Hello Author: Recent Episodes
Joe Solari
Hello Author is a series of short episodes focused on the best business and marketing practices for authors. Originally emails sent to authors the material has been turned into audio to provide you the ability to digest this information while going about your day.
Last week we tackled fear; this time, we’re unpacking envy. In this episode, I explore how comparison distorts your creative compass and how to restore your authentic rhythm.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
How much creativity have you lost to fear? In this episode, I unpack the Shadow Predator—the hidden neurobiological force that hijacks your creative flow. You’ll discover the four patterns of fear that sabotage momentum, how to spot their symptoms in your body, and what to do in the moment to get back on track.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Fear and envy destroy more creative potential than any algorithm or market shift. In this episode, I explore how these hidden emotional saboteurs operate under the surface of your awareness, triggering neurobiological shutdowns, distorting your creative compass, and spreading toxicity in creative communities.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Where you recover shapes how well you recover. In this episode, we explore how to design physical and digital spaces that restore your creative power, based on how your brain actually processes rest. It’s time to treat your recovery environments like part of your creative toolkit.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Creative recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a sequence. In this episode, I show you how to structure recovery rhythms that match your creative phases, from early ideation to post-launch reset. The right sequence doesn’t just restore—it accelerates momentum.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Some breakthroughs only happen when you walk away. In this episode, I explore immersive recovery—deliberate, extended disengagement that unlocks deep insight and creative transformation. Think less burnout prevention, more breakthrough engineering.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Small breaks can drive big results—if you know how to use them. In this episode, I introduce the concept of microrecovery: short, strategic pauses that refresh your brain’s key networks and boost performance. It’s not about stopping—it’s about refueling.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Most recovery advice falls short because it ignores the real source of your creative fatigue. In this episode, I break down the three types of depletion—and how to recover from each—so you can stay energized and prolific without burning out. Hemingway had it right: recovery is a craft.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
What if your entire creative system was designed around what makes you most distinct? In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a lifelong creative practice by aligning your work with your natural rhythms, strengths, and values—just like Glenn Gould did. Integration isn’t about balance—it’s about designing for sustainability.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Shoji Hamada faced a challenge every creator dreads—how to scale his work without losing what made it special. In this episode, I break down how to expand your creative business while protecting your signature strengths, so your growth makes your work more distinctive, not less.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Ernest Hemingway’s greatest strength wasn’t just his writing—it was knowing which feedback to accept and which to filter out. In this episode, I break down how to build a feedback system that sharpens your unique creative voice instead of diluting it.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
What if your business model could amplify your creative fingerprint instead of draining your energy? In this episode, I explore how Charles Dickens turned his greatest strength—his ability to bring characters to life—into a unique business advantage. I’ll show you how to align your author business with what makes your work truly distinct.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Your creative fingerprint is what sets you apart from every other writer. In this episode, I’ll show you how to spot those patterns in your process that aren’t flaws—they’re your signature strengths. I’ll walk through real-life examples that help you move from generic skills to a creative voice that’s unmistakably yours.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Disruption doesn’t have to derail your creativity. In this episode, I share how to build flexible systems that bend (not break) during life’s inevitable storms. You’ll learn how to identify your core creative habits, design portable triggers, and create buffers that protect your momentum—so your practice keeps going, no matter what.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com
Creativity thrives when friction disappears. In this episode, I’ll show you how to automate your creative practice—not the work itself, but the systems that support it. You’ll learn how to reduce cognitive overhead, align your energy with your environment, and design an ecosystem that keeps momentum going, even when you’re not actively paying attention.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com
Deadlines aren’t the enemy—they’re a creative tool. In this episode, I break down how to harness deadline energy without burnout. Learn how to build a custom deadline system that matches your natural rhythms, boosts momentum, and turns pressure into progress.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com
Consistency isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it right. In this episode, I unpack the Consistency Paradox—why shorter, energy-aligned sessions lead to better creative output than relentless routines. You’ll learn how to honor your rhythms, maintain momentum, and build a sustainable writing practice that lasts.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com
