Are you an entrepreneur struggling to balance opportunities and focus on your goals? In Episode 61 of the Fearless Thinking Podcast, Michael Devous explores the power of saying "no" and how it can lead to greater success in your entrepreneurial journey. Learn to prioritize your time, energy, and attention to achieve your goals and live your most authentic life.

Episode Highlights:

• Michael discusses the challenges of staying focused in a world of constant distractions.
• He explains why saying "no" is essential for entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.
• He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and investing in personal growth.
• He shares strategies for saying "no" effectively and overcoming guilt.
• He explores the concept of aligning with the universe by setting clear intentions.

Impactful Quotes:

• "What's important [is] your time, your attention, your talent, your energy...who you share that with is valuable."
• "Sometimes the most powerful word you can say for yourself is no."
• "Saying no is not about being negative. It's about being positive towards yourself."
• "Your most important investment is in yourself."
• "When you tell the universe no...the universe hears you."
• "Guilt serves nobody, period."
• "Saying no allows you to focus on your niche...where your passion lies."

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize: Identify your most important goals and prioritize activities that support those goals.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy.
• Say "No" Strategically: Learn to say "no" to opportunities that don't align with your priorities.
• Overcome Guilt: Release any guilt associated with making choices that serve your best interests.
• Focus on Your Niche: Concentrate on your area of expertise to build a sustainable business.
• Align with the Universe: Set clear intentions and trust that the universe will support you in achieving your goals.

Important Links:

• Fearless Thinking Podcast: https://fearlessthinking.buzzsprout.com/
• Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Michael Devous Website: https://michaeldevousjr.com/

Books:

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown: This book is a deep dive into the concept of essentialism. It provides a systematic approach to discerning between what is essential and what is not, ultimately helping individuals pursue less but achieve more.
  • Link: https://a.co/d/6bb9mjp
• The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan: This book emphasizes the power of focusing on one thing at a time to achieve extraordinary results.
  • Link: https://a.co/d/3CLoImA
• Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal: This book tackles the challenge of distractions in the modern world and provides practical strategies for managing your attention and staying focused on what matters most.
  • Link: https://a.co/d/4uAebRi

Articles:

• "Learn When to Say No" by by Bruce Tulgan of the Harvard Business Review: This article explores the importance of saying "no" in a professional context and provides tips for declining requests effectively.
  • Link: https://hbr.org/2020/09/learn-when-to-say-no
• "How (And Why) to Say No" by Psychology Today: This article delves into the psychological reasons why people struggle to say "no" and offers strategies for overcoming those challenges.
  • Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/of-prisons-and-pathos/202105/how-and-why-to-say-no

In Episode 60 of Fearless Thinking, Michael Devous tackles the pervasive issue of perfectionism and its impact on entrepreneurial success. He explores how this "disease" can hinder progress, stifle creativity, and prevent entrepreneurs from launching their ideas into the world. Michael shares his own struggles with perfectionism and offers practical strategies for overcoming this trap, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing effectiveness, embracing imperfection, and adopting an iterative approach to bring your vision to life. Tune in to discover how to break free from the chains of perfectionism and unleash your entrepreneurial potential.

Key Highlights:

• Perfectionism as a Hindrance: Michael discusses how the pursuit of perfection can prevent entrepreneurs from taking action and achieving their goals.
• Embracing Imperfection: He highlights the value of embracing imperfection and launching products and services even if they're not 100% polished.
• The Ascend Hub Community: He introduces the Ascend Hub as a supportive community where entrepreneurs can test their ideas, receive feedback, and overcome perfectionism.
• Effectiveness over Perfection: He encourages a shift in focus from chasing perfection to prioritizing effectiveness and excellence.
• Iterative Processes: He advocates for an iterative approach to product and service development, emphasizing the importance of learning from feedback and continuously improving.

Impactful Quotes:

• "It doesn't have to be perfect, but it does have to be effective."
• "Perfectionism is a trap... It is literally the fear of failure, the fear of criticism, and the fear of not being good enough."
• "A mistake that you learn from isn't a mistake. It's a lesson."
• "Stop procrastinating, because your ideas are important, and the world needs to hear them."

