Turn Your Audience Into Predictable Revenue

From: charlie@writtenby.madebycharlie.com

Subject: Trapped in the 9-5? Here’s How to Escape

Escape the 9-5 and Design a Life of Freedom (with the 4Ws)

A few years ago, I was finishing my internship at a government office in Miami.
It was a good job, but I knew one thing—I did not want to spend my life stuck in a cubicle.

Fluorescent lights buzzing. Phones ringing. Long hours doing work I did not care about.
I could not imagine doing that 40 hours a week for 40 years.

I wanted more.
More freedom. More control over my time. More fulfillment in my work.
I wanted to build my own business. Set my own schedule.

I did not want to follow the same path as my dad. He did well in life, but he spent 40 years building someone else’s dream.
I did not want that.

My goal was simple:
Do what I want, when I want, where I want, with who I want.
And do as little as possible of what I do not want to do.

Even though I was scared, I took the risk and started my music career.
At first, my income was not stable.
But I was happy.

No office lights. No ringing phones. No interruptions.
Just me, my work, and peace.

Fast forward—40 million streams later, my music has been played by some of the biggest artists in the world, like Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Illenium, and The Chainsmokers.

I felt fulfilled… but I wanted more.
Not more money. Not more fame.
I wanted to help others find the same freedom I had found.

So, how did I do it?
By learning every skill I found interesting.
That was it.

Whenever I got curious about something, I learned as much as I could about it.
That is how I built my music career, launched multiple businesses, and now share everything I have learned with thousands of people in this newsletter.

The 4Ws of Freedom: A Simple Framework

Freedom means having control over your:
What (The work you do)
Where (The place you do it)
When (The schedule you follow)
Who (The people around you)

Let’s break them down.

1 - What (Do work you love)

The dream? Working on something you are both good at and passionate about.
But how do you find that?

Here is a simple exercise:
Take 20 minutes and write down:
Your natural skills
Your passions
What you think the world needs

This is similar to IKIGAI, a Japanese idea that helps people find their purpose.
It is a diagram with four circles:
What you are good at
What you love
What you can get paid for
What the world needs

Your IKIGAI is where all four circles overlap.

Once you find your WHAT, ask yourself:
Am I spending time on what really matters?
Can I delegate, automate, or remove things that do not?

Clear out the distractions. Focus on what excites you.
And do not forget to explore hobbies—some could turn into amazing business ideas.

2 - Where (Choose where you work)

Where you work affects everything—your mindset, creativity, and energy.
A noisy coffee shop, a quiet library, or a cabin in the mountains will all feel different.

Start by making a list of places where you would love to work.
Would you:
Live by the beach?
Move to a big city?
Work from a cabin in nature?
Travel and work from anywhere?

Once you have your list, rank them based on:
Cost of living
Safety
Remote work opportunities
Internet access

You would be surprised at how far a U.S. salary can go in other countries.
If possible, test it. Try living there for a few months and see if it is the right fit.

3 - When (Control your schedule)

I hated having a set work schedule.
Clocking in at 9 AM, leaving at 5 PM, one-hour lunch break… no thanks.

Instead, I built a schedule that works with my natural energy levels.
Some people are early birds. Some are night owls. Some work best in the afternoon.
Find what works for you.

For me? I am a morning person.
I wrote this email at 6 AM—before the world wakes up.
No distractions. No noise. Just deep focus.

I recommend blocking your most productive hours on your calendar and protecting them like your life depends on it.
Try different schedules until you find your flow.

4 - Who (Surround yourself with the right people)

I read a quote today: “Let me see who you surround yourself with, and I’ll know who you are”
Or something like that, I’m probably butchering that.

You become like the people around you.
And in today’s world, this also includes the content you consume—what you read, watch, and listen to.

Think about it:
Is what you are consuming inspiring you or holding you back?

The right people and content will push you forward. The wrong ones will slow you down.
Take a good look at who and what you allow into your life. Curate it.

Want to go fast? Go alone.
Want to go far? Go together.

[Free Download] My Skill Builder Lite System

One of the biggest things that helped me escape the 9-5?
Having a system for learning new skills—fast.

Skill Builder Lite is a Free Notion Template that helps you track, organize, and optimize your learning process.
Whether you are picking up a new skill or refining one, this system will keep you focused and consistent.

I highly recommend checking it out. It will change how you learn.
>>> Click here to download the Skill Builder Lite Notion Template for FREE.

That is it for today. Take control of your Ws. You are in control.
The more you focus on your WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and WHO, the more freedom you will create.
And once you get a little freedom, you will start looking for more.

Keep learning,
— Charlie

P.S. Get 50% Off Skill Builder OS

Whenever you are ready, you can upgrade to the full Skill Builder OS with 50% off.
It includes 5+ powerful modules worth over $500:
Skill Tracker (worth: $100)
Practice Sessions Log (worth: $100)
Notes Center (worth: $100)
Resources Library (worth: $100)
Performance Hub (worth: $100)
: No subscriptions. No memberships. Just pay once, use forever.