Creativity isn’t about endless time and resources—it’s about resilience. When life throws obstacles in your path, do you have a creative practice that survives? This week, I’m breaking down how to build your Minimum Viable Creativity—the core habits that keep you creating no matter what.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Publishing success isn’t about avoiding disruption—it’s about adapting to it. Just like nature’s mass extinctions, the book market constantly shifts, leaving some authors struggling while others thrive. This week, I’m breaking down how to build an extinction-proof creative practice—one that evolves, sustains momentum, and survives even the biggest industry shake-ups.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Success isn’t just about speed—it’s about sustainability. Too many superstar authors burn out because they push beyond their natural creative rhythms. This week, I’m breaking down the Superstar Paradox—why elite authors rise and fall, how to learn from their success without repeating their mistakes, and how to build a long-term, fulfilling creative career.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Publishing success isn’t just about persistence—it’s about sustainability. Too many authors invest in the wrong things, chasing a path that doesn’t exist. This week, I’m tackling the dangerous financial realities of the publishing world and how to use your Progress Pulse to make smarter, measurable decisions—before you sink too much into the wrong investments.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Creativity thrives on ideas, but success comes from execution. Too many brilliant concepts stay trapped in “what if?”—never making it to readers. This week, I’ll show you how to cross the Implementation Point—the critical shift from private creation to public impact—so your work doesn’t just exist in your mind, but in the hands of your audience.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Creativity isn’t linear—it pulses. Traditional project management systems often clash with how creative minds actually work, leading to frustration and burnout. That’s why I’ve developed The Progress Pulse, a visual system designed to align with your natural creative rhythms.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Mastery isn’t magic—it’s method. History’s greatest creators, from Mozart to Masamune, didn’t just rely on talent; they deliberately refined their skills piece by piece. This week, I’ll show you how to isolate and master the key techniques that will elevate your creative work, turning deliberate practice into your greatest advantage.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Your creative success isn’t a solo journey—it’s built on the strength of your support system. In this episode, I break down the three layers of a sustainable creative network, from your inner circle to your professional ecosystem. Learn how to map your current support system, identify gaps, and strengthen the connections that will sustain your creative career for years to come.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Creativity isn’t about suppressing emotions—it’s about learning to work with them. In this episode, I dive into how emotional awareness fuels creativity, the science behind creative moods, and how to build emotional resilience for more consistent output.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Creativity isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about capturing and implementing ideas before they slip away. In this episode, I break down how to find your creative flow by balancing insight and execution, so you can turn fleeting moments of genius into real, tangible work.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Great ideas come easily—turning them into finished work is the real challenge. In this episode, I break down Executive Function, your brain’s implementation engine, and how to optimize it for better focus and productivity. Let’s make execution as effortless as inspiration!
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
In this episode, I break down the science of creative rest and how to engineer moments of downtime to supercharge your creativity. We’ll explore how protecting mental space and embracing “boredom” can unlock your best ideas.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
In this episode, I reveal why sleep might be the most powerful (and overlooked) creative tool in your arsenal. We’ll explore how your brain consolidates ideas and solves problems during REM sleep, and I’ll share strategies to optimize your sleep for enhanced creative output.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
This week, I’m diving into how your environment shapes your creative output. By protecting your brain’s Default Mode Network and Executive Function, you’ll create spaces that fuel both idea generation and execution. I’ll walk you through crafting sanctuaries, workshops, and recovery zones to guard your creative energy and boost productivity.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
In this episode, I dive into the fascinating science behind creativity and the two brain networks that drive it. I’ll guide you through tracking your Default Mode Network (your idea generator) and Executive Function (your implementation system) to better understand your creative flow. By recognizing when and how these networks activate, you’ll uncover the key to maximizing productivity and working in alignment with your natural rhythms.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
In this episode, I dive deeper into the power of tracking your creative patterns and why small changes can lead to big results. I unpack the concept of the Upspiral—how honoring natural cycles of creativity and recovery can transform your performance. Plus, I share practical tips for conducting a digital detox to reclaim your attention and boost productivity.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
Welcome to the start of your Upspiral journey! This week, I’m guiding you through the process of establishing your creative baseline—tracking rhythms, habits, and sleep patterns to better understand where you are right now. No judgment, just observation. Let’s lay the foundation for growth, and by the end of this year, you’ll be in sync with your creative process like never before.
Learn more about how to succeed in publishing’s winner-takes-all market at joesolari.com.