Key Takeaways:

• Don't let perfectionism hold you back. Launch your ideas, even if they're not flawless.
• Seek feedback and iterate. Use feedback to refine and improve your products and services.
• Prioritize progress over perfection. Focus on making progress and taking action.
• Find a supportive community. Connect with other entrepreneurs who understand your challenges.
• Shift your mindset. Embrace imperfection and view mistakes as learning opportunities.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Michael Devous Website: https://michaeldevousjr.com/

In this episode of Fearless Thinking, Michael Devous explores the vital role of consistency in achieving lasting entrepreneurial success. He candidly shares his personal struggles with distractions and the allure of short-term wins, emphasizing the importance of building habits and routines that foster long-term growth. Michael offers practical tips for cultivating consistency, including setting clear intentions, creating a "rabbit hole list," and investing in self-care and accountability. He also highlights the supportive community and resources offered by The Ascend Hub, designed to empower entrepreneurs on their journey to sustainable success.

Key Highlights:

• Consistency vs. Short-Term Wins: Michael contrasts the fleeting nature of one-hit wonders with the lasting impact of consistent effort in building a successful business.
• The Cost of Procrastination and Distraction: He underscores how succumbing to these tendencies can derail your entrepreneurial dreams and lead to missed opportunities.
• The Power of Action: Taking the first step, no matter how small, is crucial for building momentum and overcoming procrastination.
• Building a Strong Foundation: Michael emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid framework for your business, including clear goals, a well-defined brand, and effective marketing strategies.
• Investing in Yourself: Prioritizing self-care, personal development, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community are key to maintaining motivation and achieving long-term success.
• The Ascend Hub: This online community offers a space for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and access resources that foster consistency and growth.

Impactful Quotes:

• "Every break I take is a dream getting further away from me." - Taylor Baylor (Shark Theory podcast)
• "Someday never actually comes."
• "When you procrastinate, you're telling yourself your dreams aren't worth it."
• "Success is built on the daily grind and the consistent efforts that we put in."
• "Consistency is like a muscle; you have to practice it and make time for it. The more you use it, the stronger it gets."

Key Takeaways:

• Consistency is the foundation of lasting entrepreneurial success.
• Overcoming procrastination and distraction is crucial for achieving your goals.
• Building a strong foundation, setting clear intentions, and investing in yourself are essential steps on the entrepreneurial journey.
• The Ascend Hub offers valuable resources and a supportive community to help entrepreneurs develop consistency and realize their dreams.
• Embrace the power of small, consistent actions and watch your dreams become reality.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Shark Theory Podcast with Taylor Baylor: https://baylorbarbee.com/shark-theory-podcast/

In this episode of Fearless Thinking, Michael Devous explores the complex topic of authenticity in entrepreneurship. He shares his personal journey of navigating multiple personas in the entertainment industry and how that translated into wearing different "masks" in the business world. Michael challenges the notion that we need to be chameleons to succeed, emphasizing the power of embracing your true self and building genuine connections. He provides practical tips on how to find your authentic voice, integrate it into your brand, and overcome the fear of vulnerability.

Key Highlights:

• The Masks We Wear: Michael reflects on the different roles and personas we adopt in various aspects of life, both personally and professionally.
• The Power of Authenticity: He emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself and the benefits it brings in terms of trust, connection, and creative potential.
• Finding Your Authentic Voice: Michael outlines four key questions to help you discover your true self and shed the masks that may be holding you back.
• Integrating Authenticity into Your Brand: He discusses how your brand should be an extension of your authentic self, reflecting your values, personality, and story.
• Embracing Vulnerability: Michael encourages listeners to be transparent about their imperfections and vulnerabilities, recognizing that this is what makes us relatable and human.
• The Ascend Hub: He highlights the Ascend Hub as a safe and supportive space where entrepreneurs can explore their authentic selves and connect with like-minded individuals.

Impactful Quotes:

• "Authenticity is not a switch that you can simply turn on and off. It is a way of being, a way of living, a commitment to showing up as your true self, even when it's uncomfortable."
• "In a world of polished pitches and carefully curated social media feeds, authenticity is a breath of fresh air."
• "When you show up as your true self, you build trust, foster deeper connections, and unlock real creative potential in others."
• "Your brand is an extension of you, your authentic self. It should reflect your values, your personality, and your story."
• "Don't be afraid to show your imperfections and your vulnerabilities... they're part of what makes you unique."

