Welcome to another issue of the no-BS newsletter dedicated to demystifying the world of passive income, where we share practical, reliable strategies to build and sustain income streams that work for you.

If you want to help someone else make money while they sleep, forward this email to them.

In today's issue:

• I Only Noticed Six Hours Later

• Bencivenga’s Cognitive Shortcut

• The Problem With The Self-Help Industry (myself included)

• From Chasing Dollars to Chasing Freedom with Francis Ablola

• The Tough Love You Need

FROM MY WORLD

I Only Noticed Six Hours Later

When I started earning $250,000 a year, it felt like a dream. I was on top of the world, finally making more in a month than I used to in an entire year back in Israel.

But the reality of running a one-man operation quickly set in.

The money was pouring in, it felt like I had found the secret to success. But what I didn’t see coming was how quickly that success would lead to burnout.

I loved the idea of working from my laptop, of not having to commute. But reality didn’t live up to the dream. I was glued to my computer 24/7. I ate at my desk, slept next to my laptop, and even spent time with my girlfriend, Anastasia, with my laptop open. 

I was terrified of taking my eyes off the ball. I remember being out at a restaurant with her, and in between meals, I was busy changing a link or redirecting traffic, because there was no one else who could do it. 

The worst part? I didn’t even notice when she walked out on me one night because I was so engrossed in work. I found out six hours later—after I finally took a break to go to the bathroom.

This was a wake-up call. 

My life was all about work, and it was consuming me. I realized that if I didn't change, I was going to lose more than just my sanity. The idea of being successful at the cost of everything else began to feel hollow.

I had to start hiring people, even if they couldn't do the job exactly like I would. It wasn't easy giving up control, but it was necessary.

Burnout isn't just about being physically tired; it's about mental exhaustion. 

When your brain is overloaded, everything slows down. Your creativity, problem-solving ability, even your patience deteriorates.

I brought in new team members, and it wasn't just about freeing up my time, it was about freeing up my mind. 

When I stopped trying to do everything myself, I got my sanity back. 

If you're just starting out and can't afford to hire help, learn to say no. 

Cut things out of your day that aren't essential, and give yourself the mental space to breathe.

There's no magic fix for burnout. A vacation won't solve the problem if you come back to the same chaos. 

Burnout can have long-lasting effects if you don't manage it, and it's not something you can afford to ignore if you want to build a sustainable, successful life.

MY GIFT FOR YOU

I Want To Ship You a Copy of My Book

As our way of saying thanks for subscribing to the newsletter, we’d like to ship you a free copy of the Amazon best-seller List Building Lifestyle: Confessions of an Email Millionaire. This book shows how to build a scalable passive income online even if you’ve got no previous experience.

Claim your no cost copy by texting the word BOOK to +1-917-979-4483.

You can also just click the button below if you’re reading this on your mobile device.

This book costs $20 on Amazon, but if you text the word BOOK to +1-917-979-4483, you’ll receive a special link allowing you to get a free copy of the book plus $3,251.88 in bonuses (just chip in on S&H).

LESSONS FROM LEGENDS

Bencivenga’s Cognitive Shortcut

If you’ve ever been hooked by a short, intriguing line that makes you desperate to know more, you’ve experienced the magic of “Bencivenga Bullets.” 

Named after the legendary copywriter Gary Bencivenga, these bullets are one of the most powerful tools in a copywriter’s arsenal.

Gary Bencivenga mastered the art of crafting what he called "fascinations" — curiosity-inducing snippets that tease the reader just enough to keep them engaged and eager to find out more. 

These bullets are deceptively simple but incredibly effective at driving readership and response rates through the roof.

So what makes a Bencivenga Bullet so irresistible? It’s all about creating a sense of mystery. Simply put: “Hint, don’t tell”.

These bullets don’t give away the full story—they hint at something intriguing, often with a promise of a benefit, but leave the reader hanging just enough that they can’t help but continue reading. It’s a fine balance between telling and teasing.

Here’s an example: “The one secret ingredient your kitchen is missing that could make your meals 10 times healthier—without changing the way you cook.” 

Notice how it pulls you in without revealing too much. You have to keep reading to satisfy your curiosity.

But Bencivenga didn’t just use these bullets to increase curiosity; he used them to create desire and anticipation. Each bullet is a mini promise of what’s to come, making the reader feel like they’d be missing out if they didn’t continue. 

Ready to see how it works? Here’s a bullet to get you started: “The one copywriting trick that made Gary Bencivenga a millionaire—and why it’s hidden in plain sight.”

MINDSET MAKEOVER

The Problem With The Self-Help Industry (myself included)

The self-help industry—and I’ll admit, I’m part of this problem—sells fast solutions to complicated problems. But here’s the harsh reality: there are no shortcuts to lasting success.

People want magic pills. 

They want to believe there’s a secret phrase that will fix their relationship or a magic diet that will help them lose weight while still eating junk food. 

And guess what? That’s exactly what sells. But it’s not the truth.

The truth is, real success requires time, effort, and a solid foundation. It’s not glamorous to tell someone that improving their life will take years of hard work. 

So we sell them what they want—quick wins and easy solutions. 

But if you really want to build something lasting, whether it’s a business, a relationship, or even just a better version of yourself, you need to accept that it’s going to take time.

In my own experience, I spent years trying everything and seeing no results. I was the king of chasing shiny objects. But once I found my stride, things took off. I went from making my first dollar to $10,000 a month in just six months. A year later, I was making $80,000 a month. And I’ve never looked back. This only happened because I built my foundation right.

So, if you’re frustrated with where you are, it’s time to rethink your expectations. Real success isn’t about quick wins. It’s about putting in the work, day after day, until your results finally catch up with your efforts. 

And when they do, it’s going to feel like they happened overnight. But you’ll know it was years in the making. 

FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

From Chasing Dollars to Chasing Freedom with Francis Ablola

The changing tides of this digital landscape can leave even seasoned marketers navigating uncharted waters. But worry not, for in this enlightening episode, Igor is joined by a true marketing maestro, Francis Ablola, the CEO of REAL Advisors, LLC. Together, they dive deep into the evolving world of online marketing and share invaluable insights on how to thrive amidst its dynamic shifts. 

Tune in as Igor and his guest, Francis Ablola, embark on a journey through the ever-changing landscape of online marketing.

CURATED READS

The Tough Love You Need

For those looking to elevate their business and their life, “The Entrepreneur's Guide to Getting Your Shit Together” by John Carlton is essential reading. Carlton, renowned for his candid style, delivers straightforward advice on the true path to entrepreneurial success.

This book is filled with actionable strategies, invaluable insights, and the necessary dose of reality every entrepreneur requires. Carlton delves into every aspect, from cultivating the right mindset to honing your marketing skills, all delivered with his trademark blend of directness and wit.

If you're prepared to break through the clutter and get serious about your business, Get Your Shit Together Now!

RIDDLE ME THIS

Can You Crack The Code?

 I’m the first impression you make, 

A digital welcome mat you take. 

With a call to action, clear and bright, 

I guide your visitors to the right.

What am I?

Think you've cracked the code? Reply to this email with your guess and see if you're right!