In the final episode of season 4, I reflect on the cumulative power of small, consistent actions that lead to long-term success. I’ll explore how focusing on the “4%” of key activities in your author business can drive the other 64% of your results. Tune in for strategies on how to keep your momentum going and why the small things you do repeatedly matter more than waiting for a viral moment.
This week, I dive into the fascinating world of information cascades and how they impact publishing markets. I’ll explain how these cascades work and why they lead to winner-takes-all dynamics in book sales. Learn how you can harness social proof and early adopters to create momentum for your books and position yourself for success in this unpredictable market.
In this episode, I dive into game theory and its practical uses for authors. I’ll show you how to make more strategic decisions in areas like marketing, distribution, and reader engagement. Using real-world examples, I break down game theory concepts and offer actionable steps to help you thrive in a competitive publishing landscape.
In this episode, I dive into network theory and how it can transform your approach to publishing. Drawing insights from Networks, Crowds, and Markets by David Easley and Jon Kleinberg, I explore how leveraging strong and weak ties in your network can amplify your reach and strengthen your author platform. Tune in to learn strategies for building a powerful network that can elevate your publishing career.
In this episode, I explore the psychology of scarcity and how limiting access can boost demand for your book. Whether it’s offering exclusive content or running limited-time deals, you’ll learn how to create urgency around your book launch. I’ll also share how Author Nation's RAVE is using this strategy to increase ticket sales and how you can do the same for your releases.
In this episode, I explore the psychology of scarcity and how limiting access can boost demand for your book. Whether it’s offering exclusive content or running limited-time deals, you’ll learn how to create urgency around your book launch. I’ll share how Author Nation's RAVE is using this strategy to increase ticket sales and how you can do the same for your releases.
In this episode, we explore the magic of framing, a principle made famous by behavioral economist Rory Sutherland. Discover how the way you present your book can change its perceived value. I’ll show you how Author Nation's RAVE uses this tactic to make ticket prices feel like an irresistible deal—and how you can use framing to make your book stand out.
David Ogilvy once said, ‘The more you tell, the more you sell.’ In this episode, I break down why providing detailed information, when done strategically, can boost book sales. I’ll share how Author Nation's RAVE uses storytelling and layered messaging to build excitement and how you can apply the same tactics to sell more books.
In this episode, I explore Eugene Schwartz’s principle that successful marketing doesn’t create desire—it amplifies what already exists. Learn how to uncover and leverage the desires your readers already have to build irresistible book campaigns. I’ll use examples from Author Nation's RAVE to show you how tapping into existing passions can transform your marketing approach.
In this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of counterintuitive marketing, where unconventional strategies lead to extraordinary results. I’ll explore insights from marketing legends Eugene Schwartz, David Ogilvy, and Rory Sutherland, and show how these principles apply to indie authors. From amplifying existing desires to creating exclusivity, you'll learn how to attract readers and build demand in ways that defy logic.
In this episode, I explore how managing your creative energy like a balanced system is essential to sustainable authorship. Learn how to strategically align your creativity, business, and relationships to avoid burnout and create a lasting, fulfilling writing career.
In this week’s episode, I explore Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership by Joseph Jaworski, discussing how aligning your inner values with your actions can transform your leadership journey. Tune in for key insights on leading from within, shifting your mindset, and embracing synchronicity to connect with the people and opportunities that drive meaningful change in your work and life.
In this week's episode, I delve into Kraig Kramers' "CEO Tools" and share the invaluable insights I gained from him through Vistage. Discover how mastering tools like the one-page business plan and understanding the importance of implementation over imitation can transform your business strategy. Join me as I explore the essence of turning knowledge into actionable results for lasting success.
In this week's episode, I shift gears from my planned topic to share a deeply personal journey. I'll explore the concept of peak creative performance, debunking common myths about success, and offering practical insights into managing stress and achieving an upward spiral in your creative and personal life. Join me as I discuss the importance of cycles, recovery, and seeking help to improve and sustain high performance.
In this week's episode, I dive into "The Formula" by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg, exploring how success strategies from Formula One racing can be applied to the publishing world. Join me as I discuss the vital roles teamwork and innovation play in driving success and creativity in your writing journey!
