Ask Altucher
Ep 102: The Man Who Built 100 Businesses

Today we have a very special show for you. 

James hopped a plane to Palm Beach and recorded this two-part show from this gentleman’s waterfront mansion. He’s is a true legend in the field of entrepreneurship and investing having started over 100 companies, most of which have been successful.

His guest today is the New York Times bestselling author, Mark Ford, You might recognize Mark by his pen name, “Michael Masterson,” but I also wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of him. Unlike other business and financial “gurus,” Mark is intensely private and has deliberately kept a low profile over the past 30 years. He has been a silent force behind the careers and ideas of many of the smartest people in investing and entrepreneurship.

Mark’s accomplishments are as impressive as they are varied: he has built 100+ businesses, amassed a fortune in the high 8-figure range… climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, speaks 4 languages… is a best selling author of nearly twenty books… and at 64, he still wears his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt 5 times a week as he spars with men half his age. 

But before you check out the interview, we forgot to include an important piece of information during the show. Mark agreed to give away one of his most popular books to my listeners

They start out today talking about what Mark calls, “becoming an “Intra-premier”. Not everyone can quit his or her job tomorrow. As an intra-preneur you have to become the most valuable or one of the most valuable people within the company you work. 

He then tells James about two very different negotiation techniques that he’s learned from two of his mentors. They couldn’t be more different.

Mark talks today about the three sides of every business and which one you want to be a part of. 

And as Mark says “You have to promote yourself”

Plus, this is only part one of this amazing interview. 

Make sure you go to markfordbook.com and claim your free copy of Mark’s book Living Rich: How to Live as Well as a Billionaire on a Middle-Class Budget

Regards,

 

James Altucher

Direct download: JAS2010220Mark20Ford20Part20120final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:04pm EDT

Drew Canole – a nutrition specialist, transformation specialist, and national spokesperson for the benefits of juicing vegetables for health and vitality – joins James and Claudia today to talk about getting healthy.

Drew goes way beyond just eating healthily. He teaches James and Claudia some really easy vestibular exercises to lower stress ad stimulate brain activity.

He also promises to give us at least 30 unhealthily food substitutions, and boy does he deliver.

Drew is the founder of Fitlife.tv and has offered to give all our listeners a free report. Just go to AlphaReset.com.

Listen today if you're ready to reset your life.

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep2023920final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:55pm EDT

Steve DiNisio joins James today to explain how, by helping liquidate failed businesses, he's created a seven-figure income for himself.

Today they dig into some of the basic reasons why business fail and what they should be doing at the very beginning to help them succeed.

Steve explains the liquidation business to James. It's recently gone online, which makes it much easier to manage.

James is on a roll today as an atomic idea machine, tossing out some great business ideas to help Steve grow his business

 Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep2023820final.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:17pm EDT

Today is a very special episode of Ask Altucher. Our original co-host, Aaron Brabham, is back for a long-overdue reunion.

Aaron decided a few months ago to "choose himself." He moved from snowy Baltimore to sunny San Diego to work on the projects he loves.

Copywriting has always been something he dabbled in, but now he has decided to dive in full time. He tells James and Claudia all about the art of copywriting. Aaron dives into the art of gives away a few of his best secrets.

James then asks him what a "choose yourself" lifestyle really is, and Aaron shares his own path to living life on his own terms. He explains how he's living The Millionaire Anywhere lifestyle – living, feeling, and earning like a millionaire.

If you go to Aaron's website, The Millionaire Anywhere, today, you can get his free report, "10 Strategies to Start Your First Business Today (Even if You Don't Have an Idea)."

You'll be happy you did.

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20237.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:42pm EDT

James hits Claudia with another idea today. As he says, you are allowed to have bad ideas.

Today's idea is called "The Lottery Diet." You'll have to tune in to find out what his idea is all about.

Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know what James thinks about President Obama's idea to offer community college for free.

James says it's a horrible idea. Too many young people think that it is the "degree" that counts, but that's not correct.

It's not the piece of paper that matters... it's experience that really matters. Take those few years you'll waste in college and travel, intern, experiment.

You'll be much better off.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20236.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:03pm EDT

Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know, "Should I quit my job and open a yoga studio?"

James says, "If you're leaving your job, don't start a yoga studio."

