Transforming Goals: Unveiling The Strangest Secret to Personal and Tangible Success

In 2018, my co-host Pam and I left the comfort of our little South Central Pennsylvania homes and ventured out to the Podcast Movement conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our podcast, "Brand New Me," was our labor of love—an avenue for two passionate women to share our life experiences and inspire others. Life had thrown its fair share of challenges our way, but podcasting offered a unique opportunity to blend our stories and encourage those seeking a fresh start.

Podcast Movement 2018 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As the conference neared its end, our minds were buzzing with newfound knowledge and inspiration. We debated whether we could absorb any more insights. However, the allure of Dan Miller's workshop was too compelling to resist. 

Podcast Movement Speakers

Dan Miller

Having already heard some of his captivating stories and followed his podcast, I knew staying was the right choice. While valuable tools and resources are essential, there's nothing quite like concluding days of learning with a captivating narrative. 

Dan had a story that deeply resonated with me—a farm boy raised in a conservative environment who embraced positive messages that transformed his life. Sitting in that room, listening to him in person, took his stories to a whole new level.

As the workshop drew to a close, Dan graciously opened the floor to questions. My innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge compelled me to raise my hand, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"What if you've been avidly listening to motivational speakers and podcasts, yet you still feel like nothing is working?" I asked, my frustration palpable. I braced myself for a complex, multi-step answer.

"Keep listening," he replied simply.

Huh? That was not the response I had anticipated.

But I heeded his advice. I continued to listen. And I'm still listening today. Things have started to click, and I'm finally getting it. It's changing my life.

Nearly three years ago, I joined Dan's 48 Days Eagles Community, and that's when everything began falling into place. Stimulated and inspired by other people who want to thrive in life, I found a place where I could find support as I began to implement the positive messages I had been listening to. One of those messages that changed Dan's life (and is changing mine), is Earl Nightingale's message, The Strangest Secret.

Sheila Davis (Dan's assistant), Frances Drost, Dan and Joanne Miller – Franklin, Tennessee
Eagles Innovation Event 2023

This October, I'm excited to share some of the powerful tools that have aided me in my journey towards achieving my life goals. Some of these goals are tangible, while others are intangible, but I've discovered that the transformation I'm undergoing on my path to achieving them is more fulfilling than the goals themselves. I'm thrilled to be leading an online workshop within Dan Miller's 48 Days Eagles Community.

In our four-week Eagles Nest program, we'll follow the CORN acronym (Earl mentions corn in his message) to propel ourselves towards our aspirations:

C - Clarify

O - Optimize

R - Replace

N - Nurture

If you're eager to join me on this journey of uncovering "The Strangest Secret" and experiencing life-changing growth, learn more by watching the video I recently created. 

Every Thursday morning in October, we'll delve deep into Earl Nightingale's book, "The Strangest Secret," through Zoom. This workshop is a complimentary benefit for Eagles members, and it's easy to become an Eagle by joining here.

Join us on this transformational journey—it's an opportunity to nurture your aspirations and create the life you desire.

Listen to the Brand New Me Podcast.

Listen to The Strangest Secret.

The 31-Minute Secret: Transforming Your Life

Have you ever pondered the notion of completely altering the course of your life in just thirty-one minutes and thirty-five seconds? Imagine this: dedicating that small slice of your day for thirty consecutive days. Intriguing, isn't it? 

Let me take you on a personal journey, one that began with a challenge that landed in my lap back in August 2022—a challenge that has quite literally rewritten the script of my life.

**The Challenge That Redefined My Path**

The challenge was simple: listen to Earl Nightingale's "The Strangest Secret" recording every single day for thirty days straight. I decided to take on the challenge, not fully comprehending the transformative power it would have in my life. This commitment marks the start of a remarkable shift in my existence. 

Just so you know, it wasn't always easy. There were moments when I stumbled and had to hit that "reset" button, and start over for thirty days. (You'll understand once you've listened to Earl). Yet, the message in his recording was so compelling that I not only kept listening beyond the thirty days, but I eventually bought a copy of the book so I could easily refer back to its wisdom.

Fast forward to September 2023, and the 48 Days Eagles Community, a group I've been part of since January 2021 has once again issued a challenge. So for thirty days, we will be immersing ourselves in Earl's recording. Fully aware of the immense impact it's already had on my life, I am excited to see what all transpires in my life as a result.