Join me this week as I discuss the future of publishing through the lens of Michael Lewis’s Moneyball. This episode explores how statistical analysis can transform the publishing industry, allowing indie authors to thrive while traditional publishers struggle. Learn how to leverage this data to design your own success algorithm and stay ahead in the competitive world of book publishing.
Join me this week as I delve into the Human Givens approach and its profound impact on human behavior. I'll explain how meeting our innate emotional needs can enhance storytelling and marketing strategies. Discover how embracing these principles and challenging conventional approaches can help build a thriving community around your brand.
Join me this week as I discuss the influence of behavioral psychology on decision-making and marketing. I'll share insights from my experiences with experts like Nick Epley and Richard Thaler and how their teachings have shaped my approach to creating effective marketing systems. Discover how challenging your own thinking and the status quo can set you on a path to success in the publishing industry.
Join me this week as I delve into the profound influence of Shane Parish, the mastermind behind "The Knowledge Project" podcast. I explore Shane's insights on decision-making, the importance of mental models, and introduce his latest book, "Clear Thinking," which focuses on developing critical and consistent thinking. Discover actionable steps to enhance your decision-making process and stay present in your daily actions.
In this episode, I explore how to deepen our learning methods beyond what we pick up from others, emphasizing that real understanding and innovation come from developing our own approaches. I discuss the importance of advancing through the levels of Bloom's taxonomy—from basic recall to creating new ideas—and relate this to the Japanese concept of Shuhari, which describes the journey of learning, mastering, and transcending knowledge. I challenge listeners to evaluate their learning processes and consider how they can move beyond mere application to truly innovative thinking.
Dive deep into the world of persuasion and propaganda with me in this episode, where I explore Edward Bernays’ seminal work. Discover how his theories shape our understanding of media, influence, and public opinion, and learn how you can apply these concepts to more effectively connect with your audience.
Join me on this week’s episode as I explore the impact of stoic virtue in our lives, inspired by the philosophy in the book, “The Obstacle is the Way.” Discover how embracing these principles can shape your responses and actions, creating a purpose-driven life.
Join me in this episode as I explore transformative customer-centric sales techniques. Learn how these strategies can revolutionize your relationships with readers and boost your book sales.
Dive into the world of Seth Godin with me in this episode, where we explore the profound insights from his books like “This is Marketing” and “The Practice.” Discover how these principles can revolutionize your approach to marketing and creativity within your writing business.
In this podcast episode, I look at how culture impacts business success using ideas from Ben Horowitz's book "What You Do Is Who You Are." I discuss how our actions shape our brand's identity, highlighting the key role of leadership in building a culture that aligns with our values. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a team, join me as I share strategies for creating a thriving culture that genuinely resonates with your audience and drives sustained growth.
Join me on this week's podcast as we discuss the book "Blue Ocean Strategy" and how it can revolutionize your approach as an author. We'll explore the vast, uncharted waters of creating unique markets and discuss practical steps to build your digital homestead. Tune in to discover how to create experiences that draw the right readers to you, making your offerings not just another book on the shelf but a destination.
Join me this week on the podcast as we delve into Marshall McLuhan's groundbreaking essays in "Understanding Media." McLuhan, a visionary from the 1960s, dissected how media reshapes society and introduced concepts like "The Medium is the Message" and "Global Village." Discover how his foresight into media's impact is even more pertinent today and delve into how these ideas can shape your social media strategy to better connect with readers.
This week, I'm stepping away from our usual book discussions to dive into something crucial for your growth as an author: understanding and articulating your brand promise. Through the inspiring example of Y.Chroma and its founder, Max Israel, I'll show you how a compelling brand promise isn't just a catchy pitch but a deep, consistent narrative woven into every aspect of a business, influencing customer identity and loyalty. We'll explore how you, as an author, can apply these principles to make your books not just products but essential, identity-defining experiences for your readers.
In this week's episode, I delve into Brad Jacobs' enlightening book, "How to Make a Few Billion Dollars.” Jacobs has consistently excelled in the realm of publicly traded companies, not just through financial maneuvers but by adopting a mental framework that assesses and strategically resolves industry issues in line with his vision. Through this lens, we’ll discuss how to navigate the latest trends and disruptions in the publishing industry and determine which are right for your business—all while maintaining autonomy and staying true to what matters most in the storytelling business.
