RSSMix.com Mix ID 10079351

Prioritizing possessions over experiences

Zero Dean — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 20:29:36 GMT

Be very careful when it comes to prioritizing possessions over experiences. A capitalistic society will often encourage the acquisition of more and more stuff without regard to whether it’s truly needed.

Always remember that the cost of owning more stuff not only involves the purchase price, it also involves the resources to store and maintain it.

When your possessions begin to restrict you from doing things that you could easily do if you didn’t own them, the cost of ownership is your freedom.

We often look at what people own as a marker of how successful they are, but a far more accurate measure is whether a person’s lifestyle provides them with the freedom to do what they truly want to do.

Related:

The post Prioritizing possessions over experiences appeared first on Zero Dean.

2021 announcements

Zero Dean — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 20:44:33 GMT

A new adventure is now underway!

I’m currently traveling across the country. If you haven’t yet, please check out my new video and like or subscribe where applicable…

Join me on discord!

I created a Discord chat server to make it easier to chat with people, answer questions, and get announcements out. I would even recommend it over my newsletter (which you are reading).

How to join my discord server:

Follow this link to join my server:

https://discord.gg/PKwk8BaVnh

If you don’t have a discord account, you’ll be prompted to create one. Once you have an account, you can use Discord from a browser, a desktop app, or a mobile device (whatever is most convenient). The desktop version provides the most features, but the mobile app is probably the most convenient.

Discord is great because I can also host zoom-style audio/video meetups (with whoever wants to attend) and also do talk-radio type broadcasts where I bring someone in to have a discussion “on the air” with an audience. Should be a lot of fun.

If you haven’t heard of Discord, it’s actually a big and popular platform with lots of other communities you may be interested in, this is just my tiny part of it.

If you’ve never used Discord, don’t worry… it’s pretty easy. It’s really just like a glorified chat forum (with a ton of extra features). There are some intro videos on Youtube (like this one) that may help.

Postcard prints now available on-demand!

I’m excited to announce that for the first time ever if you like any of the photos I share during my travels (mainly on my Instagram @zerodean.official), I am now able to mail you a postcard-sized print of the photo of your choosing. Heck, I’ll even sign it if you like.

All I’m asking for is a nominal fee of $5 to cover supplies and shipping (that’s pretty much how much it costs after investment). If I ever break even (about 40 prints), perhaps we can take another look at pricing.

And, of course, YES, if you would LIKE to make a DONATION beyond that (to support my efforts), I will be happy to accept (and very grateful).

Prints will be shipped within an envelope for protection to anywhere in the US (or the world if you cover shipping).

No, I don’t expect a high demand (or any!) for this, but it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a while – so I’m doing it.

No-fee based digital payment accepted… Venmo, PayPal friends & family, Square Cash, Zelle… Just contact me via whatever channels you can for necessary details.

That’s all for now.

I’ve got a lot coming down the pipe, so stay tuned!

What I’m excited about most right now is interacting with some of you on the discord, so please be sure to join up if you are at all curious.

Got a question? Well, there’s now an “ask zero a question” channel on the discord — so go check it out.

Thank you for your support!

As always, thanks for reading — and thanks for your support. I am happy that you are a part of my journey and I wish you nothing but the best on yours.

If you’d like to get in touch with me, you can reach out to me through my website or on social media.

Zero Dean

The post 2021 announcements appeared first on Zero Dean.

News about my new book (and more)

Zero Dean — Sat, 22 May 2021 21:30:37 GMT

Quick update

Hey everybody! It’s been a while… I figured I was overdue in providing an update on what’s going on around these parts…

For those who don’t know, I’ve spent the better part of a year working almost exclusively on a new book.

While it isn’t Lessons Learned From The Path Less Traveled Volume 2, I think that anyone who found value in my first book will appreciate the new one. It is very similar in many ways and will fit very well within the Lessons Learned From The Path Less Traveled series.

