The 3-Word Rule

Dear Andre, (2 min read)

Before we get started, a quick reminder:

The deadline to enroll in the Systematic Thoughtfulness is Sunday, January 26th, at midnight PST.

Three words.

I can’t imagine my life without this simple mantra. Here’s a hint (it's called foreshadowing)

But before I get to that.

Have you been doing the little extras we talked about last week? (I added a meme and a free PDF)

You know, going to events, starting those three conversations?

Sidenote: Are you noticing how those small actions are compounding even in just a week?

But now, you’re facing a new challenge, aren’t you?

You’re meeting all these people, but sometimes you hit a wall.

you ask, “What do you do for work?” or “Where did you go to school?”

And then… you feel stuck.
Bored. Predictable.

So, how do you stand out and make a great first impression?

The Secret to a Great First Impression

A killer first impression has four components:

1. Fun.

2. Trust.

3. Respect.

4. Turning the spotlight back on them.

Let’s start with fun.

Where Most People Go Wrong

Most people lead with respect—by flexing their credentials, achievements, or job titles.
Or they start with a generic compliment, but something feels… off.

What’s missing? Energy. Enthusiasm.

That’s where fun comes in.

How to Add Fun to Conversations

Here’s a simple hack:
Be “better than good.”

When someone asks, “How are you?” don’t default to “I’m fine” or “Not bad.”
What if you responded with, “I’m excellent!” or “Solid!” or even “Amazing!”—with a glint in your eye and a spring in your step?

And what if you felt that way—at least a little?

What If You Don’t Feel Amazing?

If life’s tough right now, that’s okay.
But here’s a question:
Are you just defaulting to “okay” because it’s a habit? (it still happens to me sometimes)

When someone asked me yesterday how I was, I said:
“I’m tired, but excellent—excited to write your story!”

Both can be true: tired and excellent.

Most people lack enthusiasm. They’re just surviving.
So if you bring even a small spark of energy, you’ll stand out.

Lead with Fun

When people ask what I do, I don’t start with, “I run a mobile detailing business.”

Instead, I say:

• “I clean up after aspiring artists.”

• “I karate chop the dirt off cars.” (Cue the kick for effect!)

Then I laugh and explain what I actually do.
The result?
Laughter, curiosity, and a memorable conversation.

Fun is disarming—it puts people at ease and creates a connection.

Honey, I’m Homeeeeee!

Now, let’s talk about what happens after you’ve made that first impression.

Do you walk into your house with headphones in, still on a podcast or phone call?
Do you toss your bag down and zone out?

Stop.
You’re missing a massive opportunity to create warmth and connection.

The first 15–45 seconds when you walk through the door set the tone for the rest of the day.

How to Bring “Honey, I’m Home” Energy

Here’s the move:

1. Pause the podcast.

2. Say goodbye to the call.

3. Take a deep breath.

Then walk in and be present.
Say hello with energy: “How was your day?”

Why This Matters

When I started doing this, everything changed.
Conversations that lasted 30 seconds sometimes turned into 10 minutes.
And over time, those moments added up.

Here’s what I’ve learned:
Energy at the start creates connection, and connection creates warmth.

Your Mission

1. Bring “better than good” energy into conversations.

2. Walk through the door with “Honey, I’m Home” energy.

3. Use each doorway as a reset. To bring energy to that space.

It’s simple.
Simple isn’t easy.

But you’ve got this.

-Daniel

P.S. Live call Tuesday at 12 pm EST / 9 am PST. Don’t miss it