Join me on this week's episode as I explore the transformative power of thinking big in businesses. Drawing on Dan Sullivan's book 10x is Easier Than 2x, I unpack how adopting a 10x mentality can revolutionize your approach to growth and scalability. From embracing AI to redefining the storytelling landscape, discover actionable insights to elevate your business to new heights.
In today's episode, I dive into "The Debrief Imperative" by James Murphy and William Duke, a game-changing book that outlines a systematic approach to planning, briefing, executing, and debriefing for unparalleled results. I share my journey of applying these principles within my own team at Author Nation, emphasizing the power of debriefing to institutionalize learning and drive continuous improvement. Join me as we explore how this methodology can transform repetitive tasks into opportunities for incremental advancement, ensuring that every launch or project is a step towards perfection, no matter how imperfect the process might seem.
In this week's episode, I explore the transformative potential of integrating "The Balanced Scorecard" framework with actionable game paths to drive strategic business outcomes. Using my work within Author Nation as a case study, I highlight how a focus on customer satisfaction fuels our overall company performance and growth. Join me as I reflect on the experimental nature of crafting systems and the long-term vision these game paths serve.
In this episode, I share insights on the "Knowing-Doing Gap" concept, drawing inspiration from Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton's 2000 book of the same name. Join me as I examine the root causes of this phenomenon within the publishing industry, highlighting the fear of change and lack of trust as prominent factors. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, I emphasize the importance of taking action over elaborate planning, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and navigating the gap between knowing and doing to move forward effectively.
Join me in this episode as I delve into the transformative power of experiences, drawing inspiration from the 1999 book, "The Experience Economy." Discover how moving beyond commodities and services to create authentic experiences can elevate your brand and engage your audience on a deeper level. Together, let's explore practical strategies to enhance your reader's journey and make your brand an unforgettable experience.
In this episode, I explore the concept of adopting algorithms for success, drawing insights from "Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions" by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths. By examining the pitfalls of fixed rules in decision-making, I emphasize the importance of establishing systems over setting goals, guiding listeners towards a more stable and impactful approach to achieving their objectives. Through real-life examples and insightful analysis, I encourage listeners to rethink their strategies and focus on optimizing their present state for long-term success.
In this week's episode, I delve into the influential ideas of Seth Godin and André Chaperon, two content creators who have profoundly shaped my perspective on audience building. Together, their philosophies underscore the significance of building cumulative advantage and leveraging the acute and chronic value of true fans in driving long-term success in the publishing industry.
In this episode, I discuss a book that I believe can greatly benefit you on your writing journey - "Business Model Generation" by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur. The authors provide valuable insights into designing a model that aligns with your personal vision while avoiding common entrepreneurial pitfalls. Tune in to learn how to apply these principles to your writing journey and gain a competitive edge in the publishing industry.
In this episode, I delve into two influential books, 'Traction' by Gino Wickman and 'Who Not How' by Dan Sullivan, exploring how they interconnect and shape the landscape of entrepreneurial success. Discover the origins of these books and learn valuable insights on building effective teams, letting go of tasks, and fostering a network that propels creative endeavors.
In this episode, I delve into the timeless insights on entrepreneurship and systemization from Michael E. Gerber's "The E-Myth." Reflecting on my own business journey, I share how indie authors can incorporate Gerber's principles to create adaptable systems that foster emergent properties, transforming their reader community experience.
In this episode, I challenge the conventional wisdom that competition is the driving force in the publishing industry. Instead, I explore the transformative power of cooperation and how it can lead to a surplus of value within a Pareto market.
In this episode, I explore the nuanced motivations behind writing, challenging authors to consider the atelic (non-result) and telic (objective-based) aspects of their creative pursuits. Drawing inspiration from Oliver Burkeman's work on productivity, I emphasize the importance of finding joy in the creative act itself, navigating the pressures of the publishing landscape, and ultimately trusting the atelic to enhance the natural manifestation of results over time.
