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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS

I feel like that’s sort of the same thing. Haha. 

They could probably be flipped too. 

“The bravery to have courage”

On their own these things are easy to drop as buzzwords. 
We could use them interchangeably in a way that pretty much everyone understands.

But understanding it is less than half the battle.

You probably know that it’s helpful to be brave, I mean that’s kind of obvious.
You likely wouldn’t set a goal to be less brave.

In the last episode I talked about the fact that there are hidden opportunities in every challenge we face. 

But this isn't just about perseverance towards external goals. 

It’s just as much, maybe more important to win the internal battle, too.

One of my favorite thinkers, Seth Godin, talks about how schools should focus on teaching courage and bravery. 
That it’s critical we explicitly teach these skills in today's world. 

But how do you do it? 

Life isn't just about chasing milestones like getting a million podcast downloads or reaching a business target.

Those are great. But, the real victory lies in how we handle the obstacles life throws our way.

Can we take heartbreak, failure, or grief and channel it into something positive? Can we remain kind, generous, creative, and full of energy, even when times are tough?

I used to get this wrong. I thought working harder and longer was the key. 

But I’ve learned through experience and from conversations on my podcast, like the one with Taylor Simmons, that balance is critical. 

It’s not about burning ourselves out to achieve external goals. True discipline comes from building a strong foundation of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. 

Then and only then layering our ambitions on top of that foundation.
But this isn’t as much fun. 

And thus why it’s a “battle” within.

Fellow podcaster Ali Abdaal often asks his guests whether work-life balance is possible when pursuing big dreams?

Can you achieve balance early on? Or is it something we only attain once we’ve "made it"? 

What do you think?
Is it possible to achieve “work-life balance” throughout your journey?

This is a bit of a trick question.
I believe we should always strive for balance from the beginning.

There’s no reason not to.

I used to strive for hustle and hardwork like I was always going to battle.
Life can be a lot easier than this. Even with massive dreams.

I have hundreds of goals.
Books to write, podcasts to record, business deals to close, but I’ve learned to prioritize my well-being.

I used to pull all nighters, or go without proper water, or nutrition. But now I can shut ‘er down in favor of wellness.
That’s real discipline. That’s something to be proud of. 

It’s about saying no to the grind long enough to eat well, sleep well, and spend time with family and friends. 
Once we have that foundation, we can stack our dreams on top of it and use all other obstacles as stepping stones, not barriers.

Discipline is another one of the beautiful, infinite, forever games.

Building mastery over this battle within requires a shift in mindset. 

One of the things that really helped me was recognizing that I’ll never get all of my ambitions achieved and that rather than it being scary, this can be a relief. It’s just facts.

Here are a few other things that can help increase discipline:

• Focus on what you can control: To preserve energy for the most important tasks.
• Detach from outcomes: Focus on the process and effort, instead of results.
• See setbacks as setups: To keep moving forward without being perfect.
• Embrace consistent action: So you don’t get stuck overthinking.
• Design routines: That will almost guarantee consistency.
• Build emotional control: To make better decisions.

FOLLOW Justin
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LinkedIn – Justin

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS

As I walked through the hospital today, I passed by a monitor displaying a message that caught my eye. 

"Remember, mistakes are evidence that you're trying."

It made me smile, but it also made me think. How do we spread this message? How do we make sure everyone understands this? I already believe in it, but what about the people who don’t get it? The ones stuck in their comfort zones, afraid to step into the unknown?

I recently heard people criticizing Post Malone for venturing into country music. 

It’s hilarious to me because while he’s out there dropping an album that’s going to be a huge success, people are questioning his decision. 

Why do they care? I’m sure Post Malone isn’t phased. He’ll probably jump into something completely different next—maybe a Nirvana tribute, spoken word poetry, or another experimental project.

What’s fascinating about him is his ability to ignore the noise and keep creating. I’d love to interview him to dive deeper into this mindset. 

I imagine that if someone asked him why he decided to try country music, he’d probably shrug and say, “Why not?"

That’s the question, isn’t it? 

Why not? Why not try something new, even if people don’t understand? 

We often feel the need to create within strict boundaries. But most of us don’t want to fit neatly into a category, we want to explore the gray areas. In a world full of rules, expectations, and fear of failure, stepping outside the box like this is a courageous act. 

Someone asked me yesterday how I define creativity? 

It's a simple question, but answering it takes courage. 

