Okay.
Someone who reinvented his career path,
right,
multiple times over decades.
Fascinating story.
Yeah.
Julian's story is a study in resilience.
Oh yeah.
Because it's not about overnight success,
right?
We're going to dive into his personal journals.
Oh wow.
Filled with raw emotion. Yeah,
really candid reflections on his wins and struggle.
So, Julian's career path is wild.
It is.
We're talking army sniper, globe trotting, cameraman, magician.
Wow.
Online entrepreneur. Okay.
And finally, professional speaker.
Not your typical career trajectory. No.
What's really interesting here is that Julian's journey shows us how much career paths have changed. Yeah.
The ability to reinvent yourself is so valuable these days, right?
And he embodies that.
And you can really feel that in his journey. He does not hold back on the emotional highs and lows.
No, he doesn't.
One moment he's describing a Eureka moment
and then next he's talking about crash days.
That's something anyone who's chased a dream can relate to. It's emotionally demanding.
Oh yeah.
There going to be those amazing highs, but there are also going to be those periods of doubt or even despair.
Totally.
Julian's story reminds us that it's normal to feel that way.
It's part of the process.
It's about learning how to manage those emotions, not letting them derail you.
There's this one story where Julian talks about reluctantly painting his house in New Zealand.
Okay,
it wasn't some grand inspiring project, but he had this realization that motivation often comes after you start doing something,
not the other way around.
It's a simple idea, but so profound.
Yeah,
we often wait to feel motivated before we start working toward a goal.
I know I do.
But Julian's experience, and I'm sure you felt this, too.
Oh, yeah.
Is that sometimes you've just got to take that first step
even if you don't feel like it
just got to do it.
That action can be what sparks the motivation you need.
He wasn't afraid to ask for help either. Oh,
okay.
His journals talk about how he sought out mentorship from people like Pam Slim and Michael Port.
What's fascinating about that is it shows how much Julian valued external perspective.
Yeah.
He understood that he didn't have all the answers and that having someone to act as a sounding board could help him navigate the uncertainty and gain some clarity.
And Julian's journals
are full of his attempts to define his personal brand.
Oh, really?
He has pages of slogans and branding ideas.
That again is so relatable. It takes time and experimentation to really
nail down that message that resonates with your audience.
Absolutely.
What Julian demonstrates here is that it's a process
and it's okay to try things out and see what sticks.
One thing that jumped out at me is how Julian seems to revisit similar ideas and themes in his journals every year or so. It's actually really encouraging for anyone who feels like they're going in circles. It's not failure. It's more like refinement,
right?
Each time Julian came back to a theme.
He brought new experiences and insights to it.
He had a new perspective.
It's a sign of growth and development.
And he talks a lot about how he often found success by taking action even if things weren't perfect.
Okay.
He learned by doing adapting along the way.
Yeah.
It's almost like he embraced the detours
and unexpected turns,
right?
Yeah.
He didn't let the fear of making a mistake stop him from moving forward.
Yeah.
And for anyone listening who's feeling stuck, that's such an important reminder,
right?
What's one small imperfect step
Mhm.
you can take right now towards your goal.
Now, this is where things get a little more real.
Okay.
Julian was incredibly honest in his journals about his financial struggles, even though he was accomplished in so many areas.
That's a crucial point.
Yeah.
We often focus on the passion and the drive it takes to pursue a dream,
but sound financial Planning is just as important.
Oh, for sure.
You don't want your finances to become the obstacle that hold you back.
There's a section where Julian includes text messages from his daughters.
You are expressing how proud they are of him.
What's really powerful about that is how it highlights the importance of defining success on your own terms.
What truly matters to you in the long run?
Yeah.
Are you measuring your progress against someone else's definition of success? Right.
Or are you focused on what brings you fulfillment? So easy to get caught up in comparisons.
It is.
But it's important to recognize your own wins, even if they don't look like what society tells us success should look like.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
Julian's daughter's messages are a great reminder that success uh doesn't always come with a trophy or a headline.
That's true.
Sometimes it's about the impact you have on those closest to you.
And speaking of impact,
yeah,
Julian's journals are full of these recurring cycles of reinvention.