The goal to choosing yourself is to make money while you sleep.

The problem with quitting your job and opening a yoga studio is you always have to be there to make any money.

The best case is it's a lifestyle business. You're doing this because you love it and just have to do it, but test your idea first.

Try adding in clothing, food, and equipment.

Make it a destination.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20235.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 7:12am EDT

Today's question came from a listener who wants to know "How much money do I need before I quit my job?"

James says, "ZERO!"

But James recommends staying with the job you already have while you start your new business. You need to create a second source of income before you quit.

That's your runway.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. 

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20234.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT

Today's question came from a listener who wants to know if you should trust your friends in business.

James says you should never go into business with people you don't trust. Or to take it a step farther, you shouldn't have friends you can't trust.

The average person is inherently trustworthy, but...

It's always personal.

Listen here as James tosses out a huge number of ideas.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com.

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here 

Direct download: AA20Ep20233.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT

Today's question came from a listener who was laid off after 10 years at his last company. He's interested in the wine business and is wondering if he can make a living in the wine e-commerce space.

James first says... Congratulations!

First, think of three levels "free," "pay," and then wealth.

  • Free – Every day, blog about wine. James and Claudia give him a bunch of ideas. Move into the video space, use Vine. Try everything, and always be storytelling.
  • Pay – Create a newsletter and sell a wine of the day with a 24-hour countdown.
  • Wealth – Host wine tours.

Write down your ten ideas a day and watch how quickly you'll also come up with great ideas.

James tosses out a huge number of ideas.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20EP20232.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:27pm EDT

For those who are interested, I decided to launch a new monthly newsletter, The Altucher Report.

It's going to be a little more specific and much more tactical than my free blog posts.

It's brand new and I'm selling it for just $39 per year with a four-month, 100%-money-back guarantee.

Plus...

My new book, The Choose Yourself Guide To Wealth, is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say, it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book, you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

Direct download: AA20Ep20231.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:57pm EDT

Today, James is going to fire off quick answers to a bunch of questions.

He talks about karma, investing, and relationships. He answers a question about his goals.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send your stories to: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

Regards,

David

 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book, you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20EP20230.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:44pm EDT

James always says that you should over-promise and over-deliver. Though, most people say you should under-promise and then over-deliver.

The over-promise gets you beyond what people think you might be able to do. Yes, it's stressful, but you'll stand out.

Then, when you over-deliver beyond even that, you'll grow as a person.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: askjamesaltucher@gmail.com

P.S. Hi James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together a book of all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20Ep20229.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:31pm EDT

Today's question for James is, would he home school his children?

James says absolutely, but only after the sixth grade. Well, sort of...

Instead he would "un-school" his kids. All they'd have to do is read one book per week and then discuss it with him. The rest of the time they could do whatever they want.

But here's the problem, James' kids want to go to school. They like the social aspect of it and they don't want to be one of those "weird" kids.

Listen here.

We'd love to hear about your Choose Yourself stories. Send us your stories here.

Regards,

David

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It's taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming.

Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the responses I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

 

If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially like the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here

Direct download: AA20EP20228.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:36pm EDT

Is James' daily practice a way out of an addiction?

James says yes and no...

First, you need to become physically healthy. You need to sleep well, eat well, and exercise at least a little.

Listen today as James talks through becoming emotionally healthy, mentally healthy, and spiritually healthy.

Every day, try to improve just a little.

And remember to be grateful.

We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send them to askjamesaltucher@gmail.com.

Regards,

David 

P.S. Hi, James here...

My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions.

Here are some of the initial reviews on this book:

"James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth."

"I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!"

"This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book you will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment."

I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves."

If you want to get the book exclusively in hardcover, plus several other books by me, plus a newsletter that will be the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy here.

 

P.P.S. Happy Birthday, Mollie.

Direct download: AA20EP20227.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 10:17am EDT

Today's questioner wants to know if James' daily 1% improvement comes from doing something brand new.

His answer is yes, and no...

Plus, today James answers a second question about how to format an e-mail and write a subject line so it gets opened and read.

Click here to listen to today's episode of Ask Altucher.

 

We'd love to hear about your Choose Yourself stories. Send us your stories here.