Creativity is such a broad topic that it’s hard to pin down. But I think the most important thing is this: it’s not about what you make; it’s about your willingness to make something at all. It’s about pushing past the limitations that have been imposed on us—by society, school, by your family, friends, and your own inner critic. Pushing all that aside and doing the work anyway. 

Here’s where things get real. 

Most people, at some point, get stuck. 

Between kindergarten and adulthood, we’ve been told too many rules, received too much negative feedback, and started believing that we’re not creative. I’ve been there. For years, I believed I wasn’t creative because I didn’t fit the mold. But there’s a turning point—a moment where you decide to uncage your creativity and reclaim it for yourself.

Stephen Pressfield talks about resistance in his book The War of Art, the invisible force holding you back from doing the work. It’s fear. It’s doubt. It’s the voice that tells you your ideas aren’t good enough. 

But here’s the thing: creativity is like a statue covered in mud. It’s still there, buried under layers of grime. All you need to do is chisel away at it, bit by bit, clean it up and let it shine.

Sometimes we need prompts or constraints to get started, and that’s okay. But don’t let those tools become a crutch. True creativity comes when we stop relying on someone else’s template and start carving our own path.

A friend recently asked me if it was realistic to pursue both gaming and engineering. 

This word—realistic—always catches my attention. Who gets to decide what’s realistic?

Will Smith once said that it probably seemed unrealistic for the Wright brothers to imagine flying a metal contraption into the sky. Edison? Unrealistic to think a small piece of plastic could light up a room. If you told someone 15 years ago that we’d be watching movies on tiny pieces of glass and plastic in our pockets, they would have laughed. But here we are…

The point is, we can’t be afraid of being unrealistic.

The world’s greatest innovations were once dismissed as impossible. If we constantly seek validation for our ideas—asking others if they think it’s realistic—we’re building an imaginary boundary for ourselves. Creativity doesn’t need boundaries.

This brings me back to Post Malone. 

He didn’t ask for permission to explore country music, and he certainly didn’t need validation from critics. He just did it.

And you can do the same with your ideas. Yes, there will be resistance. Society will always try to keep you within its boundaries, telling you to be realistic. But even a small step outside that box—one bold idea, one act of courage, putting a little of your own skin in the game—can change your life.

And who knows? 
It might change someone else’s too.

I actually spoke with the producers of a documentary I love called ‘Abstract’ about my own idea of producing a film called “uncaging creativity” where we follow people who lost their creative touch, but went on a journey to not just regain it, but thrive in a creative pursuit.

The whole concept is kind of based on my life. I stopped creating because I thought that was the “mature” thing to do.
But now I realize that I’m supposed to use the right side of my brain as much as possible. It’s who I am (for life).

Now if I did it, you can too!
If you feel like your creativity is blocked, don’t worry. You can uncage it. 

I’ll share some bullet points, basically a checklist for regaining your creativity. But overall, start by recognizing that great ideas often seem crazy at first. You do not need validation. In fact, most people won’t get it, and that’s okay. You don’t need a perfect plan. If it was simple to understand, or easy to do then other people would be doing it. This is why it takes bravery, curiosity, and a willingness to explore your ideas, make mistakes and keep going further into the unknown.

• Action over words: Don’t just talk about your ideas—act on them.
• Embrace discomfort: Push through the fear of failure and take on difficult tasks.
• Build routines: Establish habits that make creativity a natural part of your life.
• Detach from outcomes: Focus on the process, not the result.
• Perseverance: Keep pushing forward, or pivot even when things get tough.
• Commit to self-improvement: It’s you vs you. Aim to get better, no matter where you start.

There ya have it! Now I'd love to be able to support your work. 
The world needs your unique voice, and it’s time to uncage your creativity.
So here’s my question for you: What will you create? What will you share?

Be sure to actually reach out and let me know.

FOLLOW Justin
Instagram – @JustKeepLearning.Ca
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Twitter – @JustinNolan_JKL
Tiktok – @justkeeplearning.ca
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Facebook – JustKeepLearning
LinkedIn – Justin

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

In this Nate Kadlac podcast on Just Keep Learning we tackle what it means to be a multi-passionate designer, entrepreneur, and creator. 

Nate dives into his journey in the creator economy, sharing insights on balancing multiple projects, collaborating with others, and building a strong personal brand.

His creative process, practical advice, and honest reflections provide actionable steps for anyone looking to thrive in the world of creative entrepreneurship. Whether you're a designer, solopreneur, or creative in any field, this episode is packed with valuable insights on navigating multiple passions while staying true to your vision.

Nate discusses the common struggle between focusing on one thing versus being multi-passionate. 

