So... You're "Self-Made?"

Warning: Without this I'd be dead.

Author

Daniel Baarns
March 29, 2025

Dear andre, (2 min read)

I'm “self-made.”

False.

I'd either be dead or an entirely different person. (If it weren't for these people)

Here's the stories of people who have believed in me at key moments.

Do you know why I care about people so deeply? (and why I bring energy and encouragement?)

It’s because other people have seen good in me at points when I couldn’t. ( and I hope that you will be that person for others)

After 10 years of so many people seeing good in me, I'm starting to believe it. I hope that by sharing these stories, and the people who taught them to me, you'll begin to believe in what's in you too. (and see the beauty in others, and call it out)

speaking of beauty…

Remember how you used to smile and sigh when you got in your car, and double-take when you get out? If you aren’t still doing that, Baarns Detailing can help.

Check the P.S. to see videos of our brand new car year round program. (you’ll smile and sigh when you get in, and double-take when you get out, and all year long)

At 16, I was broke. (1.5 min read)

That might sound strange, but from 8-12, I had been doing background acting. That money paid for my high school summer camps and even subway every sunday. (anyone remember 5 dollar foot longs?)

But by 16, the money was gone. I had no income.

At the same time, I felt this deep conviction. I wanted to sponsor a child through Compassion International. The cost? $38 a month.

But I had no money.

I decided to sponsor the kid anyway. (crazy right?)

Then, I went to find a job that could support this new level of living.

I applied to six different places.

A month of rejection.

Two interviews.

Six hours waiting in one store.

Finally, success. I was hired.

But then, something unexpected hit me.

I felt bad.

Why?

Because I had an older brother who hadn’t started working yet. And suddenly, I felt like getting a job before him made him "look bad."

I went to my dad and said, “I feel like I’m making him look bad since I got a job before he did. I just need the money for Jose (the kid I was sponsoring) and a trip to Disneyland I want to go on.”

In that moment, he freed me.

He said:

"It’s not your responsibility how people see him. You’re doing this for your reasons."

That hit me.

For the first time, I was doing something separate from my brother. Up until that moment, I had always followed him.

This might seem like a small thing. But it wasn’t.

My dad gave me permission to try. To go full out. To not hold back.

And I’m so grateful for that gift.

To give 100% effort in what I’m doing.

If other people feel a certain way about that, it’s not my responsibility.

My responsibility is to live my life at 100% of my capacity.

1 Action for You:

What’s something you aren’t doing because you’re afraid it will make someone else feel "less"?

Remember, when you live a life of courage, you inspire the people around you. Live it.

  • Start the business

  • Knock the door

  • Book the Trip

  • Send the DM

  • Ask her out

When you’re 90 years old you won’t wish you had less cool stories.

P.S. Here’s the express Exterior and Interior process.

Here’s the easy 3 step process

P.P.S. I have something special releasing within the next few months. if you want to be the first to know about it reply “Shhh” to this email. (I’ll add you to a special list for those who read all the way to the end)