Better Human Business Podcast

Morning Routine: Kickstarting My Day as a Digital Entrepreneur

In today’s episode of the Better Human Business podcast, I invite you to experience a day in the life of a digital entrepreneur. My day typically starts at 5:30 AM. This early rise is essential, allowing me to engage in breath work, meditation, and some light stretching—all while listening to an audiobook. This 30-minute routine is not just about physical or mental preparation; it sets a positive tone for my entire day, ensuring I’m a step ahead before my kids wake up.

Work Routine: Structuring My Day for Maximum Productivity

By 6:00 AM, I’m transitioning into dad mode, helping get my kids ready and sometimes preparing their breakfast. Right after, I dive into my workout session, which goes until about 7:30 AM, including post-workout recovery. By 8:00 AM, I’m in my home office ready to start the day’s work.

Workday Structure:

• Mondays and Fridays: Reserved for meetings. These days are less intense, focusing on communication and planning rather than deep work.
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: My powerhouse days. I schedule no meetings and focus entirely on content creation, project advancements, and other deep work tasks.

Afternoon Adjustments: Balancing Entrepreneurship with Family Time

After a focused morning of work, I break for lunch, which varies depending on the day. During the summer, I wrap up by 3:00 PM to coach my kids and their friends in strength and conditioning—a rewarding time that allows me to bond over fitness. On other days, I work until about 4:00 PM, then shift my focus entirely to family.

Evening Routine: Unwinding and Family Engagement

Dinner is an essential family gathering time in our household, where we connect and unwind together. Post-dinner, depending on the day, might involve some personal relaxation time in the sauna or quality moments with my wife. I aim to be in bed between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, ensuring I get enough rest for another productive day.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to a day in the life of a digital entrepreneur.
• [00:01:30] Overview of the morning routine and its importance.
• [00:02:30] Transition from family time to personal workout and work start.
• [00:03:30] Explanation of weekly work structure for optimal productivity.
• [00:05:00] Details on afternoon routines and balancing work with family activities.
• [00:06:30] Evening routine and strategies for unwinding after a busy day.
• [00:08:00] Final thoughts on maintaining work-life balance as an entrepreneur.

Understanding Accountability in Entrepreneurship

In the beginning stages of any entrepreneurial journey, acquiring the right tactics is crucial. During my early days, I consumed all the advice I could—from mentors to books to online resources. While tactics are necessary for getting off the ground, they are just the foundation.

However, as you grow in your entrepreneurial role, you learn that beyond these tactics, there’s a critical need for something more sustainable to keep you on track: accountability.

The Transition from Tactics to Accountability in Entrepreneurship

As entrepreneurs, we reach a point where we’re no longer starved for tactics but rather for effective execution of those tactics. This is where accountability in entrepreneurship becomes essential. It’s not just about having a list of tasks; it’s about ensuring these tasks are completed effectively and contribute to your overall business goals.

Accountability means having systems, routines, or partners that keep you focused and help you navigate through the overwhelming array of decisions and responsibilities that come with running a business.

The Impact of Accountability on Entrepreneurial Success

Research supports the significant role of accountability in achieving goals. Studies by the American Society of Training and Development show that individuals who commit to accountability to another person have a 65% chance of completing a goal. This likelihood increases to 95% when they engage in ongoing accountability meetings.

In the context of entrepreneurship, accountability isn’t just beneficial; it’s imperative. It ensures that you’re not just busy, but productive and that your actions align with your business objectives.

Implementing Effective Accountability Strategies in Entrepreneurship

1. Regular Accountability Sessions: Hold regular meetings with a mentor, coach, or accountability group to assess progress and realign goals.
2. Foster an Accountability Culture: Build a team culture where accountability is valued, and every member feels responsible for the business’s success.
3. Adopt Accountability Tools: Use tools and software that facilitate task management and progress tracking to keep your team on target.
4. Be Your Own Devil’s Advocate: Regularly challenge your own ideas to ensure they’re robust and will effectively drive your business forward.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the importance of accountability in entrepreneurship.
• [00:01:30] Analysis of the early need for tactics in business growth.
• [00:02:30] Transitioning from tactic accumulation to prioritizing accountability.
• [00:03:30] Personal reflection on the impact of lacking accountability.
• [00:05:00] Discussion of scientific studies supporting the effectiveness of accountability.
• [00:06:30] Strategies for implementing accountability in your entrepreneurial journey.
• [00:08:00] Conclusion: Upholding accountability as a core component of entrepreneurial success.

Understanding Groupthink in Business

Groupthink occurs when the desire for harmony and conformity in a group results in irrational or poor decision-making outcomes. It often happens because group members avoid promoting viewpoints outside the consensus for fear of disrupting the tranquility of the group dynamic. This lack of critical evaluation can lead to disastrous decisions.

The Media and Podcast Industry: A Case Study in Groupthink

Lets zoom out and consider the broader implications of groupthink beyond individual organizations. In the media and podcasting industries, for instance, we see patterns that mirror the dangers of groupthink. Initially diverse media sources often consolidate into conglomerates, reducing the variety of perspectives and reinforcing a homogenous view. This pattern is repeating in podcasting, where influential figures often cross-pollinate ideas without introducing new, challenging thoughts.

Breaking the Cycle of Groupthink

To combat groupthink, it’s essential to foster an environment where dissent is not just tolerated but encouraged. Here are some strategies to help you and your organization make better decisions:

1. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a culture where team members feel safe to express dissenting opinions without fear of retribution.
2. Appoint a Devil’s Advocate: In meetings, assign someone the role of the devil’s advocate to question and challenge ideas deliberately. This can prevent the team from rallying around ideas without sufficient scrutiny.
3. Diversify Your Sources of Information: Whether its in media consumption or professional advice, seek out a wide range of perspectives. This can prevent the echo chamber effect that reinforces groupthink.
4. Implement Structured Decision-Making Processes: Use tools like anonymous feedback forms and structured decision-making frameworks that require justification for decisions and consider multiple viewpoints.