In today's creator economy, many entrepreneurs are told to "niche down," but Nate believes that embracing multiple interests can provide more fulfillment. He shares how he manages several different projects—like design, collaborations, and content creation—without feeling overwhelmed.

Nate emphasizes that the key to successfully juggling various pursuits is recognizing that each interest may grow at a different pace. While focusing on one thing might bring faster success, he values the slower, more meaningful growth that comes from pursuing multiple passions. 

For creators struggling to pick just one path, Nate’s advice is to embrace what you love, but be prepared for the journey to take a bit longer.

A major theme in Nate’s work is collaboration, which he sees as a way to amplify creativity and make work more enjoyable. He talks about his own experiences working on design projects and game development with friends, emphasizing how collaboration can breathe new life into a project. The joy of working with others not only helps to balance solo work but can also lead to unexpected growth.

Nate shares practical tips for approaching collaboration, including building genuine relationships first. He highlights the importance of understanding what each party brings to the table and ensuring that every collaboration is mutually beneficial. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or creator, Nate’s collaboration strategies are invaluable for anyone looking to build alongside others.

As a designer, Nate understands the importance of building a brand that is authentically you. He stresses that design is more than just picking the latest trends—it's about creating a visual identity that reflects your true self. Nate’s process for helping creators make better design decisions starts with understanding their unique style and translating it into something cohesive across all platforms.

He explains the power of consistency in design and how using a few simple tools, like selecting the right typography, can make a huge difference in elevating your brand. Nate offers practical advice for creators, recommending that they focus on timeless design principles instead of following fleeting trends. His insights encourage creators to trust their own taste and build a brand that resonates deeply with their personal identity.

• Trust Your Multi-Passionate Journey: It’s okay to pursue multiple interests, but be prepared for slower growth. Learn to balance and give yourself permission to move at your own pace.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Seek out collaborations that bring value to both parties. Be clear about expectations and ensure each person is contributing in a way that feels fair and enjoyable.
• Design With Intention: When building your personal brand, don’t just rely on templates. Invest time in understanding your aesthetic and design choices. Keep your design decisions consistent to reflect who you are.

• "The key to design is not creating something new, but finding what’s unique about your perspective and expressing that visually."
• "Reaching out to collaborate is less about asking for something and more about building genuine relationships."
• "Trust yourself. Your tastes and interests are what make your design decisions powerful."

Nate Kadlac is a designer, entrepreneur, and creator with a passion for helping others make better design decisions. From web design to creating courses and collaborating on game development, Nate brings a wealth of knowledge to creative entrepreneurship. 

Website Kadlac.Com 
X @Kadlac

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN

Instagram @Justkeeplearning.ca
YouTube @justkeeplearningpodcast
X @JustinNolan_JKL
TikTok @justkeeplearning.ca
Facebook justkeeplearning
LinkedIn – @justinnolan

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

In this Patrick Walsh Podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of ghostwriting, publishing, and storytelling.

Patrick is the founder of Publishing Push. With over 4,000 authors helped, Patrick brings unique insights into turning ideas into books that stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're an aspiring author or just curious about the book publishing process, this episode offers amazing advice on navigating the publishing process.

Patric is also known as “The Publishing Guy”. He creates content that helps with writing, living as an author and publishing as he is a seasoned expert in ghostwriting, packaging and marketing books as well. 

Through his company, Publishing Push, he’s been instrumental in helping creatives across all genres—from children’s books to business guides—turn their stories into tangible, successful products. 

His method revolves around capturing the authentic voice of the author and translating it into a compelling narrative. Patrick’s passion for storytelling shines through, and his expertise in the intricate world of publishing makes him the go-to person for anyone looking to write and publish a book.

1. The Art of Ghostwriting: Patrick explains ghostwriting as a process of truly understanding the author’s voice and communicating their message seamlessly. Whether it’s social media content, a YouTube script, or a full-length book, his goal is for the audience to never question who the real author is. From extensive research into an author’s style to tailoring each chapter to match their tone, Patrick shares how this form of writing is both an art and a science.
2. The Power of Storytelling: We explore how powerful stories create emotional connections with readers. Patrick emphasizes the importance of weaving personal stories into books to make them relatable and memorable. Even when writing business books, personal anecdotes make the content more engaging and impactful.
3. Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Patrick sheds light on the pros and cons of different publishing methods. From self-publishing’s growing popularity to the challenges and unpredictability of traditional publishing deals, he offers a balanced view on what aspiring authors should consider. One key takeaway: always have a clear goal for your book.
4. Building a Successful Book in a Crowded Market: How do you ensure your book stands out among the thousands published every day? Patrick explains the importance of genre specificity, quality editing, and professional presentation. He also discusses the value of understanding your audience and crafting a book that speaks directly to their needs and interests.

