Why do some goals drain you while others inspire action?
In this powerful conversation, Jesse Pujji and executive coach Dave Kashen unpack a core concept at the heart of entrepreneurship: the Desired Future State (DFS). They explore how clean motivation, grounded in acceptance and vision—not fear or lack—can transform the way you lead, strategize, and scale your company.
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https://www.davekashen.com/newsletter-sign-up ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / AGENDA
00:00 – What is DFS (Desired Future State)?
02:00 – How most people use “dirty fuel” (lack/fear) for motivation
06:45 – Why judgment and self-criticism lead to yo-yo results
10:00 – The power of accepting reality before setting goals
14:00 – The “missed flight” analogy for emotional relief
18:00 – Acceptance vs. resignation: what's the difference?
22:30 – Above-the-line vs. below-the-line leadership
25:00 – How to define YOUR DFS (not what’s “right”)
29:00 – Why tuning into what you really want matters
34:00 – The danger of compromising your vision prematurely
36:00 – Rubber band theory: healthy vs. unrealistic tension
39:00 – Specificity: Why your DFS must be detailed and vivid
41:00 – Jesse visualizes his own DFS for Gateway X
44:00 – How to apply DFS across teams, roles, and projects
45:00 – Avoiding “fear fuel”: point positive, not negative
47:00 – Coaching tool: ask “What’s your DFS?” when problems arise
48:30 – JFK, the moon landing, and declaring bold futures
51:00 – Final thoughts on vision, leadership, and inspiration
🎯 What You’ll Learn
The psychological mechanics behind lasting motivation
How to shift from hustle/grind into creative flow
Why specificity, desire, and presence matter when leading a team
How to apply DFS to your business, team, and personal goals
The difference between dirty fuel (lack/fear) and clean fuel (creative tension)
🚀 If you're navigating strategy, leadership, or scaling in a startup or bootstrapped business, this is a must-watch. Learn how to stay grounded in reality while still dreaming big—and help your team do the same.
💬 Drop your DFS in the comments. What are YOU building?
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