 

 

P.S. James' new book is finally out! He's been quietly working on this new volume for the better part of a year. Many people are telling him that it's his best book yet. He'd love to hear your feedback. His new book is all about money – how to make it, keep it, grow it, and enjoy it. This book is not yet available on Amazon, but we've arranged a way for you to claim a copy right here..

Direct download: AA_Ep_226_dn.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:15pm EDT

Is it ethical to just walk out of a meeting, quit your job, and never return?

Today, James talks about your legal and ethical responsibilities. When James walked out, he felt it was the best thing to do for all parties involved.

Click here to listen to today's episode of Ask Altucher.

We'd love to hear your opinion.

Direct download: AA20EP2022520copy.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 4:15pm EDT

What's the deal with The Paleo Diet?

James says screw it, it's just another marketing message.

Our lifestyle is so different from that of our ancestors. We sit at work all day and watch TV all night, between trips to the refrigerator.

Today, James talks about what it really means to follow a paleo diet. It's a lot more than just which foods you eat.

It's a lifestyle.

Direct download: AA20Ep20224.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT

How do I execute on my ideas?

 

It's extremely hard to come up with an idea worth executing. Execution is just a subset of ideas.

 

When you have a good idea, the next day you should make list of 10 ideas on how to move your idea forward.

 

I walk through a model you can copy.

Direct download: AA20EP20223.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 1:55pm EDT

Alan wants to know why I leas my car instead of buying it.

I'm  a bit conflicted about which is better – buying or leasing.

Today a car is really a computer with a bunch of metal wrapped around it. With technology moving so quickly, I don't want to be tied down to old technology.

I'd rather trade up every three years.

Plus, Claudia has a great idea for new car technology. Here's a hint... think about a wet dog.

Direct download: AA20Ep20222.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

Don't Run Over a Baby in the Middle of the Snow

by James Altucher

 

The car started to skid and swerve and we couldn't stop. It was all my fault.

I had sped up while going into a sharp curve. I was just fooling around. The entire road was ice. My 12 year old kid was sitting next to me.

Why did I do that? I don't know. Because I'm an idiot sometimes. I hope all people are idiots sometimes so I don't have to feel so bad but maybe it's just me.

When we couldn't stop the car from skidding Mollie started screaming. We went into a snow drift and kept going.

The snow was beautiful and white and we were over the top and sitting in a perfect white yard. I put it in reverse but the car was perched in the air above the snow bank. It wouldn't move forward or backward and the wheel just spun in the air.

It was getting cold and dark. I had no shovel and when I went outside to try to kick away the snow around the wheel it seemed almost infinite. I kept kicking but my feet got cold and then I got cold and went back in the car.

Mollie was disappointed in me. "What are we going to do now?" She said. She was angry. But I had no idea.

I could have been disappointed. "Why me?" Or I could have been regretful. "Stupid me!"

I could have also been scared. What if we are stuck all night? Or even worse, what if I don't stop by the pharmacy and run the errand I said I would run for Claudia!

This is a great example of what I call a "difficult gratitude problem." Everyone says be "grateful." It's easy to be grateful when things are going well. Grateful for kids, wife, home, food, blah blah.

It's much harder to be grateful when you know you are an idiot and everything bad is your fault.

So here's what I am grateful for about crashing into the snow and being stuck in the night. I was totally irresponsible and foolish and it seemed like nothing good would come out of it.

A) I spent more time with Mollie.

She was disappointed in me at first. But then while we just sat there in the car doing nothing she showed me a game she was playing on her phone and we spent some time going back and forth, laughing, while she tried to explain her strategy for winning to me.

B) We live in an amazing service world.

I called Claudia, who called Honda, who called a towing service. It would take an hour but a towing service was on the way.

I didn't even have my phone. Mollie had her phone. Total cost: $0. We had some sort of insurance for an unlicensed irresponsible father crashing into snow banks on an icy road in the night.

C) It takes a village.

First one person passed and said, "do you need help?" Then another. Then another. One person helped me shovel. Another person got his own tow truck out. Another person kept finding more chains to link the two cars to help me. Strangers wanted to help. I feltgood about that.

D) I learned about cars.

I said to the first guy: "I think my car is broken now." He laughed. He didn't even know what that meant.