• "Ghostwriting is about capturing someone's voice so perfectly that their audience never suspects it's anyone but them."
• "Personal stories are what make your book come alive. They create a connection that readers remember long after they’ve finished the last page."
• "Whether you're self-publishing or going the traditional route, editing is the single most important investment you can make in your book."

Patrick advises aspiring authors to believe in their stories, no matter how big or small they think they are. Everyone has a story worth sharing, and sometimes, it’s about finding the right way to tell it. He also highlights the importance of partnering with the right team—whether it's hiring a ghostwriter, editor, or cover designer—to bring your vision to life professionally.

Patrick Walsh is the founder of Publishing Push, a company that has helped over 4,000 authors successfully write and publish their books. With expertise spanning ghostwriting, editing, and marketing, Patrick has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the publishing industry. His passion for storytelling and helping others realize their dreams makes him a standout figure in the world of books.

• Website: Publishing Push
• Twitter: @PublishingPush
• LinkedIn: Patrick Walsh on LinkedIn
• Instagram: @PublishingPush

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN

Instagram @Justkeeplearning.ca
YouTube @justkeeplearningpodcast
X @JustinNolan_JKL
TikTok @justkeeplearning.ca
Facebook justkeeplearning
LinkedIn – @justinnolan

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
A couple weeks ago we were sitting on the couch, my wife and I trying to pick something on Netflix, or Prime, or Disney…

But there’s just so much to choose from. It’s almost stressful because you can feel your watching time slipping away. 

With so many choices we add stress to a relaxing activity.

Instead of choosing one and getting started, we scroll, debate and then it feels like we sort of “give up” and decide. 

I love when real life stories like this connect to things I wanna talk about. 

I was drifting off in thought about the fact that here we are sitting here. 
Scrolling through streaming services looking for something to watch, it reminded me of the classic 
Parable Buridan’s Donkey named after the 1300’s philosopher John Buridan.

A donkey is standing between two equally enticing nourishments. 

A pile of hay, or a bowl of water.

But, they lack reason and are overwhelmed by the decision.

The donkey, unsure of which to go for, ends up dehydrated and starving to death because they couldn't make up their mind. 

The moral is that overthinking can lead to inaction, which is far worse than making either choice, even the “wrong one”. 

This tale is a simple but powerful metaphor for how overthinking can paralyze us.

I try to remember it when it comes time to choose something. 

But it’s not as important as what we can do about it to make decisions more likely.

In our case with the movies let’s say sometimes there are very strong reasons to choose.

For example I really wanna see Jelly Roll’s documentary, when Lewis Capaldi dropped his my wife and I both wanted to check it out and I loved the first Joker movie so when the second one is released I will be naturally motivated to check it out asap.

But where I get caught up in this phenomenon that actually matters (way more than trying to pick a movie) is deciding what to work on.

Just yesterday, I was talking with a creator friend of mine, Amanda Northcutt, founder of Level Up Creators. And she was asking about some of my ideas, wondering why I haven’t acted on them yet. Honestly, I didn’t have a great answer. 

Trying to explain our thoughts out loud to others like this can help us realize how silly our excuses, or overthinking really is.

What was holding me back?

While driving home, I started questioning whether I was just making excuses, or if something was getting in the way.

And I realized I had allowed shiny objects to creep back into my workflow because I had way too many choices.

I was working on live video, writing a book, long form blog posts, tweet threads, visual illustrations for social media, short videos, solo podcast episodes and interviews. 

Damn, it’s crazy just writing it out like this. 

Wild thing is there were like three other business ideas in the works.

Everything felt “equal”.

And so when I would sit down to tackle some work I would waste a lot of time.

States that having plenty of choices affect the decision-making time of an individual. 

Too little choice and they feel restricted. 

But a lot of choice and they actually feel worse.

Until a certain point, offering options is good. It provides freedom to choose. But there comes a point at which the availability of too many options makes it harder for a person to make up their mind. They grow confused, stressed and don’t make a decision at all.

I see this all the time with peopl e I coach as well.
The goal of giving people freedom and joy because they get to choose can actually rob them of feeling happy at all because they’re overwhelmed.

They get trapped in overthinking.

Almost like staring at a computer with a hundred tabs open, or a restaurant menu with every option in the world—it’s overwhelming and chaotic.

