Happy New Year 2023
I posted a few articles in December of 2009, but began writing Leadership Freak in earnest January 2010. Since then, I’ve typed over 1.2 million words and posted over 4,000 articles.
How did it happen? I was dissatisfied with myself and decided to try something new.
Dissatisfaction is useful when it motivates action – but not any action – new action.
I made a few good decisions, most by accident. I decided to write things I wanted to read. I didn’t do market research or develop a plan. Posts are brief because I have a short attention span. People ask, “Who is your audience?” I say, “Me.”
Vacillating is boring. Just say it.
I’m not trying to trick you into staying on my site. Headings allow readers to decide if they want to read an article. If the content isn’t of interest, I want you to know ASAP.
Someone asked, “Aren’t you afraid you’ll contradict yourself?” I replied, “I hope I do.” When you learn, you change. When I began, I thought leadership was all about skills. I had three conversations that changed my thinking.
Leadership Freak has taken me all over the U.S. and even overseas. But the greatest joy was a bigger surprise. The cherry on top of my experience is meeting scores of interesting people. I’m thankful my contribution opens doors to conversations that change me.
Making money wasn’t the plan and is still secondary. The first speaking invitation came in 2011. I remember telling my wife we can make money at this. We both laughed. I succeed when I add value.
2023 is the 14th year for Leadership Freak. 10’s of millions of people from every country on the globe have read these short articles. It’s more than I imagined. I look forward to learning and contributing in this new year.
Happy New Year,
Dan
PS I’m excited to announce that John David Mann and I wrote a book that is set for release this year. More later.
Thank you for such a positive response to that early dissatisfaction, Dan! It is great to learn along with you and to have you challenge my thinking. Keep writing “what is so for you.” It helps us all.
Thanks Ken. We are fortunate when the things we love to do are useful to others.
Congratulations on turning your interests and skills into a full-time job – I really enjoy your blog-posts. Blessings to you in 2023!! Thanks, Travis Matthews
Thank you, Travis. Some of the best things in life are surprises.
Dan, keep the momentum!
Thank you, Bob. Day-by-day. 300 words at a time. One day its a small thing. A series of ‘one days’ turns into something surprisingly big.
Thank you! I have loved Leadership Freak for years and have shared MANY of your articles in the leadership development of all of the teams I lead.
Dan, Happy New Year! I always learn and take something away from your articles, and especially love when they challenge my thinking. I regularly share them with my posse. BTW, the title did suck me in early this morning.
I can’t wait for your new book. I am also a big fan of Mann. Happy New Years to you and your family!
Happy New Year, MB. It’s useful to get feedback about titles and content. Thank you. I appreciate the encouragement.
Thanks, Rev. It’s rewarding to know you use these little articles for developing others. Keep on serving.
I enjoy reading your articles very much and I gain a lot from your insights. You offer a different way of thinking about things and of approaching situations that has been helpful.
Thank you, Jeanne. Perhaps the good thing is I don’t realize it’s a different way of thinking. Sometimes I know my approach is different. Sometimes I’m oblivious. I prefer being oblivious.
Dan, loved learning about the roots of LeadershipFreak, and the spirit that continues to drive you forward. I especially appreciate your willingness, even expectation, to contradict yourself as you continue to grow and learn. All the best for 2023.
Hello, Scott. I’m glad you dropped in today. I’m so focused on tomorrow’s post that I barely remember what I wrote today. The great surprise is I agree with myself as much as I do.
Dan, wow! So great article as usual. But this one is so special and it has been explained very simply but profoundly too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Solomon. Simple is good. 🙂
Dan read you daily and enjoy it. Your focus on leadership and culture is what I also believe drives all organizations. And lately you taught this older guy about empathy. Keep going! Brad
Dan,
Thank you for that not so little nugget that you write what you want to read. I’ve been stuck trying to figure out what to write about this year, and now I have a clue.
Separately, I enjoy every article and repost them occasionally. Leadership Freak is my #1 recommended resource to clients who want to learn more about leadership. Your articles never disappoint. Thank you for sharing your brilliance.
Happy New Year!
That’s great, Deborah. An audience of one is easier to please. 😉 I appreciate your support and the opportunity to contribute.
Thank you, Brad. I appreciate all the insightful comments you leave and look forward to reading more.
Thank you for this post … really great to read about where your experience has brought you!
We never dreamed LF would make such a big difference in our lives.
Follow your curiosity and see what happens. Thanks for making us think about many important topics.
Happy New Year–Dan.
Thanks, Paul. I was asked at a conference to give the top leadership trait to look for. I said curiosity. In reality, it’s hard to rank the top qualities in any reliable order. But curiosity is up there. Cheers
I really appreciate the part where you mention “people ask, who is your audience?” I’ve often struggled with the question of who my audience may be (with writing and art), as if “myself” isn’t a good enough answer. Thank you for all you do!
Thanks John. If you are the audience, at least you have an idea what you like to read. 🙂 The alternative is just too much pressure.
Hi Dan! Happy New Year to you and your family. I love your work, keep it going!!
Happy New Year, Ian. Thank you for your kind encouragement.
Dan,
Keep up the great work! And, Happy New Year.
Bill
Happy New Year, Bill. I appreciate you stopping in.
Keep up the good work!! I have learned so much from your writings! Thank you!!
Thank you, Debbie, It’s a pleasure to serve.
Thank you Dan, for your fortitude and flexibility to teach your audience. Your early morning reads are sometimes the highlight of my day!! Often times, I curate your articles for clients and pass them along. I can only hope that I have expanded your reach even further. Happy 2023 to you!!!!
Happy New Year, Cheryl. You encourage me. I’m glad you feel comfortable passing these little articles along to others. Best wishes.
Congratulations on your continued success, Dan. I appreciate your steady flow of down-to-earth advice. You have made my life better. Best wishes for wonderful 2023!
Hi Jesse. Thank you for taking time to leave a note here. Your encouragement over the years has made a difference for me. I respect your work. Best to you for 2023.
Thanks for keeping it going! I has benefitted me personally and I am sure many others!
It’s a pleasure to be of service, Balu. Happy New Year!
Dear Dan; indeed from overseas (Spain in my case); I am a follower since…years and really appreciate reading your articles and actually implementing many inspiring ideas and advice from your side. THANKS and all the best for the new year
Thanks Pedro. It seems that leadership principles cross borders. I’m delighted to hear from you. Happy New Year.
Looking forward to continuing to grow with you all this year.
That’s a wonderful way to put it, Mark. Happy New Year
Happy NewYear…Always great to receive your Leadership emails. I have sent a few to some of my friends in the USA, India and Czech Republic. Keep up the great articles!!! All the best to ya!
Starting my day reading your thoughts on Leadership Freak is the best part of my morning; Well, maybe coffee, but LF is DARN close. (kidding)
Thank you for your work, leadership, inspiration, and hope.
Congratulations on your success and most of all thank you for what you have taught me along the way. I enjoy your wisdom and share your articles. Cheers to the BEST YEAR YET. Happy 2023.
Thanks for changing my life one day in particular, but every day in some way. By far the best leadership blog I have found….and I have recommended it to many. Happy 2023!
Happy and prosperous new year Dan, You are my inspiration and my aspiration is to follow suit. God bless you and the entire leadership freak family!!!