I’ll have more news to share about this new book in the coming months. I will also be inviting people to get an early look at the content in order to provide feedback (and possibly contribute something of your own for inclusion in the book). So stay tuned.

Re-starting up an “old” project

Way back in what seems like an eternity ago (August 2019), I departed Southern California in order to interview people across the USA for a video documentary (and podcast) series about resilience and hope.

Unfortunately, six months later the world went sideways when the pandemic hit and I had to put that project on hiatus.

But now that things appear to be getting closer to normal, I will once again be picking up this project and resuming my travels. I don’t yet have an itinerary or, frankly, anyone lined up to interview yet… but once I do, I’ll be sure to share the news. And if you think you know someone who might be interested in this project, please send them to FTPLT.com and have them get in touch!

Thank you for your support

As always, thanks for reading — and thanks for your support. I am happy that you are a part of my journey and I wish you nothing but the best on yours.

If you’d like to get in touch with me, here’s how.

Zero Dean

The post News about my new book (and more) appeared first on Zero Dean.

Let them go

Zero Dean — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:38:43 GMT

It is not your job to try to make everyone love what you post. And making it your job will inevitably result in posting content that leaves you unsatisfied and unfulfilled.

People who are not into what you post or create are not your problem and it isn’t your responsibility to please them. Let them go.

Put your energy into creating content that pleases you and those who like it will find you and appreciate you for it.

When you do this, you’ll never have to worry about confining yourself to other people’s expectations. Stop trying to be someone else and just focus on being the best you that you can be.

Related:

The post Let them go appeared first on Zero Dean.

Don’t wait to appreciate

Zero Dean — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:34:26 GMT

It is perfectly acceptable to be proud of your progress on the way to your goal. You can enjoy your journey before you reach your destination. And you can be grateful your life as it is, plot twists and all.

Don’t wait to appreciate.

Related:

The post Don’t wait to appreciate appeared first on Zero Dean.

Making what you’re inspired to make

Zero Dean — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 13:57:31 GMT

Sometimes I get really inspired by the amazing & creative things I see shared online. It makes me want to try to share creative things as well. But then I sometimes hear a voice in my head that says, “What’s the point of even trying? You’ll never produce anything as good as that.” or “You’re so less skilled and so far behind everyone else, why even start?”

The reason I share this is to let you know that if you sometimes battle with a voice like that, you’re not alone. And while I hear the voice more often than I’d like to — and it sometimes slows me down — I refuse to let it deter me from ultimately doing what I want to do.

And you shouldn’t either. Even if you feel behind. And even if you feel like you’re bad at what it is you want to do. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Part of living life to the fullest means making what you’re inspired to make simply because you were inspired to make it.

There is a sense of satisfaction that comes with being able to look at something and say, “I made this.” But you’ll never hear yourself say it if you listen to the voice that stops you from starting. So stop listening to that voice and start listening to the one that says, “Do it anyway.” And realize, even if your goal is to share what you create, you’re not really doing it for others. You’re doing it for you.

Related:

The post Making what you’re inspired to make appeared first on Zero Dean.

Expertise and avoiding vs overcoming problems

Zero Dean — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 14:42:08 GMT

I don’t consider myself an expert in anything. Everything I share online and write about in my books is a reflection of something I’ve had to work on to overcome, or in many cases, is something I’m still working on. No matter how much we think we know, there’s always room for improvement.

It is a mistake to think that just because you’ve learned a lesson that it won’t trip you up again multiple times in life.

What life experience provides isn’t necessarily a way to avoid problems, but rather, the confidence of knowing that you can overcome them.

The post Expertise and avoiding vs overcoming problems appeared first on Zero Dean.

What makes you different

Zero Dean — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 14:08:48 GMT

Yes, be inspired by others — particularly those who are good at what they do — but don’t lose what makes you unique in the process.

It’s not the things that make you similar to people that make you interesting — it’s what makes you different.

Related:

Every time you change something unique about yourself

The post What makes you different appeared first on Zero Dean.