There’s a lot of advice out there about decluttering your home and living more minimally.

And the same principles apply to decluttering your mind. 

Simplifying your thoughts and getting started is the key to breaking free from overthinking.

But there is a  Goldilocks sweet spot for everyone when it comes to choice.
And it evolves.

Some people need to be told “write a story” some need a genre, a specific prompt, or fill in the blanks.

Either way it’s important to set your priorities, and then the next step is simply to get started, with any of them.

Once you know the most important things to work on, then you can decide to focus on those.

So in my case right now it’s this podcast and the book. 

I would love to work on all the other things and in some way, someday I will but for right now it’s the podcast and the book. 

That’s step one, pick your priority.

But these are still huge projects.

So, how do I make up my mind about what to work on within those two priorities?

When we don’t have a strong reason to choose, that’s where we get stuck.

We feel like we’re damned if we do, damned if we don’t. 

But here’s the secret. It can be the opposite.

We can thrive with any of the choices. 

As long as we decide.

And this is why randomness can go a long way to declutter our minds.

When we’re kids we just randomly choose what we want to do.

But as adults a lot of our rules and feedback lead us to “weigh our options”.

Sometimes this makes sense. 

A list of pros, or cons, but then you gotta pull the trigger.

Randomness to make a decision removes some reason and logic, but that’s exactly what we need sometimes.

If two options are compelling we can not use reasoning skills to decide. Sometimes the best solution to a problem is to turn to chance.

For example, my book will have sixty some chapters. 

I can’t think too long about which one to work on. 

I just need to pick.

Within a chapter I have many ideas, I just need to pick one and write.

The podcast is similar. 

I have a document with episode ideas which is over four hundred! 

If I question which topic to tackle I run out of time (and motivation) to take on any of them. 

So I just need to pick one and go. 

Sometimes it’s as easy as flipping a coin. 

Actually related to movies (as well as restaurants) this is one of the tactics in our home. 

Pull a name from a jar of movies you wanna watch, or restaurants you want to try, and what you get you get.
The moral here is all the same.

Overthinking results in wasted time and missing out.

Simply choosing a direction and taking any action is far more effective.

List out your options, put ‘em all in a jar, shake it up, pull one out and get started.

FOLLOW Justin
Instagram – @JustKeepLearning.Ca
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Twitter – @JustinNolan_JKL
Tiktok – @justkeeplearning.ca
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Facebook – JustKeepLearning
LinkedIn – Justin

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

Click To JOIN! Just Keep Learning Newsletter 
I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
The topic of being an influencer. I was at a party this summer and people were actually jokingly, but somewhat serious, giving me a hard time about being a quote unquote influencer, which pretty quickly got the topic away from me and on to everyone discussing what this idea of being an influencer means.

And I didn't even really chime in in that situation, just made a mental note to make an episode about it later on. 

But you see this on social media to people talking about the idea of being an influencer. Debating.

Whether it's a positive, or negative thing, anywhere in between. 

And, to me, I think that regardless of what we think about the definition, we need to stop hating on the idea of influence.

This is such a fun topic because it’s tied to the entire theme of my book. I could do an entire episode, even a full podcast about going on your hero’s journey. 

Essentially, in any good story, there’s a hero who needs or wants something. 

They set out to achieve it, face struggles, and often need a guide to help them along the way. 

Ultimately, they either succeed or fail, but in some way, they learn and return with newfound wisdom. 

The hero’s journey is a great metaphor for life. The reason I’m writing my book is to help you go on your own hero’s journey.

So, what does this have to do with influence? 

It’s funny—“influencer” has gotten a bad rep. 

People tend to picture someone with hundreds of thousands or millions of followers, posting about their lunch, their booty, or their biceps. But ironically, those people might have a huge following, but very little influence. Influence itself has become a misunderstood concept, and we need to reclaim it.

On the flip side, you could have just 100 followers and still wield tremendous influence over them. Possibly even changing the trajectory of their entire life. 

That’s why being an influencer is pretty damn cool. Whether you’re leading a team at work, teaching a group of kids, or mentoring a few close friends, your ability to impact others is what makes you an influencer. 

In fact, I’d go so far as to say we should all strive to be influencers in some way.

It’s a bit meta. 

But basically, choose a topic. 

Then go on your own hero’s journey, while sharing what you learn along the way.

Decide what you want to work toward, seek guidance, learn from the ups and downs, and then come back to help other people who are just getting started themselves.

That's a real influencer. 

This is real influence.