Join me as I explore the dichotomy between being a daydreamer and a creator, emphasizing the transformative power of turning imagination into action. Drawing inspiration from my personal experiences, Picasso's journey, and insightful quotes from figures like Kurt Vonnegut and Teddy Roosevelt, I challenge the conventional notions of success, highlighting the importance of embracing the joy of creation and overcoming fears to step into the creative arena.
In this episode, I delve into the intricate dynamics of change and transition, drawing parallels between my own experiences with Author Nation™ and Robert Fritz's ideas on creating one's life as art. Join me as I explore the transformative power of rearranging structures to navigate the tensions inherent in change and explain how the principle of least resistance can reshape your business and life.
In this episode, I discuss the nuances of transitions in life, drawing on William Bridges' three-phase psychological process of change. Using personal experiences and the evolution of Author Nation as examples, I emphasize the importance of transparent communication, adapting to change, and embracing the challenges that come with transitions, ultimately highlighting the need for constant evolution in an era where change is the norm.
In Episode 1 of Season 4, I introduce the workings of my current project, Author Nation, providing insights into my business strategies. This season's key themes include change and transition, marketing, sales, experience, promotion, business practices, and mindset. Join me as I share valuable perspectives and lessons learned in navigating the dynamic landscape of the self-publishing industry.
Imagine you’re a contestant on Deal or No Deal.
You're standing next to Howie Mandel, and there are five suitcases left.For luck, you picked the one Meghan Markle stood beside, and it holds $100, $400, $1,000, $50,000, or $300,000.The banker has just offered you $80,000.What do you do?Choose deal or no deal and I’ll share the math with you at the end of this email.The reality is most of life isn’t this clear-cut. It’s filled with ambiguity and uncertainty.The tough decisions are far squishier than your probability of getting the best financial outcome from continuing to open cases or take the deal. Some choices set the course of your life.We can further complicate the decision-making process when we are focused more on eliminating ambiguity than we are at making a good decision.I thought rather than continuing with my stories (I’ve got some more), I’d provide a format for your journal—a document to help you create journal entries for decision making.I attach the form to this email and is yours to use as you wish.You can use it next time you face a tough choice.Have you ever faced a decision and felt the pressure of a deadline to decide?By having a guide sheet, you become a better decision-maker.I include prompts like, how long do I have with no consequence to collect more information to make a better decision?This revelation separates winners and losers. Knowing that you have time or don’t gives you power.Most people are so focused on the uncomfortable feeling of ambiguity that they make a snap decision. A decision—good or bad relieves them from suffering under a cloud of ambiguity.You may think…“Why talk about ambiguity and uncertainty? Aren’t they the same thing?”Not in this context, Ambiguity is the emotional state you find yourself in, not knowing what to do.The act of deciding relieves the ambiguity. It may not result in a good outcome.After the decision, there still is uncertainty about the outcome.What we look to do with the decision-making system is give you a process to reduce your urgency to decide, relieve ambiguity, and increase the probability of the best outcome.Let’s get to the process.In the last email, I suggested you start a decision-making journal.If you journal already you can just insert my template into that journal when the days come for those big decisions.The template to guide you through the decision is at the bottom of this post.The act of completing the template is 80% of the decision-making process.Analysis of its contents is 15%, and the act of deciding becomes 5% of the effort.Rather than go through the journal template line by line, here is a video on how to use it.JoeP.S. Did you take the deal or not?Here is the analytics on the decision:If you total up the possible wins $351,500, the average is $70,300.The probability that your case is $300,000 is 20%.The likelihood that it’s not $300,000 is 80%.Four out of five of the choices are below $70,300.The banker offers a 13% premium above the average to step away from a one in five chance at winning $300,000.The prudent choice is to take the banker’s offer.But you just may be here for the action…And that’s what he wants you to get caught up in the emotion!The point of this is that most of your decisions are not as cut and dried, and you’re not under a time constraint to decide.Yet, we don’t go through any analytical process to evaluate all the outcomes or any second or third-order consequences.I just gave you a list of questions that would walk you through making an educated decision.It will help to reveal the emotions and probable outcomes of your big decisions.Will you decide to use it?
This is the first email of Season one: Wynn-ing Ways. To get the most of this series begin here and listen to the emails in sequence. This is the audio version of Joe Solari's 2021 Email Series Wynn-ing Ways for Authors. https://youtu.be/PHe0bXAIuk0