Danielle Steel is one of the most prolific authors in the world. 

In this episode, I share my personal journey to understanding the motivations and habits of this eccentric superhuman who has published 170 books in her lifetime. She has actually made a ton of money from it too. Forbes estimates her net worth at a whopping $420M. Now in her 70’s, Danielle Steel is more prolific than ever — in fact much more than in her earlier career.

In this episode I share what I have learned about Danielle Steel’s life, motivations, and daily routines that have led her to this point. There are some counter-intuitive lessons in here, things that break the generally accepted rules of productivity. 

We also discuss how Danielle Steel's success was shaped by societal shifts occurring in the 1970s when she first started out as a novelist. 

Danielle is in a league of her own. And you’re about to learn why.

I've always loved biographies. Stories of people who did wild and hard things. Especially the people who accomplished a lot, who got to the top of their field. To me the challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made was like watching an episode of Survivor: outwit, outlast, outplay. 

The more I learned, the more I discovered that reaching the top of your field is like an extreme sport. Fingers bleed and marriages fail. These are no ordinary lives. 

Frankly, they are lives I wouldn't choose to live. But these prolific people are so extreme and so pure in their focus and dedication - that you just can't look away. 

Getting to the top is not just a calling. It's an extreme sport, an obsession.

But conviction is not the only thing required. Timing is important too. What was going on in the world that created the backdrop for success? How did these people spot those trends? Who helped them? And what did they have to sacrifice along the way?

"Obsession" tells the stories of those who reached the top of their field. 

Do not try this at home. But maybe, just a little bit.