I get why the term "influencer" can be cringe-worthy, or annoying. It’s become an overused buzzword. 

On one hand, it could be jealousy that makes people resent the term. 
On the other hand, even influencers with millions of followers sometimes hate the label. 

Well, language evolves, and terms start to take on random meanings. 

But the reality is this: if you’ve impacted anyone else’s life, you are an influencer. 
And I think most of us would find real joy in influencing others positively.

When I think of influence, I’m reminded of classic books like Robert Cialdini’s Influence and Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power. We could go into those another day, but to keep things simple for now, let’s focus on this core idea: you have valuable stories to tell. 

You likely have many experiences that shape your overall life narrative. The story you tell yourself and the story you tell others is incredibly worthwhile.

But it requires conscious effort. 

You have to build and increase your influence by paying attention to your experiences. Actively seek out ways to connect those experiences to helping others.

And it doesn’t need to be many people. (It can be) but influence isn’t about the number of followers, it’s about the impact.

And that’s something worth striving for.

FOLLOW Justin
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YouTube –@justkeeplearningpodcast
Twitter – @JustinNolan_JKL
Tiktok – @justkeeplearning.ca
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Facebook – JustKeepLearning
LinkedIn – Justin

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
Can You Live Your Dream Life? 

I was doing some back-to-school shopping the other day with the kiddos, and something caught my attention that I wanted to share. 

There are so many journals and diaries with inspirational quotes, they say things like "dream big" or "live your best life" – the kind of YOLO stuff we all recognize. 

Now, I generally agree with the quotes, but the next day, I noticed a wagon filled with school supplies at a daycare, and one of the teacher’s journals said right on the front, "Live Your Dream." These things always catch my eye, and I feel like I want to take a picture to post them. Inspire some people in the process. 

But this particular time it got me wondering: How much do people think about the message on the cover versus just flipping it open and using it as a pile of paper?

I imagine that when people are selecting journals, they probably pick one that resonates with them or aligns with something they feel. Maybe if they're shopping online, they even search for a journal with a specific phrase on the front. 

But how many people actually live by the words on the journal?

For example, if a journal says "Own Your Dreams," do you think one in two people who buy that journal really own their big dreams? Or is it more like one in ten, maybe even one in a hundred? I don’t know, but I think most of us can relate to owning at least one of these journals and wondering how often we live up to the big ideas written on them.

I know I think about it often because I have a few such journals with inspirational quotes, and sometimes I feel like I’m not living up to those ideals. Other times, I think I’m doing a pretty good job.

I really try to create practical ways to live out my dreams, even though it’s tough. I recently talked about this with Maya Marcia Weider, who built her career teaching people how to own their dreams. She’s been successful with books, workshops, and courses, even ended up on Oprah’s couch teaching people to dream big. 

She reminded me that while figuring out your big dream is difficult, the hardest part isn’t how to achieve it. It’s letting go of how it happens. She told me specifically to keep going with my podcast but also to promise that I won’t worry about how it all works out.

If you're like me, or how I used to be, you might feel some regret when looking at those inspirational quotes. 

You might not want to dwell on them because you’re not sure if you’re living your dream life yet. But maybe you’re confident you want to – you just don’t know what that life looks like or how to own it. It’s easy to feel like you’re behind or stuck. 

The best way to handle this is by balancing pride in how far you’ve come with a focus on your future self. You need to hold onto that vision like a crystal ball you’re working towards, without getting lost in it. One of my heroes calls this "keeping the moon in the window" as you move toward your dreams. Even though you might get off course or have to make adjustments along the way, you keep pushing forward.

One of the biggest obstacles we face is holding onto regret. 

Whether it’s regret over past experiences or missed opportunities, it can hold us back. I love the song "Move On" by Mike Posner because it perfectly captures this sentiment. Sometimes, you just need to move on. 

We can learn from our past, but we shouldn't let it distract us from our current goals. Hanging onto regrets can be like quicksand, pulling us down instead of letting us move forward.

One challenge I find with discussions like these is that they often lead to a focus on productivity. (Which isn’t always the point). 

Having worked in mental health for most of my adult life, I’ve come to believe that the most important thing is finding meaning and living with vitality. Fun and productivity are both important, but they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s okay to slow down and appreciate how far you’ve come, instead of always feeling like you need to do more.

If you ever feel like you’re stuck or not making enough progress, one helpful exercise is to look back at where you were a year ago, or even five years ago. You’ll almost always find that you’ve made significant progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. 

Sometimes we’re too close to our own journey to see the growth, so it can be powerful to ask someone else to help you recognize how far you’ve come. And if I can help with that, feel free to reach out.