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity is a powerful tool for building trust and fostering genuine connections in business and life.
• Discovering and embracing your authentic self is a continuous journey of self-reflection and growth.
• Integrating authenticity into your brand can help you attract the right clients and create a lasting impact.
• Vulnerability is not a weakness but a superpower that can lead to deeper connections and greater success.
• The Ascend Hub provides a supportive community where entrepreneurs can explore their true selves and build authentic businesses.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/

In this episode of Fearless Thinking, Michael Devous explores four common pitfalls that can derail entrepreneurial progress: procrastination, fear of failure, perfectionism, and tunnel vision. He shares his own experiences with these challenges and offers actionable advice on how to overcome them. Michael emphasizes the importance of building a support system, leveraging resources like The Ascend Hub, and adopting a fearless mindset to navigate the entrepreneurial journey and achieve success.

Key Highlights:

• The Procrastination Paradox: Michael discusses how procrastination can hinder motivation, momentum, and progress, and how to overcome it through time management strategies, accountability, and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
• The Fear of Failure Trap: He acknowledges the universal fear of failure and encourages entrepreneurs to reframe failure as feedback and a learning opportunity. The Ascend Hub offers workshops and coaching to help build resilience and overcome this fear.
• The Perfectionism Pitfall: Michael addresses the trap of perfectionism, which can lead to missed deadlines and opportunities. He advocates for prioritizing action over endless tinkering and offers strategies for shifting your mindset from perfectionism to progress.
• The Tunnel Vision Trap: The episode explores the dangers of losing sight of the bigger picture and the importance of broadening your horizons, challenging assumptions, and seeking diverse perspectives.
• The Ascend Hub: Michael introduces The Ascend Hub as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, offering a supportive community, expert-led workshops, and personalized coaching to help navigate these common pitfalls and achieve success.

Impactful Quotes:

• "Procrastination is like a slow-acting poison, eating away at our motivation and momentum."
• "Failure is not the opposite of success. It is a part of the journey."
• "Done is better than perfect."
• "The Ascend Hub will empower you to achieve your launch with clarity."
• "If you're ready to ditch your sabotages and unlock your potential, join The Ascend Hub."

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize and address common pitfalls that can hinder your entrepreneurial progress.
• Develop strategies for overcoming procrastination, fear of failure, perfectionism, and tunnel vision.
• Build a strong support system and leverage resources like The Ascend Hub to navigate challenges.
• Embrace a growth mindset and view setbacks as learning opportunities.
• Focus on taking action, building momentum, and celebrating your wins, no matter how small.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Shark Theory Podcast: https://baylorbarbee.com/shark-theory-podcast/
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808
• 1 Million Cups: https://www.1millioncups.com/

In this episode of Fearless Thinking, Michael Devous explores the urgency of pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams and the high cost of procrastination. He emphasizes that time is not just money; it's opportunity. While you hesitate, the market shifts, competitors gain ground, and windows of opportunity may close. Michael encourages listeners to take action, even if it's messy or imperfect, and build momentum through consistent effort. He also highlights the importance of investing in yourself through learning, networking, and personal development. Finally, he introduces The Ascend Hub as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking support, guidance, and community to turn their dreams into reality.

Key Highlights:

• The Cost of Procrastination: Delaying your entrepreneurial journey can lead to missed opportunities, lost momentum, and increased self-doubt.
• The Power of Action: Taking the first step, even if imperfect, signals your commitment to your dreams and opens doors to new possibilities.
• Building Momentum: Small, consistent actions create a snowball effect, leading to significant results over time.
• Investing in Yourself: Prioritize self-care, personal development, and surround yourself with supportive people to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
• The Ascend Hub: This online community offers tools, resources, and a supportive network to help entrepreneurs navigate their journey and achieve their goals.

Impactful Quotes:

• "Every break I take is a dream getting further away from me." - Taylor Baylor (Shark Theory podcast)
• "Someday never actually comes."
• "When you procrastinate, you're telling yourself your dreams aren't worth it."
• "The time to act is now, it's not tomorrow. Next week, it's not someday."
• "Luck is being prepared and ready for when that window opens."

