The Greatness Machine

What does your perfect day look like? Imagine a day where work is not a burden but a fulfilling pursuit. You engage in meaningful tasks that bring you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Whether you are pursuing a career you love or making a difference in your own business, your work feels like an extension of your passions. But it’s not all about work. Your perfect day includes time for self-care and well-being. You prioritize your physical and mental health, engaging in activities that rejuvenate and energize you. You cherish quality time with your loved ones, nurturing relationships that bring you joy and support.  Today, I am flying solo to delve into the concept of a perfect day and share my personal realization on uncovering life’s true priorities and the profound impact it had on my perspective. Join me as we embark on a journey of self-discovery to find meaning and purpose in our pursuit of a perfect day. In this episode, we will also explore what truly matters in our lives and how it shapes our daily experiences.  Topics include: The two types of wealth most people often prioritize How I struggled with prioritizing professional and financial success over personal well-being and time wealth The concept of designing a perfect day, both personally and professionally The importance of finding a balance between personal and professional time What an ideal workday looks like And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does one overcome the hurdles and misconceptions that follow a career in the adult film industry? Candice Horbacz, also known as Eva Lovia, shares her story of resilience and transformation, discussing the unique challenges she faced as a former adult entertainment actress and how she overcame them. Despite her success in the adult industry, Candice had to deal with the difficulties of balancing a demanding career with personal life and the societal judgments she had to endure.  Despite these hurdles, she has emerged as an important voice, especially for women, seeking to change the narrative about adult film actresses. With that mission, she started Chatting with Candice, where she dives deep into a variety of topics ranging from personal development to social issues.  With a keen focus on bridging the gender gap in podcasting, Candice aims to provide content that resonates with both men and women, but especially with women who are often underrepresented in this space. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Candice Horbacz to discuss her journey in the adult industry and the inspiration behind her podcast, Chatting with Candice. Candice shares the challenges she faces due to her career, the importance of internal confidence, and the stigma surrounding the adult film industry.  Topics include: Candice reflects on her experience in the adult industry The inspiration behind the Chatting with Candice Podcast Challenges Candice faces due to her career choices The importance of internal confidence over external validation  Differences in women's and men's sexuality and satisfaction The stigma surrounding the adult film industry Candice's personal relationships and their experience with external judgment Candice emphasizes the lack of female podcasters Differences between men’s and women’s routines And other topics… Connect with Candice: Website: https://www.chattingwithcandice.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evalovia/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/fallinlovia  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/candicehorbacz Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are some people better at certain things than others? There are many factors that can contribute to why some individuals are naturally better at certain things than others. These factors can include genetics, environmental influences, upbringing, education, and life experiences. When you become good at something, you start to see the nuances of that skill that beginners may miss. As you gain more experience, you begin to understand the intricacies and subtleties of the task that may have been previously invisible to you. This increased awareness allows you to see why others struggle with the skill and what they may be doing wrong. You can recognize common mistakes that beginners make, understand why certain techniques are more effective, and identify patterns that lead to success. Furthermore, being good at something often requires a deep understanding of the underlying principles that govern the skill. James Altucher, a Top 10 Linkedin Influencer, prolific writer, successful entrepreneur, chess master, and venture capitalist, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his motivation in writing Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals. In this episode, Darius and James dive deep into the pros and cons of having multiple interests and hobbies, the meaning of Idea Sex and how it can be used in all areas of life, and the interesting concept of using conspiracy numbers in choosing the right idea.  Topics include: How James became an accidental entrepreneur while working for HBO How to handle multiple interests and hobbies What motivated James to write his new book Skip the Line James explains the meaning of Idea Sex Using conspiracy numbers in choosing the right idea  The concept of plus minus equals James shares some pieces of advice for podcast creators And other topics… Connect with James: Website: https://jamesaltucher.com/  Website: https://notepd.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altucher  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching/dp/0062998927  Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you building a championship team or a recipe for failure? Jack Welch, the legendary business executive and former CEO of General Electric (GE), understood the critical importance of people and values in building successful organizations. He believed that the key to a thriving company lies in having the right people who not only possess the necessary skills and competencies but also align with the core values of the organization. For Jack, there is no middle ground when it comes to values. In fact, he emphasized that competency in commitments and living the core values are the two essential factors in evaluating the suitability of individuals in a team.  