Building the Dream: From Scratch to Seven Figures

Josh Stein
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Join me as I document my journey of building a business from the ground up using the 12 Months to a Million Dollars framework. From raw beginnings to valuable lessons, I share every step—wins, challenges, and breakthroughs. This podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at starting a product-based business, tackling self-doubt, and growing through discomfort. Each episode delivers insights and tips to help you take bold steps toward your goals. Follow along as I turn ambition into a seven-figure reality.

Episodes

  1. 02/26/2025

    Beyond the Sprint: Rethinking Capacity, Endurance, and Sustainable Success

    For as long as I can remember, I’ve sprinted into everything—business, workouts, new projects—pushing at 100 percent and expecting myself to sustain that pace. But every time, I crash. In this episode, I step back and analyze that approach. What if success isn’t about how hard you push, but how well you pace yourself? Drawing from manufacturing principles, endurance training, and my own experiences, I explore: Why running at 100 percent capacity isn't sustainable (for machines or humans). How Zone 2 heart rate training applies to business, productivity, and life. The importance of managing physical, mental, and emotional batteries. How to balance urgency with sustainability—working smarter, not just harder.This isn’t about giving up ambition—it’s about applying it in a more strategic, sustainable way. If you’ve ever found yourself burning out, this episode is for you. Summary Notes / Key Takeaways: Sprinting into everything leads to burnout. I’ve done it over and over—pushing hard, then crashing. Machines and people both function best at around 75 percent capacity. Running at 100 percent increases breakdowns and downtime. Zone 2 training teaches endurance over intensity. Working at a steady, sustainable pace lets you go further. The Battery Model: Managing physical, mental, and emotional energy is key to avoiding burnout. Urgency vs. Sustainability: The real challenge is balancing quick wins with long-term growth. Reframing Success: It’s not about how much you do—it’s about what you sustain over time.Reflection Questions: How do you currently manage your capacity? What would it look like to slow down and optimize your output over the long term? Where are you sprinting when you should be pacing yourself?

    20 min
  2. The Overcommitment Trap: Recognizing Limits, Failing Up, & Restarting Fast

    02/12/2025

    The Overcommitment Trap: Recognizing Limits, Failing Up, & Restarting Fast

    We all fall into the trap of overcommitting—taking on too much, stretching ourselves too thin, and then hitting a wall of burnout and failure. In this episode, I dive into the reality of overcommitment, why we keep doing it, and how failure can actually be used as a tool for progress. More importantly, I share strategies for rebounding quickly, shifting perspective on failure, and learning to restart before getting stuck. This is an ongoing journey, and I don’t have all the answers yet, but I want to take you along as I navigate this challenge in real time.

    17 min
  3. Big Goals, Small Steps: The Power of Vision and Commitment

    01/29/2025

    Big Goals, Small Steps: The Power of Vision and Commitment

    Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year but massively underestimate what’s possible in a decade. The problem? We set short-term goals, get overwhelmed, and quit when results don’t show up fast enough. In this episode, I break down how to set long-term, experience-based goals that actually move the needle—without burning out. We’ll talk about: How to think 10 years ahead and set goals that align with the life you want. Why sticking to a plan for 60–90 days is the key to real progress. The 2.5 priorities rule—focusing on what actually matters. Overcoming doubt, impatience, and the urge to change course too soon. The power of small, disciplined actions that compound over time. If you’ve ever struggled with goal-setting, follow-through, or staying consistent, this episode is for you. Plus, I’m adding links in the show notes with extra resources to help you put this into action. 🎧 Listen now and start turning your vision into reality—one step at a time. 🔗 Show Notes & Resources: My Ten Year Goals Link: Leo Moves Cleaner Tools Opt In

    17 min

  4. 01/22/2025

    Iterative Design: The Power of Continuous Improvement

    This episode is all about iterative design—how small, manageable improvements can lead to big results over time. I’m breaking down how I’ve applied this approach to everything from building the first Cleaner Tools prototype out of scrap materials to figuring out social media (after an 8-year boycott), improving my email newsletters, and even making this podcast better every week. We’ll talk about why starting small matters, how to embrace feedback, and why perfection is the enemy of progress. Whether you’re tackling a big project, starting a business, or just trying to make life a little better, this episode is all about taking action, testing, and improving as you go.

