Doggy paddling is still swimming 🐢

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Hi reader,

Are you just keeping afloat?

We’ve all taken turns just getting by emotionally, financially, physically, or mentally. And, at least in my life, often more than one at a time.

I feel you.

One of my favorite lessons I learned from investing: A company doing average during a tough market is actually doing great. Why? It is able to withstand and maintain during resistance.

So how amazing is that son-of-a-gun going to do during easy times?

You are that son-of-a-gun πŸ”«

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The key thing here is that you don’t need to outperform something, someone, or some random metric. Maybe for you, getting out of bed every morning is a triumph. Dealing with a toxic relationship is a gold medal win. Raising your prices to your business is your Mount Everest.

For me, it is showing up every single day for the people I love, keeping the non-traditional entrepreneur conversation going even when I don’t feel like anyone is listening, and embracing the selfish act of self-care so I can be present as long as possible to make positive impact.

Some days I am Michael Phelps. Some days I am Benji.

But I’m always swimming.

We need you.

Keep going 🐢

πŸ“– Read On Managing ADHD

🌞 Catch me at the Institute for Independent Journalism conference Thursday, February 29th - Friday, March 1st. Get the early bird discount now! πŸ‘‡πŸΎ

Join the Institute for Independent Journalists for a live, online freelance journalism conference on Feb. 29-Mar. 1 with 12 information-packed interactive sessions on pitching, the impact of artificial intelligence, newsletters, fellowships, grants, podcasting, diversity in newsrooms, and more. On day one, keynote speaker Tanzina Vega will share her experiences as an independent journalist and wisdom from her prior roles at The Takeaway (WNYC), CNN, the New York Times and more. On day two, keynote speaker Sara Goo will discuss insights from her career, from the Washington Post and NPR to now being editor-in-chief of Axios. Learn directly from editors what they want in a pitch, including editors from The Guardian, the New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, This American Life, AARP, and more. Fellowship directors will explain how to get funding for an important journalism project. 

Only $89 registration until Feb. 26 for 12 live, interactive sessions, delivering 15 hours of learning. Sign up now and get access to a bonus bundle with 4 recorded full-length webinars, 6 recorded interviews with editors on how to pitch, tip sheets, freelance checklists, an income tracking worksheet and more.

πŸ™‹πŸΎ I’m Damon! (http://www.damonbrown.net) I help side hustlers, solopreneurs & others like yourself bloom. As a bestselling author, 2x startup founder & 4x TEDTalker, I co-founded the popular connection app Cuddlr and led it to acquisition within a year while being a stay at home dad with his infant son.

πŸ«±πŸΌβ€πŸ«²πŸΏ Today, my boutique coaching business Bring Your Worth supports hundreds through one-on-one virtual and in-person support, as well as behind-the-scenes services for TED, Heroic Public Speaking, and other impactful organizations. You can catch this free weekly newsletter as well as the 18,000-subscriber strong television show BringYourWorth.tv.

πŸš€ Think coaching could help you get to the next level? Reach out and let’s chat.

πŸ“š You can also grab my 27th book, The Complete Bring Your Worth Collection, everywhere books are read, heard, and sold.

πŸ“¨ Feel free to forward this newsletter! Not a subscriber? Get it every Wednesday for free here.