Authenticity is eventually effortless

Zero Dean — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 13:58:58 GMT

Authenticity doesn’t take nearly as much effort as some people who are trying to appear authentic make it seem.

Related:

The post Authenticity is eventually effortless appeared first on Zero Dean.

Appreciate every day

Zero Dean — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:06:03 GMT

Appreciate every day as it happens.

You never know what tomorrow will bring.

The post Appreciate every day appeared first on Zero Dean.

What makes most stories interesting

Zero Dean — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:09:38 GMT

What makes most stories interesting is that they don’t go as you expect them to.

The same thing can be said about life.

Learn to appreciate the plot twists of your life. They’re not the end of your story, they’re just an interesting part of it.

The post What makes most stories interesting appeared first on Zero Dean.

“I’ve heard it before.”

Zero Dean — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 14:03:05 GMT

“I’ve heard it before.” Of course you have. Who hasn’t?

Like many, my goal isn’t to reinvent the wheel. My goal is to share things in a way that make the message I’m trying to share click with people. And other times, it’s just to remind people of something they already know simply because it’s been helpful to me and I feel like sharing it.

So yeah, you’ve probably heard it before. And one of these days someone will eventually say it in a way that actually makes it meaningful to you. Because if it was meaningful to you, you likely wouldn’t mind hearing it again.

The post “I’ve heard it before.” appeared first on Zero Dean.

New year, new book, old project

Zero Dean — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 15:13:39 GMT

The start of a new year

This past year has been a very challenging year for many (myself included) and in so many different ways. Whether my note finds you thriving or just surviving, I truly hope this coming year is a positive one for you and everyone you care about.

I hope you will join me in ringing in the new year by encouraging more appreciation and less criticism.

More love and less hate.
More tolerance and less judgment.
More generosity and less greed.
More personal responsibility and less trying to control others.
More efficiency and less waste.
More cooperation and less competition.
More encouragement and less disapproval.
More respect and less disdain.
More living within one’s means and less debt.
More patience and less aggressiveness.
More unification and less divisiveness.

And much more of all the things that help make a positive difference in the world and much much less of the things that don’t.

Remember, if you want more kindness in the world, put some there.

The post New year, new book, old project appeared first on Zero Dean.

Kindle sale $5.19

Zero Dean — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 22:54:40 GMT

The normal price of the Kindle edition of my book is $9.99. Amazon recently suggested that $5.19 might be the sweet spot price in prompting enough additional sales that I might actually earn more royalties than I would if I keep the price at $9.99.

So I’m going to run a test for the next week or two to see if there’s any truth to that. So if you’d like to pick up a copy of my book for almost 50% off, now is a good time. Or if you know someone who might want to read it, now would be a good time to let them know.

If I do see an increase in sales, I may just keep it at $5.19. If not, it’s back to $9.99 — as my book has actually been doing quite well at that price point recently. And yes, it’s currently discounted on Amazon sites worldwide.

Oh, and if you’re not following me on Amazon, why don’t you go ahead and do that. :)

August 8, 2020:

The odd irony here is that whenever I reduce the price of my book, I sell fewer copies, not more. And that’s what has happened here. So, as of today, I’m adjusting the sale price to its usual $9.99.

The post Kindle sale $5.19 appeared first on Zero Dean.

New site notifications settings

Zero Dean — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 22:43:51 GMT

You know how it’s nice to be able to turn on notifications for people you follow online on Youtube or Instagram? You now have that same option when it comes to the content on my site.

Simply visit zerodean.com (works best with chrome browser) and when the receive notifications window pops up, click yes.

Then click “allow” when the next “show notifications” window pops up.

That’s it!

Now the next time I post content on my site, you will receive a notification on your Mac, PC, or Android phone (not available on iOS devices at this time).

The great thing about this option is you get it almost instantly. No more waiting several hours or more before an email shows up in your inbox.

And yes, you can easily unsubscribe from notifications at any time.

The post New site notifications settings appeared first on Zero Dean.