**The Strangest Secret Unveiled: **

As I've been anticipating listening regularly for thirty days in September, I've been reflecting on the transformative might of this message and its central theme:

**"We become what we think about."** 

These simple yet profound words hold the golden key to unlocking the boundless potential nestled within each of us.

A few sunsets ago, despite the whirlwind of life's demands, I felt an undeniable urge to sit down and write a song. What better way to reinforce this life-altering truth than through the catchy rhythm of a song?

**Gratitude and Acknowledgments**

Every song idea usually starts with a moment of inspiration and I know exactly where this song comes from! I wish to express my immense gratitude to Earl Nightingale, whose timeless wisdom continues to stir the hearts and minds of countless individuals like me. A special, personal nod also goes out to Dan Miller, who first introduced me to this life-changing message, and Sound Wisdom, for ensuring this wisdom finds its way into the hands of those yearning for transformation.

**In Closing: The 31-Minute Challenge, Frances Drost-Style**

So, my friends, I extend to you an invitation—an invitation to join me in this challenge: for the next thirty days, allocate a mere thirty-one minutes and thirty-five seconds of your day to immerse yourself in something that holds the potential to metamorphose your life. Let this be your first step toward becoming the person you've always aspired to be.

In the spirit of sharing and igniting the flames of inspiration in others, I leave you with my little tune—a musical reminder of the mind-blowing truth concealed within "The Strangest Secret." I encourage you to listen to Earl's recording (see link below) and savor this musical dessert.

Your life could be on the brink of an incredible transformation.

Helpful resources:

We Become What We Think About Song Lyric Video Link

Learn more about the 48 Days Eagles Community

Listen to Earl Nightingale's "The Strangest Secret"

"The Strangest Secret" Book

Five Essential Keys for Unlocking the Door to Your Dreams

I have been a part of Dan Miller's 48 Days Eagles Community for over two years and the impact it's had on my life is significant. 

The most recent development came from a connection I made at an Eagles' event I attended in Franklin, Tennessee, back in April. It was there that I met Isaiah Taylor, a literary scout who learned that I was writing a book about my journey with Christmas. I had been planning to self-publish my story so I wasn't seeking a publisher, but he encouraged me to submit my manuscript to a publisher. I walked away from that conversation feeling somewhat intrigued, and rather doubtful. 

One thing led to another...

I was recently (and delightfully) surprised to see a post on Dan Miller's Facebook page that mentioned me and my journey, letting the cat out of the bag. Since I have been racking (and wracking) my brain trying to figure out how to share what's been happening and tell everyone the great news, I felt a sense of relief to have it come from someone else's newsfeed. 

I'll let you read the post for yourself:

"For Frances Drost, the journey from dream to reality started in a difficult place—the deaths of two of her siblings. And it took a winding path from a nagging sense of loss to a creative expression of joy and togetherness.

Frances’s annual Christmas show, Portraits of White, began 11 years ago when she started reimagining what it means to be in the holiday spirit after she spent years feeling “disenchanted” with the season. This December, Portraits of White will celebrate a decade of bringing people together through music with the special release of Frances’ forthcoming book.

Whether you’re an artist like Frances or not, her story has a lot to teach us about our dreams.

1: Dreams come from unexpected places

Like many people who have been touched by loss, Frances wondered why Christmas felt so empty no matter how many years went by. One year, Frances even decided to skip Christmas all together!

Frances realized that she felt disconnected from the holiday spirit because of the grief she carried. Instead of continuing to live in that mindset of despair, she decided to turn it into an opportunity to create hope and find peace—for herself and others who have experienced loss.

Frances began writing songs about how she felt during the holiday season, and eventually started dreaming of a Christmas album.

2: Have faith in your dreams

Eventually, that Christmas album came to be. Frances called it Portraits of White and based it on what she discovered reflecting on her disenchantment with Christmas.

“I learned that holidays have a tendency to amplify the loss and the dysfunction that we have. I thought maybe by sharing my own story, I could bring hope to others.”

While the album was successful, Frances also had faith that Portraits of White could be so much more than a collection of songs.

"I had a vision to perform my songs on stage with a full orchestra. I'd never done that before. I'd always traveled as a solo artist. And so I hired a conductor from Nashville. I hired an orchestra. And we sold out the first show that year in 2014!”