He said it just needed to be moved a little and it would be all right. He told me to cancel the towing service.

We figured I had "front wheel drive". I didn't know what that was. He said, "it means the front wheels drive. Not the back wheels."

And he showed me where the strap goes when a tow truck tows another car.

E) Rope beats Chain beats Nylon.

My car was really baked into the snow. It was like the candle in a cake. We couldn't drag it out. We tried a nylon strap. Then a metal chain. Both broke. Eventually a rope worked.

F) We had a party.

The reason I was outside was I just dropped off my older kid to her "sweet 16" sleepover with friends. Meanwhile, about 7 of us adults were outside in the cold trying to get my car out of the snow.

We were laughing because this was our version of an adult sweet 16. I seldom go to parties for more than 30 minutes. This was about an hour of hangingout and talking to people.

G) I didn't finish the errand.

By the time the car was out, the pharmacy had closed. I never got the medication. And then it turned out Claudia didn't need it. Which is good because the side effects were bad.

H) Hot chocolate.

After the car was out, instead of going home, I took Mollie for hot chocolate.

While we were having hot chocolate I had us do an exercise: where does she see our relationship in five years (she's 12) and where do I see it?

We didn't finish the exercise but we talked about the importance of doing exercises like that.

I'm glad she still listens to me even though she knows her father definitely shows signs of severe stupidity.

She said, "we had an adventure tonight!" Adventures are good for little kids. Sometimes for adults also.

I) I got to listen to music.

For a while I was sitting in the car alone while I was waiting. Mollie was in the house where the sweet 16 was with her older sister.

I hardly ever listen to music I like in the car. There was a "top 40" from this week in 1984.

I will be honest: 1984 was the best year in history for music. I listened to John Lennon's "Nobody Told Me There Would Be Days Like These." Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and a song I forget the title to bySheena Easton. Go 1984!

J) I felt happy.

When the towing finally worked with the rope strap, I felt "Hurray!"

I probably would not have felt that happy if I had just driven straight home. I got out of the car and shook everyone's hand. Everybody laughed. Everyone was happy even though this had taken up an hour of their time on a Saturday night. Maybe they felt glad they could help.

I also probably learned a lesson. Don't speed up on a curve on a road made of ice with snow all around at night. I say "probably" because who can predict? I make mistakes all the time.

Difficult gratitude problems are how you exercise the gratitude muscle. Don't waste it on easy gratitude problems.

Believe it or not, exercising the gratitude muscle helps solve digestive problems and makes it easier to sleep and even helps people with cancer and polio. I'm not kidding.

When we were having a hot chocolate later, Mollie told me something she was scared of in her life. Something that might happen in the future a year or two from now that she hopes doesn't happen.

I asked her to write down all the things she predicts in the future and see which ones come true. So she will know her success rate as a psychic. She laughed because she knew I was making fun of her.

I also told her there could be worse things. And she said, "like what?"

And I said, "well, I could've run over a baby while driving the car just now." She laughed, "why would there've been a baby crawling across the road in the middle of the night?"

"Well," I said, "I don't know. But that would be worse."

Click here to listen to today's episode of Ask Altucher.

Regards,

James

 

P.S. My new book is finally out! I've been quietly working on this new volume for the better part of the year. Many are telling me it's my best book yet. I'd love to hear your feedback. My new book is all about money – how to make it, keep it, grow it, and enjoy it. This book is not yet available on Amazon, but you can get a copy right here...

Direct download: AA20Ep20221.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 11:37am EDT

My new book, The Choose Yourself Guide To Wealth, is now available. I've been working on this book all my life.

I believe this is the financial book for today's new economy and for my members. Every month, I'll be sending them updates.

Listen to today’s podcast to learn a few of the ideas I write about.

Ideas like...

  • What's old is new again
  • Why it's important for people to meet up
  • Creating your own stream of income

 

I hope you'll give it a try

Direct download: AA20EP20220.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:07pm EDT

What can you do if someone steals your website?

Amazingly, this is more common than you think.

James says to just move on… There's nothing you can do. No one can compete with you being you.

If you have the passion and the enthusiasm for your business, then they'll never be able to beat you.

 

Listen to today's podcast here

Direct download: AA20Ep20219.mp3
Category:business -- posted at: 3:23pm EDT

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