full

full
Published on:

9th Jun 2025

Start Earlier, Fear Less

Start earlier, fear less, and keep your circle tight! This episode dives into some solid advice from industry heavyweights like Daymond John and James Brown, who share what they wish they could tell their younger selves. They emphasize that fear is just doubt dressed up in fancy clothes, trying to convince us to play it safe. It’s all about understanding money and how it works for you, not the other way around—because trust me, that lesson can sneak up on you later in life! So whether you’re just starting out or feeling like you’re a bit late to the party, don’t sweat it; you’re right on time for whatever comes next. Join us as we chat about shaping your future and why the people you surround yourself with can make all the difference!

Navigating life can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, and who better to guide us through those twists and turns than James Brown? Today, we dive into the wisdom that comes from looking back at the past and sharing advice with our younger selves. Think of it as a heartfelt chat over coffee, where we explore the key takeaways that can help us tackle the future with a stronger mindset. James kicks us off with a powerful mantra: "Start sooner, trust less, and fear... well, it's just a costume that doubt likes to wear!" This simple yet profound insight sets the tone for our discussion, reminding us that fear often masquerades as logic, telling us to play it safe and not take risks. But what if we peeled back that costume and recognized fear for what it really is? That’s right, just a sneaky little trickster trying to keep us from living our best lives.

As we dig deeper, we hear from Damon John, the iconic entrepreneur from Shark Tank, who shares five vital pieces of advice he'd give to his younger self. Starting earlier is a recurring theme, and it resonates with many of us who often feel that time slips away faster than we can grab hold of it. But fear not! Even if you didn't start when you thought you should have, James reassures us that it’s never too late to kickstart our dreams. We explore the importance of understanding money, not just earning it but grasping how it works before it works you! This nugget of wisdom is a game changer for many, and it’s something we often overlook until it’s too late.

Toward the end of our chat, we touch on the significance of our personal circles. James emphasizes that while skills are important, the people we surround ourselves with can shape our trajectory even more profoundly. So, who’s in your circle? Are they uplifting you or dragging you down? It’s a critical question that could redefine your path moving forward. We wrap up with an open invitation for listeners to reflect on their own journeys and share what they’d tell their younger selves, not to dwell on the past but to embrace what’s ahead. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s get ready to explore life’s lessons together!

Takeaways:

  • Starting sooner can help you tackle your dreams without the weight of fear holding you back, so don't wait!
  • As Damon John wisely puts it, fear is just a fancy illusion we create in our minds, so let's not let it stop us!
  • Understanding money is just as important as earning it; learn how it works or it might just work you!
  • Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial; they can shape your future more than your skills ever could!
  • Fear often disguises itself as logic, telling us to play it safe, but it's really just doubt in a snazzy outfit!
  • It's never too late to start; you're perfectly on time for whatever life throws your way, so embrace the journey!

Links referenced in this episode:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Fubu
  • Shark Tank


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Transcript
Speaker A:

Start sooner Trust less fear this is commentary from James Brown.

Speaker A:

Damon John, the guy from Shark Tank in Fubu, says he tell his younger self 5 things start earlier Fear is an illusion.

Speaker A:

Learn money fast.

Speaker A:

Live in the moment and keep your circle tight.

Speaker A:

I keep coming back to the last one because your circle matters more than your skills.

Speaker A:

The people around you shape your future, whether you notice it or not.

Speaker A:

In fear, it shows up dressed as logic.

Speaker A:

It says not yet.

Speaker A:

It says play it safe.

Speaker A:

But most of the time it's just doubt with better clothes on.

Speaker A:

Then there's money.

Speaker A:

Not just earning it, but understanding it.

Speaker A:

Learn how it works before it works you.

Speaker A:

That lesson comes late in life for many of us.

Speaker A:

So yes, start earlier.

Speaker A:

But if you didn't, don't panic.

Speaker A:

You can start now.

Speaker A:

You're not too old, it's not too late.

Speaker A:

You're right on time for whatever comes next.

Speaker A:

So what do you think?

Speaker A:

What is the one thing that you tell your younger self?

Speaker A:

Not to change the past, but to shape what comes next?

Speaker A:

Let me know in the comments to support my work@jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Daily Note with James A. Brown

About the Podcast

The Daily Note with James A. Brown
Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. 5 days a week, 90 seconds a day, on-air and online from sea to shining sea.
The Daily Note is a daily commentary podcast that finds deeper meaning in everyday moments. Host James A. Brown explores how our world really works through thoughtful observation and authentic storytelling.

Each short-form episode starts with something specific James noticed while walking downtown, a conversation overheard in a coffee shop, or a small detail that revealed something larger about modern life. These aren't political hot takes or partisan commentary. The Daily Note offers genuine reflection and systems thinking for busy professionals.
This daily podcast serves listeners who want intelligent analysis without the noise. Perfect for commuters, coffee breaks, and anyone seeking thoughtful perspective on current events, workplace dynamics, and American culture.

The Daily Note delivers smart commentary, personal storytelling, and practical insights in bite-sized episodes that respect your time and intelligence. New episodes Monday through Friday.

Commentary for people who want to understand their world better, not feel better about what they already believe.

To support my work and tell me what you think join me at JamesABrown.net.
Or email me at comments@jamesabrown.net.

About your host

Profile picture for james brown

james brown