Why It Matters

While maintaining harmony within a team is important, it’s crucial not to let this drive suppress healthy debates and critical thinking. The strongest teams are those that can engage in constructive conflict, challenging each other’s ideas to refine and improve them.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the episode and the concept of groupthink.
• [00:01:30] Explaining groupthink and its impact on decision-making.
• [00:02:30] Historical context of media evolution and its parallels in podcasting.
• [00:03:30] How the podcast industry reflects groupthink dynamics.
• [00:05:00] Strategies to combat groupthink in organizations.
• [00:06:30] The role of a devil’s advocate in challenging group consensus.
• [00:07:30] The importance of diversity in information and perspectives.
• [00:08:30] How to foster a culture that encourages critical evaluation and dissent.
• [00:09:30] Closing thoughts on the necessity of resisting groupthink for business growth.

A Sudden Shift: My Encounter with Chemically Induced Apathy

A month ago, I faced an unexpected challenge. Normally, Im driven and passionate, deeply caring about my family, fitness, and business. However, I suddenly found myself engulfed in what I can only describe as extreme apathy. I didn’t want to engage in work, nor was I motivated to maintain my fitness routine or be the father and husband I strive to be.

This shift was triggered by a seemingly harmless decision to manage sleep disruptions during a stressful period of selling and constructing homes. To combat waking up in the middle of the night with racing thoughts, I began taking CBD plus melatonin gummies. Although they helped me sleep better, I didnt realize they would alter my mental state, affecting my serotonin and dopamine levels and leading to a state of apathy.

The Role of Habits in Maintaining Normalcy

What was remarkable during this time was that, despite feeling unlike myself, I didn’t lose progress in any area of my life. This consistency was solely due to the strong habits I had formed over the years. Each morning, regardless of my lack of motivation, I adhered to my routine—exercising, staying hydrated, and fulfilling my responsibilities at work.

This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: when external factors sway our mental and emotional state, our habits are our lifeline. They ensure we maintain progress and continue performing our roles, even when our mental engines are stalling.

Building and Relying on Strong Habits

Building such habits doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort and discipline. You have to prioritize and repeat behaviors until they become second nature, ensuring that when life throws curveballs, you have a safety net of routines that keep you on track.

Reflection: Small Vices and Their Impact on Our Goals

Towards the end of this challenging period, a line from a Zach Bryan song resonated with me deeply: “Small vices kill your big dreams.” This made me reflect on how even small choices, like taking a sleep aid, can have profound effects on our well-being and ability to chase our dreams.

It’s crucial to assess our habits and vices regularly. Are there behaviors or substances in your life that might be hindering your progress or affecting your mental state? Addressing these can prevent them from derailing your long-term goals.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the topic and personal experience with chemically induced apathy.
• [00:01:30] The onset of unexpected emotional and motivational changes.
• [00:02:30] Identifying the cause: the impact of sleep aids on mental health.
• [00:03:30] How established habits helped maintain normalcy during challenging times.
• [00:05:00] The importance of building strong, resilient habits.
• [00:06:30] Reflecting on small vices and their potential to derail significant goals.
• [00:08:00] The power of habits in overcoming personal challenges.
• [00:09:00] Closing thoughts and the vital role of professional help when needed.

The Power of an Email Marketing Calendar

Several years ago, I took a leap by subscribing to a high-end email marketing service. While it was a significant monthly investment, the automation and detailed tracking it offered seemed promising. However, just having the tool wasn’t enough—I needed to ensure it delivered a solid return on investment (ROI). That’s where the email marketing calendar came into play.

I committed to a structured email marketing plan that revolved around a simple, yet powerful, three-part email series for each promotion. This approach wasn’t just about sending emails; it was about sending the right emails at the right time. By the six-month mark, the results were undeniable. My monthly recurring revenue (MRR) had skyrocketed by 400%!

Simple Steps to Set Up Marketing Calendar

Step One: Find an Excuse to Email

The first step in creating your email marketing calendar is finding legitimate reasons to reach out to your audience. These can be as simple as recognizing holidays, special events, or even personal milestones like the anniversary of your business. The key is to create touchpoints that feel natural and engaging.

Step Two: Plan Your Campaigns Around These Excuses

Once you have your list of excuses, plot them on your calendar. This will give you a visual representation of when you should be communicating with your audience. Aim for at least one reason per month, which should be more than manageable.

Step Three: Craft Your Emails Using the GLF (Gain, Logic, Fear) Sequence

Each campaign should include three strategically crafted emails:

1. Gain Email: Highlight what your clients will gain from your offer (e.g., a discount, added value).
2. Logic Email: Use logical reasoning to explain why taking advantage of the offer makes sense.
3. Fear Email: Introduce scarcity or a time limit to create urgency.

Why Consistency is Key

The real challenge—and the secret to success—in email marketing is consistency. Sticking to your calendar and executing your planned campaigns without fail is what separates thriving businesses from those that struggle. It’s not just about having great ideas; it’s about consistently implementing them.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00:30] Introduction to the importance of an email marketing calendar.
• [00:01:30] My personal journey with email marketing and the initial challenges.
• [00:02:30] How the email marketing calendar transformed my business.
• [00:03:30] Detailed explanation of setting up an email marketing calendar.
• [00:05:00] Breakdown of the GLF email sequence and its effectiveness.
• [00:06:30] Tips for crafting impactful Gain, Logic, and Fear emails.
• [00:08:00] The importance of consistency in email marketing.
• [00:09:30] Recap and the power of strategic email planning.