LISTENER SUCCESS: From Playing To Six Figures Welcome to Join Up Dots, the podcast that dives deep into the stories and philosophies that show us how life’s little moments and decisions connect in ways we often don’t expect — until they do. In this episode, I’m sharing an incredible story about my friend Ben. It’s a journey that stretches back several years and perfectly illustrates the power of trusting the process and following your curiosity — even when the path isn’t clear. Ben reached out to me in 2017, feeling jaded and stuck in his corporate job, wondering if starting a sales coaching business was the right way out. Like so many of us, he was searching for purpose and direction but uncertain how to find it. We had some deep conversations about what lights you up, what feels authentic, and how to find the courage to take that first step — but back then, the path was still a mystery. Fast forward to 2021, and Ben found himself in a very different situation. Working remotely, day after day in the same space, the monotony of life was creeping in again. So, he picked up a guitar. What began as a simple hobby quickly turned into a passion. Ben started buying guitars, modding and customizing them, and eventually selling his creations online. From these small beginnings, a business was born — Pro Tones, a Florida-based company specializing in crafting unique, modified guitars. Here’s the kicker: Pro Tones now makes more money than Ben’s previous six-figure corporate salary. He’s doing what he loves every day — and it feels like play, not work. Some days, the hours fly by without him noticing because he’s completely in flow. That’s the kind of success story that shows the power of joining up dots — of trusting that your interests, no matter how small or unrelated they may seem, can connect in ways that lead you exactly where you want to be. What makes Ben’s story even more inspiring is that he didn’t force it. There was no burnout or hustle grind. Instead, he followed his curiosity, stayed playful, and let the journey unfold naturally. That’s the essence of Join Up Dots — success isn’t a straight line, but a beautiful puzzle made up of experiments, passions, conversations, and moments that eventually come together. When you stop forcing outcomes and start enjoying the process, you create flow. You show up consistently, and the dots join up. This philosophy isn’t just Ben’s. It’s mine too. Over the years, I’ve seen my own businesses take off when I focus on enjoyment rather than pressure. When I stop obsessing over the end goal and dive into the joy of the work itself, the ideas come easier, energy flows, and success follows as a natural side effect. It’s like the universe rewards presence and passion more than frantic effort. Ben’s story perfectly illustrates this truth: when you let go of trying to “make it happen” and instead start playing — whether that’s literally strumming a guitar or playing with new ideas — the magic begins. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your next step, or overwhelmed by chasing success, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is follow your curiosity, experiment with what lights you up, and trust that the dots will connect in time. And if you’re already on your journey, this story will inspire you to keep showing up and enjoy the ride. I’ll also break down how you can start joining up your own dots by tuning into your curiosity, taking small consistent steps, reflecting on your progress, and being open to change. Ben’s story is a powerful proof that you don’t need to force success — you need to create flow and trust the process. So, if you’re ready to stop grinding and start enjoying, if you want to hear how a hobby became a thriving business, and if you want to be reminded why joining up dots is one of the most powerful ways to live, this episode is for you. Please share this episode with your friends and family using #JoinUpDots and #FlowNotForce. The more people who hear this message, the more lives we can help change by shifting from forcing success to trusting the journey. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue bringing you valuable content. See you in the next episode!