Another thing that holds people back is being out of alignment with what they truly want. It’s hard to celebrate progress when you’re not passionate about what you’re working on. 

That’s why it’s important to realign with your current passion, purpose, or interests and choose a new direction if needed. You might find yourself feeling stuck again down the road, but when you look back, you’ll see how far you’ve come.

Finally, it helps to get clear on your strengths, weaknesses, and the direction you’re headed. 

I laugh when I think back to my college football days, where we had a report card system that ranked us on our skills. It was meant to give us feedback, which is proven to be one of the most important factors in learning. 

If you want to grow, feedback is essential. For me, in my podcasting journey, I know I need to improve my storytelling and marketing strategies. I also know that looking back at how far I’ve come helps me realize that I’m making progress, even when it feels slow.

By taking a step back and reflecting on your journey, you’ll see that you’ve come much further than you think. The key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels like you’re stuck.

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I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

In this Yong Soo Podcast episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin sits down to talk with the entrepreneur and founder of multiple businesses. They dive deep into the mindset, strategies, and tools necessary for success in the creator economy. 

From the critical role of the environment to the future of personal holding companies, Yong-Soo shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, business, and building a personal brand.

Through candid reflections, he reveals the challenges he faced, how he overcame them, and the philosophy that continues to drive him today. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice for founders navigating the rapidly evolving digital world.

Yong-Soo emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and environment to foster growth. His decision to move from New York to San Francisco was a pivotal moment in his journey. He shares how immersing himself in an entrepreneurial community sparked his motivation to build companies in alignment with his passions.

By removing himself from the corporate mindset of New York finance, he was able to fully embrace the possibilities of the startup world. His message? Your environment plays a huge role in normalizing your ambitions. If you want to think like an entrepreneur, you need to be around entrepreneurs.

One of the most profound topics discussed is Yong-Soo's concept of a personal holding company, which he believes is the next wave of entrepreneurship. Unlike traditional holding companies that focus on financial ROI, a personal holding company is centered around creating businesses based on personal interests and passions.

Yong-Soo has successfully built businesses around his hobbies, from everyday carry items to dog boutiques, and emphasizes that entrepreneurship can be structured to serve your life and happiness. This approach allows for greater control, personal fulfillment, and the ability to leverage multiple streams of income without the constraints of investor expectations.

Yong-Soo also touches on the importance of building an audience and distribution. With platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok evolving, he discusses how entrepreneurs can maximize opportunities by paying attention to macro trends and doubling down on content creation. His practical advice encourages consistency and learning from each post, as growth often comes from repetition and improving over time.

For those worried about saturation, Yong-Soo’s advice is clear: it’s all about execution and trust. Building an authentic connection with your audience and providing consistent value are the keys to standing out in an increasingly crowded space.

1. Change Your Environment: If your current environment doesn’t align with your goals, consider moving to a place where you can surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you.
2. Repetition Breeds Success: Start with quantity—consistently create and publish content. Over time, focus on improving quality while maintaining that consistency.
3. Personal Holding Company: Consider building businesses around your hobbies and interests, allowing you to enjoy life while growing multiple streams of income.
4. Execution Over Ideas: It’s not about access to tools or ideas anymore; it’s about execution. Focus on standing out through consistent effort and execution.

"Your environment is constantly gathering information around you and normalizing what’s okay and what’s not. If your surroundings don’t align with your goals, it’s time to move."

"I believe the next wave of entrepreneurship is personal holding companies—building a portfolio of businesses centered around your own passions and interests."

"Repetition is the key to success. First focus on quantity, then quality, and finally master both."

Yong-Soo Chung is an entrepreneur, founder, and host of the First Class Founders podcast. 

He is a serial entrepreneur bootstrapping his business from $0 to $20m in just over 8 years.

With four successful businesses, including Urban EDC Supply, Spotted by Humphrey, GrowthJet, and his creator-focused newsletter and podcast, he’s an expert in building brands. Yong-Soo advocates for the power of building personal holding companies—an approach where entrepreneurs align their business pursuits with their passions.

Now, he's on a mission to help other founders & creators. When you follow his content you learn proven strategies to build a loyal audience, create irresistible products, and grow your business sustainably.

Website: FirstClassFounders.Com

X: @Yongsoochung

LinkedIn: @YongSoo

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

In this insightful James Fell Podcast episode on Just Keep Learning, we explore the mind of a tremendous author, speaker, and fitness expert.