3: Dream bigger than yourself

What started as an album by a solo artist trying to process her own grief blossomed into a creative project that brings together musicians and artists from around the country.

If Frances had stopped with her feeling of disenchantment—or even stopped with the album—her life, her business, and the hearts of thousands of audience members over the years wouldn’t be what they are today. Even though the dream for Portraits of White didn’t start with a goal of reaching millions or turning a profit, it grew into something that brought Frances’s goals well within her reach.

4: The path from dream to reality is not always smooth

In 2019, Portraits of White drew over one thousand people. Frances and her team expanded the project to three shows, extending the reach of her message.

And then COVID hit.

Through the turmoil of 2020, Frances persisted in sharing Portraits of White. The show was released as a DVD, bringing her message into the homes and hearts of audiences across the country. She turned what could have been a dead end for Portraits of White into an opportunity for growth.

5: Dreams are rarely accomplished alone

Frances is soon releasing a book telling the story of her journey with Christmas. The current working title of the book is Portraits of White: A Songwriter's Journey to Find Christmas.

“Thanks to the Eagles community and their connections and actually going to the 48 Days Innovate Experience in Franklin, Tennessee in April, I talked to a literary agent from Morgan James, and he encouraged me to submit my story about my journey with Christmas.”

Now Frances is on the final round of edits for the book. With the book release, sponsors, and the support of her community and audience—the 10th anniversary of Portraits of White promises to be the most exciting year since its start.

The Eagles are so proud of Frances and thankful for her continuous, active, involvement in our community. We celebrate and support all kinds of success—from traditional entrepreneurial journeys to artistic projects and more. Each and every one of the Eagles is out to transform lives, make their dreams a reality, and uplift each other along the way.

​Join the 48 Days Eagles Community and see where your dreams will take YOU!: https://www.48days.com/48dayseagles/."

David L. Hancock (Founder and Publisher), Frances Drost (Author), Isaiah Taylor (Literary Scout)
 The Urban Roost in Richmond, VA
June 8, 2023 Publishing Agreement Signed

Unlock Your True Potential: Join Us for an Exclusive Eagles Open House with Kevin Miller

In January 2021, I took a significant step forward in my personal development by joining 48 Days Eagles: an empowering online community of entrepreneurs founded by the esteemed career coach, Dan Miller. Seeking to invest in my growth each year, I initially planned to join for just one year. However, here I am, over two years later, still an active and enthusiastic member of this incredible community. It speaks volumes about the tremendous value and lasting impact it has had on my journey.

Since joining the community in 2021, my life has been profoundly impacted. I've gained invaluable knowledge and experienced the personal and professional growth I was craving. There are many resources to choose from within the community and I find the weekly online Monday Mentor sessions to be especially helpful. 

Normally reserved for Eagles only, Dan is generously opening up our Monday Mentor sessions to the public on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 2:00 CT. The Monday Mentor Liftoff Calls are a great way to see if this community might be for you. This upcoming session will feature special guest, Kevin Miller.

Kevin Miller is the son of Dan Miller and is often labeled a “serial entrepreneur.” Drawing on the 200 (and counting!) thoughtful and lively discussions he's conducted with thought leaders including Dave Ramsey, Michael Hyatt, Tom Ziglar, Patrick Lencioni, and Seth Godin on his "Self-Helpful with Kevin Miller" podcast, Kevin will offer profound insight on how to identify the roadblocks that are keeping you from reaching your true potential, and practical steps for finding the elements that will create your unique brand of success.

Dan Miller is the author of the widely acclaimed 48 Days To The Work – and Life – You Love, No More Dreaded Mondays, Wisdom Meets Passion and An Understanding Heart. He hosts a weekly podcast that is consistently ranked #1 under Careers on iTunes.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic and camaraderie that defines our amazing community. Join us on Monday and get a taste of what makes us truly special and why I keep showing up every Monday afternoon.

Sign up here to reserve your seat for our May 22, 2023, Eagles Open House with Kevin Miller.

As an affiliate member of this 48 Days community, not only am I experiencing personal growth, but I also have the privilege of earning a commission on every sale. If you decide to join the community after Monday’s session, not only will you have the opportunity to experience your own personal growth, but you’ll be supporting my music as well. Thank you!

Sheila Davis (L), Joanne Miller (Dan's wife) and Dan.

Meeting other Eagles in person for the first time on April 27, 2023 in Franklin, Tennessee.