Key Takeaways:

• Time is a precious resource for entrepreneurs, and procrastination can be costly.
• Taking action, even imperfect action, is crucial for building momentum and seizing opportunities.
• Investing in yourself and building a supportive community can help you achieve your goals.
• The Ascend Hub offers valuable resources and a supportive network to help entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality.
• Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back; embrace the urgency of your dreams and take action today.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com
• Shark Theory Podcast with Taylor Baylor: https://baylorbarbee.com/shark-theory-podcast/

Episode 55 was recorded twice at tow different times. Here is another take on those topics with episode 55B:

In this episode of Fearless Thinking, host Michael Devous tackles the pervasive issue of procrastination and its detrimental effects on our entrepreneurial dreams. He explores the hidden costs of delaying your journey, including missed opportunities, lost momentum, and increased self-doubt. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Michael emphasizes the importance of taking action, building momentum, and investing in yourself to achieve your goals. He also introduces The Ascend Hub as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking support and guidance in overcoming procrastination and turning their dreams into reality.

Key Highlights:

• The Cost of Procrastination: Michael highlights the negative consequences of delaying your entrepreneurial journey, including missed opportunities, lost momentum, and increased self-doubt.
• The Power of Action: He emphasizes the importance of taking that first step, even if imperfect, to signal your commitment to your dreams and build momentum.
• Investing in Yourself: Michael encourages listeners to prioritize self-care, personal development, and building a strong support system to fuel their entrepreneurial journey.
• The Ascend Hub: He introduces The Ascend Hub as a community and resource center designed to help entrepreneurs overcome procrastination and achieve their goals.
• Overcoming Distraction and Building Momentum: Michael offers practical tips for combating distraction and building momentum through consistent action and accountability.

Impactful Quotes:

• "Every break I take is a dream getting further away from me." - Taylor Baylor (Shark Theory Podcast)
• "Someday never actually comes."
• "When you procrastinate, you're telling yourself your dreams aren't worth it. You're not worthy of getting there."
• "The time to act is now, it's not tomorrow. Next week, it's not someday."
• "Luck is being prepared and ready for when that window opens."

Key Takeaways:

• Procrastination can be a major obstacle to achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.
• Taking action, even small steps, is crucial for building momentum and overcoming self-doubt.
• Investing in yourself, setting goals, and finding an accountability partner can help you stay on track.
• The Ascend Hub provides valuable resources and a supportive community for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Overcoming procrastination requires self-awareness, discipline, and a commitment to your goals.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Shark Theory Podcast with Taylor Baylor:https://baylorbarbee.com/shark-theory-podcast/
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

Episode 55 was recorded twice by accident. Here is version A:
In this episode of Fearless Thinking, Michael Devous explores the urgency of pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams and the high cost of procrastination. He delves into the reasons why we delay, the negative impact it can have on our self-belief and momentum, and offers actionable steps to overcome procrastination and take action. Michael also highlights the support and resources available through The Ascend Hub, his online community for aspiring entrepreneurs, mentors, and leaders.

Key Highlights:

• The Cost of Procrastination: Michael emphasizes that delaying your entrepreneurial journey can lead to missed opportunities, lost momentum, and increased self-doubt.
• The Importance of Taking Action: He underscores the power of taking that first step, even if it's imperfect, to build momentum and signal to your brain that your dreams are worth pursuing.
• Investing in Yourself: Michael encourages listeners to prioritize their goals, make time for personal and professional development, and surround themselves with supportive people.
• The Ascend Hub: He introduces The Ascend Hub as a community and resource center where entrepreneurs can gain clarity, focus, and support throughout their journey.
• The Entrepreneurial Roadmap: Michael outlines four key steps in the entrepreneurial journey: idea validation, building a strong foundation, go-to-market readiness, and launching and scaling.

Impactful Quotes:

• "Every break I take is a dream getting further away from me." – Baylor Barbee (Shark Theory podcast)
• "Someday never actually comes."
• "When you procrastinate, you're telling yourself your dreams aren't worth it. You're not worthy of getting there."
• "The time to act is now, it's not tomorrow. Next week, it's not someday."
• "Luck is being prepared and ready for when that window opens."

Key Takeaways:

• Procrastination can have significant costs beyond just time and money.
• Taking action, even if it's imperfect, is crucial for building momentum and overcoming self-doubt.
• Investing in yourself, setting goals, and surrounding yourself with support can help you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
• The Ascend Hub provides a valuable community and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• The entrepreneurial journey involves several key steps: idea validation, building a foundation, go-to-market readiness, and launching and scaling.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Shark Theory Podcast with Baylor Barbee: https://baylorbarbee.com/shark-theory-podcast/
• Purpose: Build a Community and Change Your Life by Gina Bianchini: https://a.co/d/aolX0np
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://a.co/d/dadb79Y
• Alex Hormozi's website: https://www.acquisition.com/