This interview came at an incredible time because it was right when I was thinking about giving up on this very show. 

Then I had my own Holy Shit Moment where I realized the motivation to make it a lifelong, infinite, forever project. 

James Fell is renowned for his concept of the "Holy Shit Moment." 
Throughout the conversation, he shares his journey from fitness writing to history, while offering advice on finding instant motivation, writing with ADHD, and living a fulfilling life.

Known as the sweary historian, a highlight is his candid discussion about using profanity to add humor and relatability to his writing. 

We talk about swear words and how they have a powerful time and place in culture.

Drawing on his upbringing and career as a fitness writer, James explains how swearing allows him to connect with his audience in a unique, authentic way.

His controlled use of swearing is a key theme, demonstrating how being true to yourself can elevate your storytelling ability.

James opens up about how being diagnosed with ADHD has influenced his writing process. 

He describes how hyperfixation and the natural wandering of his ADHD mind help him create engaging and dynamic stories. 

In this podcast episode, he shares his personal strategies for balancing creativity with daily life tasks, showcasing the importance of finding a workflow that suits individual needs, especially for creative professionals.

For aspiring writers, this James Fell Podcast offers essential advice on honing your craft. James highlights the importance of reading widely and writing consistently, citing Stephen King's famous axiom, "Read a lot and write a lot." In this podcast episode, he shares how his extensive reading shaped his own writing style and encourages emerging writers to embrace their early failures as part of the learning process.

One of the key topics discussed is the importance of building an audience.

James reflects on how he grew his readership through social media platforms like Facebook and Substack. 

In this episode, he emphasizes the evolving nature of social media and shares his journey of going from fitness writing to becoming a successful history writer. 

His story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the face of changing trends.

James talks about his pivot from fitness writing to history, recounting how he built his "sweary historian" persona. 

He discusses how his irreverent and humorous take on history resonated with audiences and allowed him to truly embrace his passion for storytelling. 

This episode offers valuable insights into how creatives can evolve and find success by exploring new avenues, even when starting in a completely different niche.

Here a few practical pieces of advice listeners can take away when pursuing creative careers:

• Embrace creativity: Let your mind explore different possibilities, even if it feels scattered.
• Be adaptable: Success often comes from evolving and trying new things over time.
• Build an audience: Start engaging with your followers and readers from day one, and don’t be afraid of slow growth.
• Keep improving: Whether through reading, writing, or learning from others, the key is to never stop growing.

“Action is the antidote to despair.”

“Controlled authenticity is the key to being true to yourself while maintaining professionalism.”

“There’s value in learning about other people’s points of view and embracing people for their differences.”

James Fell is a Canadian writer known for his work in both fitness and history. He began his writing career by focusing on health and fitness, aiming to debunk common fitness myths and promote a practical approach to diet and exercise. His fitness writing was featured in several major publications like the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and Men’s Health. His first book, Lose It Right, advocated for a sustainable, slow-paced approach to weight loss and fitness.

In 2019, Fell published The Holy Sh!t Moment, which explored the psychology behind life-changing epiphanies and long-term transformations. However, his career took a new turn in 2020 when he shifted his focus to history, starting with daily posts on unusual historical events. These posts gained significant attention, leading to the publication of On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down, which became a best-seller in Canada.

Today, James Fell continues to write, focusing on entertaining and educating his audience through historical storytelling, while also sharing insights from his fitness journey and personal experiences.

Website:JamesFell.com
LinkedIn: @James--Fell

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main

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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
Both  my younger brothers died with beautiful dreams inside.

Very close to the day they died I was discussing with them about how to take some next steps.

But for the most part they ran out of time.

Usually that's a cliche. 
“Don't die with your dreams inside”

A buzzword phrase we throw around. 

But sometimes it actually happens.

I woke up a couple days ago and saw the news that Johnny Geaudreau and his brother Matthew had passed away. 

Both died riding their bikes when hit by a drunk driver.

Having lost 2 brothers myself, it really put me in a difficult headspace for the day.

Not super negative. 
Bringing back some pain and tears, but mostly a reminder of the fact life can end in an instant.

Today I'm talking about two important things that I find help me channel grief and worry less.

**For the full written version of the episode see the transcript. 

FOLLOW Justin
Instagram – @JustKeepLearning.Ca
YouTube –@justkeeplearningpodcast
Twitter – @JustinNolan_JKL
Tiktok – @justkeeplearning.ca
Pinterest – JustKeepLearningca
Facebook – JustKeepLearning
LinkedIn – Justin

I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.

Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main