Freedom, Clicks, and a Beach Trip

Entrepreneurship Bought Me a One-Way Ticket to Freedom

This time next week, I’ll be on a ferry headed to Bald Head Island, NC. No cars. No chaos. Just quiet beaches, family time, and the kind of peaceful pause that reminds me exactly why I chose this path.

Trips like this always remind me: Freedom isn’t just about money. It’s about moments. It’s about saying “yes” to things that matter, even when it’s a random Tuesday. It’s about building a business that doesn’t demand your soul in exchange for success.

Don’t get me wrong—I work hard. Late nights, early mornings, tough decisions… but I traded the 9-to-5 hustle for something way better: choice. And honestly, that’s the best ROI I’ve ever seen.

This Week’s Entrepreneurial Insight: Design for Freedom

If your business setup would fall apart when you take a week off… It’s not a business. It’s a job with extra stress.

That’s why I’m constantly looking for ways to:

Automate the small stuff

Outsource what drains me

Systemize what works

Freedom isn’t the result of making more. It’s the result of building better. This week, think about one task you do that could be handed off, automated, or turned into a repeatable process. That’s where freedom starts.

The Small Things Aren’t Small

A few months ago, I made what felt like a small decision: to start showing up on camera for my podcast. That’s it. Just hit record. Add video.

But what was the impact? Anything but small.

Since making that shift, I’ve seen:

A surge in downloads and YouTube views

More coaching inquiries and partnerships

Increased income from new monetization streams

• Most importantly, people recognize and connecting with my brand in a whole new way

The lesson? Big wins often come from seemingly small pivots. Start small. Start now.

Book I’m Reading: The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom

I’ve been slowly working through The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom, emphasizing slowly. Between running a business and raising two awesome kids, reading time tends to happen in the margins. But honestly? That’s okay.

This book is rich (pun intended) in perspective—not just about money but also about time, relationships, health, and purpose. It’s a timely reminder that wealth is a lot more than what’s in your bank account.

👉 ​Grab the book here​

The Keyboard That Made Me Want to Write More

Writing has slowly become one of the most fulfilling things I do each week—and this newsletter is a big reason why.

But here’s the funny part… what pushed me over the edge?

A keyboard. Specifically, I recently splurged on the Keychron K10 mechanical keyboard.

There’s something about the satisfying click of each keystroke that makes me want to sit down and tell better stories. It’s tactile, old-school, and just fun. Like, I’m not just typing—I’m creating.

I’ve seen firsthand how writing this newsletter has helped me build deeper connections, clarify my thoughts, and improve how I communicate across the board. Now, I’m doubling down—writing more, writing intentionally, and treating it like the craft it is.

If you’re looking for a keyboard that makes you want to write (and sounds amazing while doing it), check this out:

👉 ​Keychron K10 Mechanical Keyboard​

Stay Connected + Work With Me

• 🎙 ​Listen to my YouTube Creators Hub Podcast​

• 📺 ​Watch tutorials on YouTube @ThinkTutorial​

• 💻 ​Visit my website​

• 📬 ​Want help with YouTube coaching? Let’s work together​

Keep showing up,

– Dusty

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Right Before the Breakthrough… Most People Quit

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Set in Our Ways — Until It Stops Serving Us