.99 cent Kindle sale now through April 30, 2020

Zero Dean — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 19:09:10 GMT

For those who don’t know, you can get (or gift) a copy of the Kindle edition of my book at the lowest price Amazon will allow — .99 cents — now through April 30th (and read it on any device, not just a Kindle).

You can find a link to the Kindle edition available in your country at ZeroDean.com/book

Please share with anyone who might be interested.

The post .99 cent Kindle sale now through April 30, 2020 appeared first on Zero Dean.

In light of current events – book price reduction

Zero Dean — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 23:03:34 GMT

In light of current events, I’m reducing the price of the kindle edition of my book from $10 to the lowest price Amazon will allow — .99 cents.

If I could make it free, I would. As it is, I will make between 10 and 30 cents per sale.

If you already own it, you can gift it to as many people as you wish at this price. If you find value in it, please consider leaving a review.

If the price isn’t yet adjusted in your part of the world, please check back later — this price will be reflected worldwide.

The post In light of current events – book price reduction appeared first on Zero Dean.

Book survey 1

Zero Dean — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 00:04:05 GMT

If you’ve got a minute, you can do me a quick favor by filling out a short survey to help me make some educated decisions related to current & future projects.

The post Book survey 1 appeared first on Zero Dean.

Trip & Tour Status Feb 2020

Zero Dean — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 22:55:04 GMT

Here’s a little status update…

If you didn’t know, I’m currently traveling the USA interviewing people for a documentary series & podcast about resilience & hope.

See FTPLT.com for details and apply if you wish to be considered (or tell anyone you know who might).

I’m also shooting portraits as I travel, available for speaking engagements, book signings, and open to simply meeting for the fun of it.

So drop me a line via any of the numerous ways to get in touch with me.

The post Trip & Tour Status Feb 2020 appeared first on Zero Dean.

My book’s sales by city

Zero Dean — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 22:45:59 GMT

I’m sure this is nowhere near as interesting to you as it is to me, but I accidentally came across my “book sales by city” data and am rather surprised by some of the results.

If you bought my book, is your city represented?

Also, HELLO NEW YORK! 🤘🏻🔥💛🤗

And if you’re one of the people who has bought my book — or you’re thinking about it — THANK YOU.

My book’s sales by city (Jan 2019-Feb 2020)

1. New York, NY
2. Cincinnati, OH
3. Los Angeles, CA
4. Portland-PolandSpring, ME
5. Philadelphia, PA
6. Portland, OR
7. Albuquerque, NM
8. Phoenix, AZ
9. Raleigh-Durham, NC
10. SF-Okland-San Jose
11. San Diego, CA
12. Washington, DC
13. Atlanta, GA
14. Baltimore, MD
15. Boston, MA
16. Denver, CO
17. Detroit, MI
18. Fresno-Visalia, CA
19. Houston, TX
20. Seattle-Tacoma, WA
21. Albany-Schnctady-Troy, NY
22. Charlotte, NC
23. Chicago, IL
24. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
25. Dayton, OH
26. Flint-Saginaw-BayCity, MI
27. Kansas City, KS-MO
28. Miami, FL
29. Nrflk-Prtsmth-NwptNws-Hmp
30. Providence-New Bedford,RI
31. Sacramento-Stockton, CA
32. Salt Lake City, UT
33. Tampa-St.Petersburg, FL
34. Austin, TX
35. Baton Rouge, LA
36. CdarRpds-Wtrloo-Dubuqu,IA
37. Chattanooga, TN
38. ColoradoSprngs-Pueblo, CO
39. Columbus, OH
40. Ft. Myers-Naples, FL
41. Hartford-New Haven, CT
42. Indianapolis, IN
43. Jacksonville, FL
44. Johnstown-Altoona, PA
45. Memphis, TN
46. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
47. Richmond, VA
48. Rochester, NY
49. San Antonio, TX
50. Southbend-Elkhart, IN

*Smaller cities when combined rank #2

The post My book’s sales by city appeared first on Zero Dean.