He also believed that the right people contribute to making the CEO’s life easier and help foster a positive and thriving organizational culture. On the other hand, individuals who do not align with the values become a hindrance, causing damage to the organization’s ability to grow and succeed. In this episode, I delve into a range of topics that shed light on the remarkable success achieved by Jack Welch. I will also talk about the key factors that contribute to the overall success and cohesion of an organization, and why hiring for value alignment is crucial to the success of a company. Topics include: The success Jack Welch achieved during his tenure at General Electric (GE) The importance of understanding the underlying principles of success The most crucial things for the success and cohesion of the organization Core values and how they help build a successful organization Why it matters to hire for value alignment And other topics… Resource mentioned: Lessons on Winning and Profitability from Jack Welch: https://neilpatel.com/blog/winning-and-profitability/  Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the future of housing not just around the corner, but already knocking on our doors? Ivy Zelman, a renowned housing market analyst and CEO of Zelman & Associates, offers her unique perspective on the future of housing. With two decades of experience under her belt, she continues to provide invaluable insights and predictions that have helped shape the strategies of major investors and developers.  This episode of The Greatness Machine features Darius and our expert guest Ivy Zelman discussing how emerging technologies are influencing the housing market, from building materials to eco-friendly homes. Their discussion includes demographic shifts, economic factors, and environmental concerns, providing an overview of what the future holds for homeowners, renters, and investors. In addition to offering her predictions on the trends that will dominate the next decade, Ivy also discusses innovative solutions for affordable housing and addressing the challenges provided by urbanization and climate change. Topics include: The importance of data-driven analysis over prevailing market sentiments Ivy reveals her motivation for founding Zelman & Associates The impact of low turnover and high home prices despite rising interest rates Ivy explains the dynamics of new home sales versus existing home sales Ivy predicts a potential softening in the housing market but not a significant meltdown And other topics… Connect with Ivy: Website: https://www.zelmanassociates.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivy-zelman-64304616b  Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you handle tough situations in life?  Building mental strength is a critical aspect of achieving success and living a fulfilling life. It involves developing a mindset that allows you to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. It requires a strong sense of self-awareness, which involves understanding your strengths and weaknesses and being willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. This can involve setting realistic goals, practicing self-reflection, and seeking feedback from others. Amy Morin, editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, the biggest mental health website in the world, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her new book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. In this episode, Darius and Amy talk about the importance of building mental strength to help manage our thoughts and emotions. Amy explains the difference between knowing and doing, and why people often fear solitude and silence. Topics include: What changed Amy’s mind about becoming a doctor What motivated Amy to learn about building mental strength and toughness The challenges of knowing versus doing The benefits of having a pros-and-cons list Amy recalls writing 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do How to stop dwelling in the past and move on for good The three parts of mental strength Ways to stop expecting immediate results Why people fear the quiet and being alone Amy talks about The Verywell Mind Podcast And other topics… Resources mentioned: The War of Art by: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/  Connect with Amy: Website: https://amymorinlcsw.com/  Website: https://www.verywellmind.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymorinlcsw/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Things-Mentally-Strong-People-Workbook/dp/0063252236  Podcast: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058  Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it really possible to achieve more by doing less? In the pursuit of doing more, we often find ourselves entangled in a labyrinth of busyness, where productivity becomes a mere illusion. We chase after every opportunity that comes knocking, and our plates overflow, spilling over with commitments and aspirations, leaving us no room to savor life’s simple pleasures. But amidst this flurry of constant motion, we fail to realize that doing more doesn’t always equate to achieving more. In fact, that is one of the things I learned after experiencing burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion as someone who tends to overwhelm himself with too many commitments.  Today I am flying solo for part one of this series where I will discuss the top four things I learned in my 44th year on Earth. In this episode, I will share how I have come to a realization that choosing less over more is the key to a happier life. I will also share some tips on how to simplify decision-making and how to identify and focus on the things that truly matter in order to succeed.  