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Sam Vander Wielen

What actually fueled my $300k week


Weekly Habits That Help Me Grow My $8mil+ Business

My friend! Thanks for hanging in there during my recent promo.

I had a blast these past few weeks -- and not just because I had another $300k+ 4-day launch (my second in 8 months!).

I had fun because:

A. I love what I do, and

B. of what I did offline last week, not on it.

I went for walks with Huddy (my bernedoodle) through the park, cooked chili the moment temps dipped below 60 degrees, and went to a fundraiser tasting pistachio chocolate just shipped in from Paris, while sipping local blueberry wine.

I'm not saying you can run a launch like that just by walking around the park and cuddling your dog on the couch.

My team and I worked our tushes off for months to pull that off.

I just know now that what I do offline impacts my business' bottom line just as much as what I do online.

Trust me, I learned the hard way.


🧠 After I had brain surgery and my dad was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018, my health took a hit.

Between the constant neck and shoulder pain that plagued me for years post-op and the constant stress of caring for a terminally ill parent, I couldn't sleep.

Sleepless nights led to empty-stomach, coffee-fueled mornings, high-intensity workouts for "stress management," afternoon crashes from all the caffeine, under-eating, overeating,... the list went on.

When both of my parents died two years ago, my body sputtered to a stop.

The circles under my eyes were so dark they looked like tarmac skid marks.

Honestly, I'm not sure how I kept this business going while going through what I did.

People ask me all the time "how I did it," and the honest answer is:

I've been through so much trauma in my life (if you read my book, you know) that my body, nervous system, and mind sadly feel at home in chaos, dysfunction, and under 24-7 threat.

That might have been how I was used to surviving -- but especially after their deaths, it wasn't how I wanted to, anymore.

So after settling into the initial grief cave I let myself curl up into, this year I was ready to start digging my way out.

I started working on sleeping through the night, eating enough (good) food, and moving my body in a healthier, more supportive way.

It's been about six months since I started putting serious effort towards getting better, and I still have a way to go.

Thankfully, and most importantly, I've started feeling a lot better.

While not my goal, taking care of myself has also had a huge impact on my business:

💰 I've had two $300k launches in the last 8 months

🎧 My podcast, On Your Terms®️, is up over 254% this month vs. October 2024

🎤 I'm about to be a guest on one of the world's largest podcasts 👀

💬 I'm giving my third keynote this year in 2 weeks (see below if you're in Austin, TX!)

So what things have I focused on that have not only helped me feel better, but helped my business, too?

There are 6 weekly anchors I rely on to take care of my mental, physical, and emotional health -- and I just shared all of them in my new podcast episode here 👉 LISTEN ON Apple | Spotify | My Site

While I'm here to teach you business and marketing tips all day every day, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell you that what you do off of this screen impacts how well you show up on it.

After you listen to this new episode on Apple | Spotify | My Site, hit "reply" and let me know what you thought of today's episode.

If you loved this episode (or this newsletter!), send a link to a friend. Leave a review. Share a link on social.

My #1 goal for the next year is to massively grow my podcast and this newsletter. I need your help getting it into the right hands 🫶

😯 PS. I'm dropping a brand new 4-part series called "How to Grow Your Email List" starting next Monday, November 3 on my podcast, On Your Terms®️. Click here to get notified of each new episode→

If you want to learn all of my secrets to building an email list full of engaged future buyers, you won't want to miss this ;)

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.

When you’re ready, here’s how I can help:

💌 Get my Legal Guide [free] A step-by-step legal guide that teaches you how to start and legally protect an online business without accidentally breaking any laws.

📝 Shop my DIY Legal Templates [Starting at $47] Get your lawyer-drafted contracts and website policies done in 15 minutes or less with my fill-in-the-blank templates.

🎉 Join the Ultimate Bundle® [Start for $229 today] Get 14 DIY Legal Contracts + policies, plus how-to-start-your-business trainings, and community support.

📚 Read my Book [$30, all bookstores] This isn’t just another business book. When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy is your no-nonsense guide to build and grow your online business. I teach you my fluff-free proven marketing strategies, funnel tactics, and email list-building tips that actually work. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this book gives you the roadmap to success.

🎙️ Listen to my Podcast [free] On Your Terms®️ is a podcast for online business owners who want to feel as present in their lives as profitable in their businesses. Join me for cozy chats about marketing strategies that help you do just that.

🔗 Links You'll Love

🎙️ I talked to my friend Dustin Riechmann on his podcast, 7-Figure Leap, about how I've built a multi 7-figure business by keeping things radically simple→ Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

💸 Listen to my chat on Financial Self-Care with Financial Therapist, Lindsey, about how to start an online business→ Listen on Apple, Spotify

📍 Austin, TX friends! I'm speaking at The ONE Thing Summit on November 9, 2025. Learn more + get tickets here→

The ONE Thing Summit is a 2-day live experience designed to help you get clear on what matters most, build a system that keeps you focused, and finally follow through - in work and life.

🤠 Let me know if I'll see you there! 🌮


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Sam Vander Wielen

Sam’s Sidebar is the must-read weekly newsletter that translates “7-figure strategies” into simple next steps for people who’d be happy with a steady income and weekends off. “Possibly the best emails I’ve ever read from someone I’ve not met IRL.” - Phil, Sidebar subscriber. EVERY TUESDAY ⤵️

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