Almost every year it seems he's got a new business idea, a new website, a new slogan.
What's fascinating about that is it shows how much Julian valued experimentation.
He was constantly trying new things,
learning from each attempt and refining his approach.
Like he was never satisfied.
It wasn't about finding the perfect idea right out of the gate. It was about embracing the process of discovery and evolution.
It's almost like he saw those so-called failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
Exactly. He wasn't afraid to try something new. Yeah.
Even if it meant potentially failing. And for anyone listening who's feeling discouraged by setbacks, that's such an important lesson. It's about seeing those failures as data points. Okay.
As opportunities to course correct and get closer to your goal.
There's this one story that really illustrates that Julian had a frozen shoulder.
Oh wow.
And had to drive up Melt Coua for treatment.
Okay.
While he was up there, he had a sudden inspiration for a new business idea.
Wow. loveyousweetie.com.
Interesting.
He even registered the domain name that same day.
What I find so inspiring about that is it shows how much Julian was tuned into those moments of insight.
Mhm.
He was open to inspiration striking at any moment, even during a challenging time.
Yeah.
It reminds us that sometimes the best ideas come when we least expect them.
And he was incredibly meticulous in documenting everything.
Oh, really?
He kept detailed notes on website, URLs, email marketing funnels, Wow.
Software configurations, even file naming conventions.
That's a great example of how important systems and processes can be. Yeah.
Especially when you're trying to build something new, right?
Or achieve a complex goal.
Having those systems in place creates a roadmap for success
and can help you stay organized and focused.
It's like having a recipe for your dream.
Yeah.
You know, you break it down into smaller, manageable steps, right?
Making the whole thing feel less overwhelming
and it frees up mental energy. Instead of constantly having to figure things out, he can focus on the bigger picture.
Julian was also really open about the challenges he faced along the way.
He talks about having to borrow a Vimeo account for his business.
Oh, okay.
Because Kajabi, the platform he was using,
yeah,
didn't host videos on landing pages.
Interesting.
It was a real technical hurdle.
And that's a reminder that things don't always go according to plan.
For sure.
There are going to be unexpected obstacles and glitches, right?
And sometimes you just have to get creative. and find workarounds.
He also talks about attending a conference.
Okay.
And admitting to a group of people that he was terrified of approaching the corporate market for speaking engagements.
Interesting.
He was worried about not understanding the terminology.
Yeah.
And feeling out of his depth.
What's remarkable about that is his willingness to be vulnerable.
Okay.
He wasn't afraid to admit his fears and ask for help.
Right.
And what he discovered is that sometimes the things we're most afraid of are not as scary as we imagine. them to be.
He even joked about corporate professionals being strange suitclad people,
which just shows that even when facing challenges, it's important to keep a sense of humor, right?
It can help you stay grounded and maintain perspective.
There's this really cool moment where Julian talks about attending a Toastmasters meeting.
Okay.
And giving a speech that really resonated with the audience.
Awesome.
The positive feedback he received was a turning point for him.
Wow.
It reinforced his belief in his ability to connect with people through speaking.
It's a great example of how taking action, even if it's outside your comfort zone, can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Totally.
Julian could have let his fear hold him back.
But instead, he put himself out there and it led to a powerful moment of validation.
Another turning point was his appearance on Michael Port's Steal the Show podcast.
Oh,
Julian was a huge fan of the podcast
and had prepared meticulously for the interview.
That's a really important lesson for anyone pursuing A goal preparation is key.
Oh yeah.
When opportunity knocks, you want to be ready to seize it.
You got to be ready.
Julian put in the work and it allowed him to make the most of that opportunity.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing,
right?
He also had moments of deep self-doubt.
There is one journal entry where he's questioning his commercial value and wondering if he's living a wild dream in his head.
This is where Julian's story really resonates with anyone who's ever chased a dream.
Right.
Self-doubt is a normal part of the process.
It is. It's about learning to navigate those feelings of uncertainty and not letting them paralyze you.
And it was during those times that he often turned to his daughter's text messages,
reminding himself of the support he had and the progress he had already made.