Topics include: The top four lessons I learned during my 44th year Reflecting on my past tendencies to constantly fill my plate Looking back hitting a wall when I left my business Experiencing burnout and exhaustion due to overcommitting Making a conscious decision to focus on what matters most And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you balance work and play while achieving unparalleled success? What are the keys to maximizing every moment of your life? Balancing work and play while achieving unparalleled success is a delicate yet achievable feat, as demonstrated by Marko Gargenta's journey. Best known for his innovative ventures, he embodies the art of integrating work and play seamlessly into his life, highlighting several key strategies that anyone can adopt to maintain equilibrium and excel in both professional and personal realms. Marko stresses the importance of setting clear priorities and boundaries. By defining what matters most in both work and personal life, individuals can allocate their time and energy effectively. For Marko, this means dedicating time to work tasks, utilizing technology and optimizing workflows to maximize output. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Marko as they delve into his remarkable journey—from immigrating from Serbia to Canada during the Yugoslav Wars, his transitions between tech and hospitality industries, to founding PlusPlus. Marko shares his inspirations for entering tech, including the creation of Marakana for tech training, and his pivotal decision to join Twitter. He discusses crafting a personal vision and actively pursuing it, advocating for living an epic life through joyous experiences.  Topics include: Marko recalls immigrating from Serbia to Canada during the Yugoslav Wars Marko talks about his professional journey and founding PlusPlus What inspired Marko to transition to the tech industry Transitioning from tech to hospitality and back Creating Marakana as a sandbox for tech training and consulting Marko reveals his inspiration for joining Twitter  Creating a vision for your life and actively working towards making it a reality Embracing the concept of living an epic life and seeking out experiences that bring you joy  And other topics… Connect with Marko: Website: https://plusplus.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markogargenta/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markog  Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s stopping you from turning your dreams into reality? Turning your dreams into reality is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences you can have in life. It is about taking that idea or goal that you've had in your head for so long and making it a tangible, real-life accomplishment. It is about taking the necessary steps to pursue the life you have always wanted. Making your dream a reality requires organization, flexibility, positivity, and support. By staying focused on your vision, being adaptable in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and seeking out support when needed, you can turn your dream into a reality and reach your full potential. Giovanni Marsico, the founder of Archangel, a community of superhero entrepreneurs, leaders, and game changers, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share his personal story of living his dream and helping others achieve theirs.  In this episode, Darius and Giovanni talk about overcoming the challenges of chasing your dreams, combating imposter syndrome, and the benefits of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Giovanni also reveals the inspiration behind the “Dreamer” documentary, where they tell the story of entrepreneurs who never gave up on their dreams despite the hurdles.  Topics include: Giovanni recalls the beginning of Archangel Academy How starting Archangel helped Giovanni cope with depression Why he initially chose real estate instead of carrying out the idea of Archangel The challenges of curating an event Giovanni shares how he succeeded in inviting Gary Vaynerchuk to speak to his first big summit event Overcoming imposter syndrome  What inspired the “Dreamer” documentary  And other topics… Connect with Giovanni: Website: https://archangel.cc/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannimarsico/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftedwithgio  Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you running on the hedonic treadmill? The hedonic treadmill refers to the phenomenon where people's expectations and desires for pleasure and happiness increase over time, but their actual level of happiness and satisfaction remains relatively constant. In other words, people constantly strive for more and more pleasure and happiness, but they never really reach a state of lasting satisfaction or contentment. Getting off the hedonic treadmill can be achieved by changing one's mindset and approach to life, focusing on things that provide deeper meaning and fulfillment rather than short-term pleasure. Today I am flying solo to talk about my personal struggles of being on the hedonic treadmill for so long and how that mindset has caused me dissatisfaction despite achieving some of the biggest milestones I have set for myself. In this episode, I will share some tips on how to avoid getting stuck on the hedonic treadmill, the benefits of building habits and rituals to achieve success, and the importance of celebrating achievements. Topics include: What is the hedonic treadmill and how does it affect your happiness Letting go of chronic dissatisfaction Things that hold back happiness Why setting daily goals helps you accomplish more The importance of building habits and rituals to achieve success And other topics… Resources mentioned: War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/  The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  Connect with Darius: Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠  Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices