Forget the “New Year, New Me” fairy tale. This episode is for the people who are tired of waiting for permission, clarity, confidence, or some imaginary sign from the universe.

Episode 75 kicks off 2026 with one simple truth: nobody is ever ready and that’s exactly why you should start anyway.

In this episode of The Ambition Show Podcast, Ehren breaks down why momentum beats motivation, why career pivots are the smart move in today’s “plot twist economy,” and how creators can go from zero to something without burning out or overthinking every move.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or career switcher staring at a blank page, this one’s for you. In this episode, we cover: The myth of being “ready” — and why waiting is the real risk Career switching in 2026 and why loyalty to broken systems is optional The Creator Starter Pack: one platform, one format, one message A simple 90-day blueprint to build momentum without overwhelm Why confidence comes after action, not before Creator Starter Checklist The Creator Starter Deck mentioned in this episode is available now.

👉 Grab it via the link to our Gumroad store below and start building instead of overthinking: Affiliate Disclosure This episode includes a brief segment featuring one of our affiliate sponsors.

While we only partner with brands we believe may provide value to our audience, The Ambition Show Podcast and its hosts are not responsible or liable for any products, services, claims, or outcomes associated with our sponsors.

Always do your own due diligence before making a purchase.

Support the show Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, creators, and building something real Hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes Share this episode with someone who’s been “getting ready” for way too long Links & Resources

🎒 Creator Starter Deck (Gumroad): https://ehrenthebrandbuilder.gumroad.com/l/edlzf

🌐 Official Website: www.ambitionshow.com/ 📩 Sign up for the FREE Ambitious Newsletter: Start messy. Start nervous.

Just start. Because nobody ever changed their life by waiting to feel ready.

When does a side hustle stop being a hobby and start becoming an asset?

How do you take your side hustle full-time… and make sure it pays the bills? Making sure it is not just your dream.

1. VIRTUAL MENTORS
2. THE GAME PLAN

WHAT TO READ “The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future” by CHRIS GUILLEBEAU:

• About the author:
  • Chris Guillebeau is an American author, entrepreneur, blogger, and speaker. He initially received attention for his entrepreneurship and travel blog, The Art of Non-Conformity, which led to the publication of a book of the same name in 2010.
• How to purchase the book:
  • https://amzn.to/4jclV2u
• Purchase on Readinggraphics
  • https://readingraphics.com/product/download-the-100-startup-summary-in-pdf-audio-graphic/?ref=32944

Visit: https://www.ambitionshow.com/podcast

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/theambitionshow/

Connect and Free Resources: https://www.ambitionshow.com/blog

SCORE is a nonprofit with over 300 chapters nationwide, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced volunteer mentors from a range of industries.

Mentoring is available both in-person and virtually, and many webinars are still free.

THE 15 INVALUABLE LAWS OF GROWTH” by JOHN C. MAXWELL

• How to purchase the book
  • https://amzn.to/3LxA9MZ

“START WITH WHY” by SIMON SINEK

• How to purchase the book on Amazon:
  • https://amzn.to/4k55uGe

Visit: https://www.ambitionshow.com/podcast

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/theambitionshow/

Connect and Free Resources: https://www.ambitionshow.com/blog

And there are many more puns to come, so brace yourself.

1. Plant Store Trends
2. Strategies for Shop Owners

• CASA CACTUS: https://g.co/kgs/gXb3Mc4
• BOTANICAL CAFE: https://g.co/kgs/y8YxH8C
• PLANT SHOP CHICAGO: https://g.co/kgs/yGFvMXo
• CHARMERS: https://www.charmerscafe.com/

Visit: https://www.ambitionshow.com/podcast

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/theambitionshow/

Connect and Free Resources: https://www.ambitionshow.com/blog

1. WHAT EXACTLY AI SEARCH IS AND HOW IT DIFFERS FROM TRADITIONAL SEARCH

2. HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR CONTENT SPECIFICALLY FOR AI SEARCH AND LLMS

3. HOW SEO AND AI SEARCH CAN WORK TOGETHER (NOT AGAINST EACH OTHER)

4. AND THE BUSINESS BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING THESE PRACTICES

“The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI”

• Paul Leonardi (Author)

• Tsedal Neeley (Author)

• Link to purchase the book: https://amzn.to/44FflhA

Visit: https://www.ambitionshow.com/podcast

Connect and Free Resources: https://www.ambitionshow.com/blog

1. Economic Impact on Vintage and Thrift Stores

2. The Role of Online Marketplaces in the Growth of Thrift Stores

3. How Tariffs Influence the Popularity of Thrift Stores

List of 52 Second-Hand, Vintage, and Thrift Stores in Chicago: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1n5FlD9gohTQZuIPmT8pUkwHzav1iHgdoclgzm2XdbqU/edit?usp=sharing

Visit: https://www.ambitionshow.com/podcast

Connect and Free Resources: https://www.ambitionshow.com/blog

Block Club Chicago: https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/19/chicago-vintage-stores-launch-national-vintage-store-day/

WGN-TV: https://wgntv.com/midday-news/style-files-check-out-vintage-store-day/

1. INTERVIEW WITH AIMEE

2. HIGHLIGHTING FASHION BRANDS FROM AFRICA

3. MOST IMPORTANT MARKETING AND SALES CHANNEL

• About the author: Wolfgang Schaefer

• How to purchase the book: https://amzn.to/4iibHO4

Visit: https://www.ambitionshow.com/podcast

Connect and Free Resources: https://www.ambitionshow.com/blog

Let’s Get It.

1. WHAT IS BRANDING

2. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROTECT YOUR BRAND?

3. WHY USE CANVA TO PROTECT YOUR BRAND

4. CANVA BRAND TOOLS

• Author: Austin Kleon

• Link to purchase the book: https://amzn.to/3RI4yvm

Visit: https://www.ambitionshow.com/podcast

Connect and Free Resources: https://www.ambitionshow.com/blog