    16 min
  5. The Illusion of Time: How to Make Every Moment Count

    01/15/2025

    The Illusion of Time: How to Make Every Moment Count

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into the concept of time—how it feels like there’s never enough, why some moments drag while others fly by, and how your energy and mindset shape your perception of time. I share practical strategies for stacking activities, turning mundane tasks into productive opportunities, and playing bigger games to create more time in your life. We’ll explore the importance of stepping into discomfort to fuel growth, streamlining routines for efficiency, and reframing your approach to time management. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or looking to achieve ambitious goals, this episode is packed with insights to help you expand your potential and get more out of every moment. Tune in to discover how to make time work for you, not against you. Episode Outline 1. Introduction The concept of time: illusion, restriction, and how we perceive it. The inspiration behind this episode: common complaints about not having enough time. How excitement and energy influence the way we experience time. 2. The Power of Stacking Activities Examples of turning mundane tasks into productive moments (e.g., walking the dog, washing dishes). How stacking activities boosts efficiency and transforms dreaded tasks into enjoyable ones. 3. Expanding Your Time Through Bigger Goals Why playing a “bigger game” expands your sense of time. The importance of stepping into discomfort to grow. Real-world examples: from running marathons to remodeling your home. 4. The Physics of Growth Introduction to the law of entropy and its relevance to personal growth. Why intentional effort is necessary to prevent stagnation and regression. 5. Managing Growth & Prioritization The concept of focusing on two to three big priorities at a time. How to create routines for stability before taking on new challenges. Insights from No More Mr. Nice Guy and Ryan Moran on managing energy and focus. 6. Closing Reflections on Time How pushing yourself into discomfort leads to long-term growth. Encouragement to set bigger goals and reframe your perception of time. Resource: Capitalism.com pod cast with guest Dr. Robert Glover https://open.spotify.com/episode/5n8reD6jVANDSHGwOJY97l?si=46e6f4f44dcc49a4

    14 min
  6. The Feedback Filter: Navigating Reactions While Building a Business

    01/06/2025

    The Feedback Filter: Navigating Reactions While Building a Business

    The Feedback Filter: Navigating Reactions While Building a Business  Outline: 1. Introduction Personal update: Officially announcing the business launch Why reactions from others matter when starting a business The volatility of the entrepreneurial mindset during the early stages 2. Why People’s Opinions Affect Us Seeking approval and validation Defensiveness and energy protection How outside perspectives shape our journey—positively or negatively 3. The Four Types of People You’ll Encounter Supporters: Cheerleaders who energize and promote your efforts Skeptics: Constructive and critical voices—a double-edged sword Naysayers: Detractors often projecting their own fears or experiences Silent Observers: Quiet followers who may become your biggest advocates 4. Lessons from Each Group Supporters: Leveraging their energy and enthusiasm to stay motivated Skeptics: Using their feedback to refine your product or service Naysayers: Understanding their perspective without letting it derail you Silent Observers: Staying consistent, as they might surprise you with loyalty 5. Managing Emotional Responses Handling defensiveness and the fragile ego Recognizing genuine support behind criticism Example: Receiving feedback from a friend and shifting perspective 6. Building Resilience and Discernment Filtering valuable insights from all feedback Developing a thick skin while staying open to growth Balancing confidence with humility in product development 7. Focusing on the Target Audience Identifying and understanding your ideal customer Avoiding the trap of trying to please everyone Designing products that solve specific problems for the end user 8. The Two-Way Feedback Filter Filter 1: Extracting actionable insights from external feedback Filter 2: Managing internal reactions to maintain focus and growth 9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts Summary of key points Encouragement to embrace feedback as a tool for growth Closing remarks: Keep moving forward with purpose and resilience

    17 min
  7. The Mental Game - Community, Support & Content Consumption

    01/02/2025

    The Mental Game - Community, Support & Content Consumption

    I discuss the challenges mentally of getting started and how you cant do it on your own. The important of outside materials to help you fight your own brain. Video mentioned: https://youtu.be/ObADqgIjihc?si=osKbv9jQJv2hQj8T   Want to follow my journey more closely? Signup for my weekly newsletter on the product and bsuiness development here: https://www.getcleanertools.com/pl/2148617662

    23 min
  8. Start - The Origin Story

    01/02/2025

    Start - The Origin Story

    Lets Start at well... the start. This episode will cover my background, my motivations for starting this business, and how and why I got the ball rolling. Also this my first ever podcast soooo... you have been warned. Ryan Moran's Video: https://youtu.be/eb0qhFk9ZuA Let me know your thoughts!   Want to follow my journey more closely? Signup for my weekly newsletter on the product and business development here: https://josh-stein.mykajabi.com/opt-in

    25 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Join me as I document my journey of building a business from the ground up using the 12 Months to a Million Dollars framework. From raw beginnings to valuable lessons, I share every step—wins, challenges, and breakthroughs. This podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at starting a product-based business, tackling self-doubt, and growing through discomfort. Each episode delivers insights and tips to help you take bold steps toward your goals. Follow along as I turn ambition into a seven-figure reality.

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