Those messages remind us that success is not just about external validation, right?
It's also about the impact we have on those around us.
Yeah.
And the sense of fulfillment we derive from pursuing our passions.
Julian struggle to articulate his value proposition in a concise way.
Okay.
He has paid is filled with different slogans and branding attempts,
but he couldn't quite land on something that felt right.
This is something so many people can relate to. The struggle to find the right words
to capture the essence of what you do and the value you offer.
It takes time, experimentation, and feedback to refine your message, right?
And make it resonate with your audience.
There's a moment where Julian talks about making the decision to invest in a mentorship program with Pam Slim.
Okay.
Was it a big financial commitment.
Mhm.
But he knew he needed that guidance and support.
This shows how much Jillian valued investing in himself.
Yeah.
He recognized that mentorship could provide him with invaluable insights,
right?
And accelerate his growth.
And it's a reminder that sometimes you have to be willing to make those kinds of investments in yourself and your dream.
Absolutely. It's about recognizing that you're worth it,
right?
And that investing in your growth can pay off in the long run.
One thing that really struck me about Julian is his constant willingness to experiment.
Oh yeah,
with different business models, marketing strategies, and approaches.
He was always trying new things.
Yeah. He wasn't afraid to try new things and see what worked.
That's a key takeaway for anyone who's feeling stuck.
Okay.
Sometimes you just have to get out there and experiment.
Try different approaches, analyze the results, and adjust your course based on what you learn.
And he wasn't afraid to fail either,
right?
He saw those failures as opportunities to learn and refine his approach.
That's Such a powerful mindset shift.
It is.
Instead of viewing failure as a roadblock,
yeah,
see it as valuable data.
Okay.
It's about embracing the process of iteration, right?
And understanding that success is often built on a series of experiments and adjustments.
I noticed that whenever Julian took action, even if it wasn't perfect,
Yeah.
he seemed to experience a surge in energy and motivation.
That's a really important point. Action creates momentum.
It does. It's easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis.
Oh, I know.
But taking that first step can often be the catalyst for motivation and inspiration.
It's like that saying, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Exactly. Sometimes you just have to start walking even if you don't know the entire route.
Julian talks about attending a conference and feeling completely overwhelmed by the amount of information being thrown at him.
I can relate to that.
He felt like he was drowning in strategies and tactics.
That's a common feeling, especially in today's world. Yeah,
where we're constantly bombarded with information.
The key is to avoid getting caught up in the noise
and to focus on what's truly relevant to your goals.
It's about filtering the information, prioritizing your learning,
and finding the strategies that resonate with you and your unique circumstances.
Absolutely.
So, it's not a one-sizefits-all.
It's about finding your own path,
right?
Not trying to replicate someone else's.
Despite his experience in so many different fields, Julian was very honest about about his lack of financial savvy.
Interesting.
He admitted that he wasn't good with money.
Okay.
And that he struggled to understand financial concepts.
That's a reminder that it's okay to ask for help in areas where you're not strong.
Yeah.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
We do.
Yeah.
And it's about being willing to invest in developing those skills that are essential for success even if they don't come naturally to you.
Right.
You know, sometimes you need to call in the experts.
Yeah.
Whether it's a financial adviser or a mentor who can help you fill those gaps in your knowledge.
Absolutely.
There's this funny story where Julian talks about trying to come up with a domain name for his latest business idea.
Okay.
And realizing that almost every combination of words is already taken.
I've been there.
He even invented the word employee
as a play on employee.
Okay.
But found that the dot domain was already registered.
That's a great example of the challenges of building a rand in today's digital world.
Yeah. value of this.
But it's also a reminder to be creative, resourceful, and persistent.
There's no magic formula for finding the perfect domain name or brand name.
Nope.
It takes some trial and error, some creative thinking.
Mhm.
And sometimes a bit of luck.
And it's important to remember that a brand is more than just a name, right?
It's about the experience you create for your customers.
Yeah.
The value you deliver and the relationships you build.
Julian was very open in his journals about his experience. experiences with self-doubt.
Okay.
He talks about feeling like a fraud.
Yeah.
