view these events as deceptive, but in reality, they are showcasing what's possible and offering a chance at generational wealth and freedom. The event discussed in this episode focuses on coaching business development, addressing the common challenge of attracting clients despite having the necessary skills and knowledge.When faced with the financial investment required to join these programs, many individuals only see the cost and believe they cannot afford it. However, it's crucial to consider the potential income that can be generated through the business. By reframing the perspective, not joining the program could mean missing out on significant opportunities and potential earnings.Taking action can be intimidating, often due to fear of failure or self-doubt. This is where the community aspect of these programs becomes invaluable. By providing accountability, support, and motivation, the community helps individuals overcome challenges and persist when they may be tempted to give up. It's essential to push forward, take risks, and put in the necessary work to achieve the desired outcome.Overall, virtual events serve as a platform to guide attendees toward their goals and offer assistance along the way. By embracing the opportunity for growth, seeking support, and prioritizing long-term financial stability, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve success.

In this episode, I announce a significant change in our business direction. I have decided to scale back my construction business, reducing it to only 10-25% of its previous capacity. Although I'm no longer taking on new clients, I will still be serving my current clients and completing their ongoing projects. My focus is now shifting towards the online business space, particularly coaching and marketing.I am in the process of creating a unique program that combines coaching and marketing to assist small business owners in building their businesses to support the lifestyle they desire. Previously, my podcast, the Constructive Liberty podcast, revolved around designing a lifestyle of freedom through intentional living. Now, I aim to extend that help to small business owners as well.My year-long program is designed to guide those who aspire to start their own business. Within the program, I help individuals discover their strengths, talents, and purpose, and then assist them in building a business around these key elements. Additionally, I offer support in website building, marketing strategies, and social media management.My ultimate goal is to empower more people to pursue their own businesses, allowing them to do work that they are passionate about. If you resonate with my mission or know someone who might benefit from joining my coaching program, I invite you to get in touch via email at [email protected] or through a text at 270-479-1041. Send a message saying "next level business coaching," and we will continue the conversation from there. Alternatively, here is a link to my calendar.Even if you're not interested in a year-long coaching program, I still welcome the opportunity to connect with you and learn about your business. I are more than happy to offer insights and pointers to help you take your business to the next level. Consider it my gift to you.Have a fantastic Friday, and as always, keep doing great work!

Sign up for Canva.In today's episode, we will be discussing a technology that has become an essential part of my daily workflow - Canva. Canva is a graphic design app that has been around for quite some time, and I have found it to be the best option out there.While there are other alternatives available, I always find myself coming back to Canva because of its superior features and functionality. It can be accessed through your desktop or mobile app for Apple and Android users, and there is a free version available. However, I personally opt for the paid version, which costs $120 per year when paid annually. I believe it is worth the investment because of the multitude of possibilities it offers.With Canva, you can create a wide range of visual design documents and videos. The app provides pre-made templates specifically tailored for various social media platforms. This means that you can effortlessly design YouTube thumbnails, Instagram reels, Facebook covers, and more. The templates are already correctly sized, saving you time and ensuring efficiency.But Canva doesn't stop at social media graphics. Its capabilities extend to documents, whiteboards, presentations, websites, infographics, photo collages, graphs, book covers, mind maps, virtual backgrounds for Zoom, calendars, planners, invoices, and so much more. In other words, it is an incredibly versatile and comprehensive tool that allows you to bring your ideas to life.I highly recommend giving Canva a try if you haven't already. It is an amazing app that enables you to produce exceptional work. Although I don't have an affiliate link, I encourage you to sign up for your own Canva account and start exploring the possibilities it has to offer. So go ahead and unleash your creativity with Canva today!

In this episode, we dive into the key strategies that can help entrepreneurs improve and grow their businesses. We emphasize the importance of having a clear vision and goals for your company, as this will drive your business forward and give it purpose. Next, we discuss the value of performing a SWOT analysis to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By understanding these aspects of your business, you can leverage your strengths and overcome any obstacles that may arise.Leadership development is another crucial aspect we touch upon, highlighting that even solo entrepreneurs need to cultivate their leadership skills. We stress the importance of learning how to lead ourselves and others, including clients and those we interact with daily. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of financial literacy in effectively managing business finances. This understanding is crucial for sustainability and success.Given the constant changes in the marketplace and customer preferences, we emphasize the need to navigate and adapt to change. We delve into the importance of establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor project progress and ensure that goals are being achieved effectively. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of building strong relationships and collaboration with suppliers, subcontractors, and clients. These relationships are vital for long-term success, even for solo entrepreneurs.Lastly, we highlight the significance of prioritizing learning and personal growth. We stress the need to continuously expand knowledge, improve marketing strategies, and serve clients more effectively. Furthermore, we emphasize personal development as a means to become a better business owner and person.By incorporating these eight practices, entrepreneurs can expect to see their businesses thrive and make a positive impact.

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of personality styles as portrayed by the characters from the iconic TV show Friends. We explore how Monica, Joey, Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, and Chandler embody the DISC personality styles, shedding light on the intricacies of human behavior and the dynamics of relationships.Monica, with her assertive and task-oriented nature, exemplifies the high D personality type. Always striving to take charge and emerge victorious, she embodies the drive and determination characteristic of this personality style.Joey, on the other hand, embodies the high I personality type. Fun-loving, charismatic, and easily influenced by the people around him, Joey thrives on social interactions and seeks validation through his interactions.Rachel, with her sweet and people-oriented nature, represents the supportive S personality type. Reserved and kind-hearted, Rachel is always there to offer a helping hand and provide emotional support to her friends.If you ask me, Ross characterizes the reserved and meticulous C personality type. Cautious, calculating, and focused on tasks, Ross approaches situations with a logical and analytical mindset, ensuring that every aspect is carefully considered.Phoebe, in her unique way, symbolizes an even blend of different personality styles. Adaptable and flexible, she seamlessly transitions between different environments, making her a true chameleon.Lastly, we have Chandler, who leans towards the supportive and reserved personality styles. With his dry wit and caring nature, Chandler showcases elements of both the S and C personality types.By analyzing how these characters interact and understanding the different DISC personality types, we can gain valuable insights into how relationships blend together and contribute to the progress of the world around us. So, join us as we explore the fascinating world of personality styles through the lens of our beloved Friends characters.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of considering the audience and demand for our projects before diving into creating them. We share a personal experience of moving into a house that is not quite finished yet, highlighting the need to take a different approach to life projects. Instead of spending months or years creating something without knowing if it will sell, we suggest selling our idea or product first, even before it's fully completed. By finding people who are interested in what we're creating and selling it to them, we can gauge the demand and avoid wasting time and resources on something that won't sell. This strategy allows us to do good work and find success by putting our creations out there and finding those who want what we have to offer. So, let's embrace this approach and sell our ideas before investing too much time into their creation.