Questioning his abilities
and wondering if he was just deliluding himself.
That's something I think a lot of people can relate to.
I know I can.
Especially when pursuing a dream that feels big or audacious. It's easy to let those feelings of doubt creep in.
It is.
But it's important to remember that they don't define you.
And it's about recognizing that those feelings are often a sign that you're pushing yourself
that you're stepping outside of your comfort zone
and challenging yourself to grow.
Absolutely.
And now,
and those moments of self-doubt can actually be opportunities to reaffirm your commitment to your goal.
Okay.
To reconnect with your why and to remind yourself of the progress you've already made.
There's a passage where Julian describes a moment of clarity and conviction about his message.
Mhm.
He talks about feeling confident in his ability to help others.
Okay.
And no longer needing external validation or approval.
That's such a powerful moment in any journey of self-discovery.
It is. the moment when you step into your own authenticity
and embrace your unique voice.
It's about trusting your gut, believing in your message,
and sharing it with the world without fear of judgment.
He really leaned into mentorship throughout his journey.
Okay.
Seeking guidance from people like Pam Slim, Michael Port, and Vin Jang.
That's a great example of how surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate your growth.
It can.
Mentorship can provide invaluable insights, support, and accountability. It's about finding people who have achieved what you aspire to and learning from their experiences.
I noticed that Julian was constantly refining his message,
experimenting with different approaches.
Yeah.
And seeking feedback to make sure it was resonating with his target audience.
That's a really smart approach to communication. It
is.
It's about recognizing that your message isn't about you, right?
It's about the impact it has on your audience. Okay?
It's about understanding their needs, their pain points, and crafting a message that connect with them on an emotional level.
Julian talks about attending a workshop and receiving some harsh feedback on his book idea.
Oh no,
he was told it was awful.
That's a tough experience, but it's also a valuable reminder that feedback is a gift.
It is.
It's an opportunity to learn to grow and to refine our work.
Yeah.
It's about being open to constructive criticism
and using it to improve.
And it's about recognizing that not all feedback is created equal.
Right.
Sometimes you have to trust your gut and Filter out the noise.
Exactly. It's about finding mentors and advisers whose opinions you trust
and who understand your vision.
What really struck me about Julian's story is his unwavering resilience.
Oh yeah.
He faced so many setbacks, doubts, and financial challenges. Yet he never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional speaker.
That's a key ingredient for success in any field.
It is
the ability to bounce back from setbacks,
to learn from our mistakes, akes
and to keep moving forward even when things get tough.
And it's about remembering your why,
right?
Why did you start this journey in the first place?
What is it that you're trying to achieve?
Reconnecting with your why can be a powerful source of motivation and resilience when you're feeling discouraged or lost.
There's this really inspiring entry where Julian describes registering the domain names the courageguy.com and encourageguy.com.
Oh wow.
He talks about feeling a renewed sense of purpose and believing that he's finally found his niche.
That's a beautiful example of how aligning your work with your values and passions can ignite a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Yeah.
You know,
it's about finding that sweet spot where your skills, your interests, and the needs of the market intersect.
And it's about recognizing that the journey of finding your niche is often one of experimentation, of trying new things, and of being open to discovering where your true passions lie.
I noticed that Julian's target audience seemed to evolve over time.
Okay.
He started out focusing on a specific demographic,
baby boomers.
Yeah.
But then he expanded his focus to include a wider range of people.
That's a great example of how important it is to be adaptable and open to new possibilities as we gain experience and refine our message.
We might discover that it resonates with a broader audience than we initially thought.
Right.
You know,
it's about being willing to adjust our course to experiment with different approaches.
Yeah.
And to embrace the evolution of our ideas and our business.
Exactly. It's about staying open to new opportunities and being willing to pivot when necessary.
Julian talks about attending another conference and feeling the pressure to stand out in a crowded market.
He realized that he needed to offer something truly unique and valuable, right?
To differentiate himself.
That's a challenge that many entrepreneurs face.
Yeah.
Especially in today's competitive landscape.
It is.
It's about identifying your unique strengths.
Okay.
Your differentiators and the value you bring to the table that sets you apart from the competition.
It's about understanding your target audience deeply,
right?
Identifying their unmet needs and positioning yourself as the solution to their problems.
And it's about recognizing that differentiation is not just about what you offer, right?
It's also about how you offer it,
the experience you create, okay,
and the relationships you build.
Even when he was experiencing financial struggles,
Julian maintained a positive outlook and a belief in his ability to succeed.
That's so important.
It is. You know,
he never lost sight of his goals.
That's a testament to the power of mindset.
Believing in yourself and your vision, even when faced with challenges, can make all the difference.
It's about focusing on the long game. Understanding that success is a journey, not a destination.
Mhm.
And being willing to weather the storms along the way.
And it's about surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your vision.
Yeah.
People who can offer support and encouragement. when you need it most.
Julian talks about attending a workshop and learning about the importance of having a mantra for his business.
Oh, interesting.
He immediately applied this concept to his own business.
Wow.
Refining his messaging and articulating his value proposition more effectively.
That's a great example of how being a lifelong learner can accelerate your growth.
Yeah.
It's about being open to new ideas,
constantly seeking ways to improve and applying what you learn to your own business or career.
And it's about recognizing that learning isn't just about attending workshops or reading books, right?
It's about being curious, asking questions
and actively seeking out new knowledge and experiences.
Absolutely.
It's about embracing a growth mindset
and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone to learn and grow.
One thing that really impressed me about Julian is his willingness to share his knowledge and experiences with others.
He regularly offers adi, insights, and resources to other entrepreneurs and aspiring speakers.
That's a wonderful example of the power of community and collaboration. Yes. Sharing your knowledge and experiences can not only help others succeed,
but can also enrich your own learning and growth.
It's about creating a culture of support and encouragement.
Yeah.
Recognizing that we're all in this together and celebrating each other's successes.
Exactly. It's about creating a rising tide that lifts all boats.
Julian spent countless hours researching, networking, and making sales calls to secure speaking engagements.
Wow.
He was determined to build his speaking career even though it was a challenging and timeconuming process.
That's a great example of the dedication and perseverance it often takes to achieve our goals.
It is.
You know, it's about being willing to put in the hard work to stay focused
and to keep moving forward even when the going gets tough.
And it's about recognizing that success is often the result of consistent effort over time. It's not some overnight miracle. No, it's not. It's about embracing the journey, the ups and downs, and the lessons learned along the way.
Right?
I noticed that Julian
often had breakthroughs in his thinking when he took breaks from his work. Okay.
And engaged in activities that allowed him to relax and recharge.
That's a great reminder that we're not machines,
right?
We need time to rest, to recharge.
Yeah.
And to allow our minds to wander,
to get away from it.
You know,
it's about finding activities that nourish your soul.
Yeah.
That allow you to de-stress and gain a fresh perspective.
Sometimes the best ideas come when we're not actively trying to force them.
That's true.
It's about creating space for inspiration to strike.
There's this one entry where Julian describes feeling like he's finally found his voice and his purpose.
Okay.
He talks about a profound sense of clarity and confidence in his message.
That's a powerful moment in any journey of self-discovery.
It is
the moment when you connect with your authentic self and emrace embrace your unique gifts and talents.
You know, it's about recognizing that your voice has value.
Yeah.
That your experiences and insights matter
and that you have something unique to offer the world.
And it's about having the courage to share your message to put yourself out there and to make a difference in the world.
Julian was very focused on providing value to his audience.
He was constantly seeking ways to improve his content.
Yeah.
His delivery and his overall impact.
That's a key principle for success in any any business or career. Yeah.
It's about focusing on the needs of your audience,
delivering on your promises, and exceeding their expectations.
It's about building trust,
right?
Creating a loyal following,
right,
and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
And it's about recognizing that the more value you provide, the more successful you will be.
Julian was incredibly open and vulnerable in his journals.
He shared his struggles, his doubts, and his moments of despair.
Wow.
Recognizing that those experiences were a part of the journey and that by sharing them he could connect with others on a deeper level.
Vulnerability is such a powerful tool for building connection and trust.
It is
it allows others to see us as human to relate to our experiences,
right?
And to feel less alone in their own struggles.
It's about recognizing that we're all perfectly imperfect.
Yeah.
And that by embracing our imperfections, we can create a more authentic and relatable presence.
And it's about understanding that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness.
It's a sign of strength.
There's a touching entry where Julian describes receiving a text message from a friend,
expressing gratitude for his support and acknowledging the impact he's had on their life.
That's a wonderful reminder of the ripple effect we create when we share our gifts, our knowledge, and our experiences with others.
It is.
We might not always see the impact we have,
but it can be profound and farreaching.
It's about recognizing that our actions matter,
that we can make a difference in the lives of others,
right?
And that by giving back, we enrich our own lives as well.
And it's about finding purpose and meaning in our work, recognizing that our contributions can have a positive impact on the world.
Julian consistently emphasizes the importance of taking action,
of doing something rather than getting stuck in analysis paralysis.
He encourages his readers to take that first step,
right?
To experiment, to learn from their mistakes, and to keep moving forward.
That's A key takeaway for anyone who's feeling stuck or overwhelmed, action creates momentum.
It does.
It breaks the cycle of overthinking and allows us to start making progress towards our goals.
It's about recognizing that imperfection is okay.
Yeah.
That it's better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing at all.
Exactly. And it's about remembering that every step we take, even if it's a misstep,
is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Julian talks about feeling a surge of energy and inspiration after registering a new domain. name for his latest business idea.
That's a great example of how aligning your work with your passions can ignite your enthusiasm and motivation. When you're excited about what you're doing,
Yeah.
it shows in your work.
It does. And it inspires others.
It's about finding that sweet spot where your skills, your interests, and the needs of the market intersect.
And it's about trusting your gut,
right?
Following your intuition,
and being open to new opportunities and possibilities.
Julian was constantly refining his message,
experimenting with different approaches and seeking feedback to ensure that it was resonating with his target audience.
That's a really smart approach to communication.
It is.
You know, it's about recognizing that your message isn't about you.
It's about the impact it has on your audience, right?
It's about understanding their needs, their pain points. Yeah.
And crafting a message that connects with them on an emotional level.
He also talks about feeling like a stranger in a foreign land. when trying to navigate the corporate world.
Okay.
He felt intimidated by the jargon and the culture.
That's a common feeling when entering a new field or industry.
You know, it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere,
right?
That there will be a learning curve and that it's okay to ask for help.
It's about being humble, curious, and open to learning from those who have more experience.
And it's about recognizing that discomfort is often a sign of growth.
Right.
Stepping outside of our comfort zones can be challenging.
Mhm. But it's also where we learn and grow the most.
Julian was incredibly dedicated to documenting his journey.
Oh wow.
He kept detailed journals recording his successes,
his failures, his insights,
okay,
and his lessons learned.
Journaling can be such a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth.
It can,
you know, it allows us to process our experiences, to identify patterns, and to learn from our mistakes.
It's about creating a record of our journey, a testament to our growth.
Yeah.
And a source of inspiration. for ourselves and others.
And it's about recognizing that the process of journaling itself can be transformative.
It can
it can help us to clarify our thoughts, to connect with our emotions, and to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our journey.
Julian struggled to balance managing his existing business with pursuing new opportunities.
Right?
He knew he couldn't do it all,
so he had to learn to prioritize and focus his energy.
That's a challenge that many entrepreneurs and business owners face.
It is.
Time is our most valuable resource. And we need to be strategic about how we use it.
It's about setting boundaries, learning to say no.
Yeah.
And focusing on the tasks that will have the biggest impact on our goals.
And it's about recognizing that balance is not a fixed state.
Okay.
It's a constant process of adjustment and refinement.
Julian's journals show how his thinking evolved over time.
Okay.
He started with a very specific target audience in mind.
But as he gained experience and refined his message,
he realized that his sites had broader appeal.
That's a great example of how important it is to be adaptable and open to new possibilities, you know, as we learn and grow. Our vision might expand and we might discover new opportunities that we hadn't previously considered,
right? It's about being willing to pivot to adjust our course
and to embrace the evolution of our ideas and our business.
And it's about recognizing that the journey of entrepreneurship is often one of discovery, of uncovering new opportunities. Yeah.
And of expanding our vision as we grow and evolve.
Julian talks about feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information he encountered at a conference.
Right.
He described feeling like a sponge trying to absorb everything,
but also realizing that he needed to filter and prioritize the information that was most relevant to him.
That's a challenge we all face in today's information saturated world.
We do.
It's about developing the ability to discern what's truly valuable,
right?
To focus on the information that's most relevant. to our goals
and to avoid getting bogged down in the noise.
It's about recognizing that we can't possibly know everything, that it's okay to specialize, and that the key is to focus on developing expertise in the areas that are most important to our success.
Right. Absolutely. And it's
about recognizing that learning is an ongoing process, that we're always evolving,
and that the key is to stay curious, open to new ideas, and committed to continuous improvement.
This is where Julian's story takes a really interesting turn.
Okay.
He was invited to attend an exclusive workshop led by Michael Port.
Wow.
He was excited about the opportunity,
but also incredibly nervous because he'd requested a brutally honest assessment of his potential as a speaker.
What's admirable about that is his courage to ask for honest feedback, even if it meant potentially hearing things he didn't want to hear.
Yeah.
He was willing to put himself out there and to be vulnerable,
which is essential for growth.
He even talked about completely choking during his first speech at the workshop.
Oh no.
He walked off the stage feeling humiliated.
Wow.
But instead of giving up, he used that experience as fuel to improve.
That's a powerful example of resilience.
Yeah.
Instead of letting that setback define him,
right?
He chose to learn from it and to come back stronger.
And over the course of the workshop, he gradually gained confidence and started to shine.
And that's what's so inspiring.
Yeah.
He didn't let the fear of failure paralyze him. Right.
He used it as motivation to step up his game.
By the end of the workshop, he'd earned the validation he was seeking.
Good for him.
The other speakers, seasoned pros,
yeah,
encouraged him to go for it, to pursue speaking professionally.
Wow.
They saw his potential.
What they recognized was that Julian had this natural ability to connect with an audience. He was a gifted storyteller. He had all these unique experiences and he wasn't afraid to be vulnerable and share his emotions.
One thing that's really clear from his journals is his commitment to personal growth.
Yeah,
he's constantly reading, attending workshops, and pushing himself to learn new things.
That's a great takeaway for anyone on this journey. It
embracing lifelong learning is so important, especially when you're trying to reinvent yourself or break into a new field,
right?
The world is changing so fast, you've got to stay curious.
There's a part where he's talking about trying to come up with a name for his business,
okay?
And he lists all these options,
some good, some hilariously bad.
He even Jo about a couple of domain name mishaps. Speakers exchange and penisand.
That's a great reminder to not take ourselves too seriously.
Oh yeah,
it's okay to laugh at ourselves, especially when things get tough.
Julian talked a lot about the importance of taking ownership of your life and your choices.
That idea of personal responsibility is so crucial.
It is.
It's about recognizing that you have the power to shape your own future regardless of your circumstances.
He even describes this aha moment. where he realizes that change isn't a process. It's a decision.
Wow.
You're always one decision away from a different path.
That's so powerful.
It's about reclaiming your agency. You don't have to wait for things to happen. You can make them happen.
One of the biggest lessons from Julian's story is that it's okay to experiment and try different approaches.
Absolutely.
He was constantly iterating, testing new ideas, and learning from his experiences.
That's the beauty of entrepreneurship. It's about being willing to take risks to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to constantly evolve and adapt.
His journals really highlight the ups and downs of pursuing a dream.
They do.
They offer so much wisdom for anyone who's feeling discouraged or lost.
It's not about overnight success.
It's not.
It's about resilience, perseverance, and a deep belief in your vision.
Yeah.
Julian's story reminds us that the path to achieving your dream might be winding, but it's worth it.
So, if you're out there feeling like giving up, remember Julian. journey.
Mhm.
Embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, and never lose sight of that dream.
And remember, every twist and turn in your path is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Yeah.
You're closer than you think.
Keep going.