>>> Click here to access Skill Builder OS (50% OFF)

This system helped me learn 10+ skills in one year. I know it can help you too.

Subject: How to (finally) beat procrastination and stay focused

Yooo! It's Charlie

As a Notion creator and solopreneur, staying productive can be hard. Being creative on demand, staying motivated, and actually finishing what I start? That’s not easy. And when you work alone at home, it gets even harder...

I have struggled with distractions and procrastination for as long as I can remember. But with the right mindset, tools, and strategies, I learned how to fight back.

That doesn’t mean I never struggle with it anymore. The battle is always there. But I have figured out how to win more often than I lose—and I think you can too.

Today, I’ll share five simple tips + a system that have helped me beat procrastination and actually get things done. If you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unmotivated, this will help. These tips will change how you approach your to-do list, your calendar, and your system. You’ll stay focused, energized, and productive.

Let's begin.

1. Set SMART Goals

The best way to start is by setting clear goals. Use the SMART method: Specific: What do you want to do? Be clear. Measurable: How will you know it’s done? Hours? Pages? Words? Achievable: Can you do it today? Is it realistic? Relevant: Why does this goal matter? Time-bound: When will you finish it?

Many people write tasks on their to-do list that will take a year to complete. Stop doing that. Instead, break big goals down into monthly, weekly, and daily SMART goals. That’s the first step to beating procrastination.

2. Use Pen and Paper

Yes, put your phone away. Stop using fancy apps. Your phone is a distraction trap, and we’ll talk about how to fix that later. For now, let’s keep it simple. Use Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal Method.

Here’s how it works: Every morning, write in a notebook. Any notebook will do. Use this system: (•) for tasks (-) for notes and ideas (=) for thoughts and feelings (o) for meetings or events. When something is done, put an X over it.

This simple method, combined with my Skill Builder System, has helped me stay focused, learn faster, and stop procrastinating. The key? Write things down and take action.

3. Eliminate Distractions

This is my favorite part—because now, we actually use apps. But we don’t let apps use us... When it’s time to do deep work, you need to stay focused and distraction-free. That’s how you enter flow state—when time flies, and you’re fully locked into what you’re doing.

When I sit down to work, I do five things: 1. Do Not Disturb Mode – Only my family can reach me. 2. Notifications Off – Except for my calendar. Always. 3. Freedom App – Blocks distracting websites and apps on my phone and laptop. If a task gets boring or hard, I’m tempted to check my phone—so this keeps me focused. You can also try OneSec, Opal, or similar apps. 4. Pomodoro Timer – I work in 60-90 minute sprints, then take a short break. I prefer 90 minute sessions. 5. Essential Oils for Focus – I use eucalyptus in a diffuser to stay sharp. Peppermint or tea tree works too.

I also use the Forest app for Pomodoro sessions. It plants a digital tree while you work and blocks other apps. If you leave the app before time’s up, your tree dies—so it turns focus into a game. Try to plant as many trees as possible today.

4. Get Organized

This might not be true for everyone, but for me, a messy space = a messy mind. If my desk is cluttered, I feel anxious and distracted. So I keep my workspace clean and simple: No extra stuff on my desk. No junk, snacks, or clutter. A clean computer desktop (no random files everywhere). The fewer distractions in your space, the easier it is to focus.

5. Use Your Calendar Wisely

Beating procrastination is all about having a system: Set SMART goals. Use a simple task system. Remove distractions. Stay organized. But the final piece is making sure you do it every day. That means setting up your calendar for success.

Here’s how: 1. Block out 1-2 deep work sessions (4 hours each). 2. Protect those time blocks like your life depends on it. No meetings, no interruptions. 3. Follow the same routine every day. If you want to take it even further, try planning your day the night before. Before bed, write your to-do list in your journal. That way, you wake up knowing exactly what to do—no wasted time making decisions. Less thinking. More doing.

The Big Takeaway

As you cross tasks off your list, you get closer to your goals. As you reach your goals, you become more intentional with your time. When you value your time more, you stop procrastinating—because you realize how much you can achieve when you focus. And when you stop procrastinating? You build your dreams. You spend more time with the people you love. You create a life you actually enjoy. That’s the goal. And now, you know how to do it.

Whenever you’re ready, there’s one way I can help you: If you’re looking for traction in your learning process, learn anything 100x faster, and waste zero time setting up systems, templates, and databases, I’d recommend checking out my Notion System: → The Skill Builder OS: An all-in-one operating system for lifelong learners and anyone mastering a skill. Join 200+ lifelong learners who are already using the system. Along with this, you’ll get access to all future updates for free, and trust me, the OS is only going to get better and better as it grows and Notion releases more updates. And no, there’s no subscription fee, membership, or ongoing payments of any kind. Pay once, use forever, lifetime access.

>>> Click here to access Skill Builder OS

Keep learning,
— Charlie

From: charlie@writtenby.madebycharlie.com

Subject: Most People Quit — Don’t Be One of Them

Yo! It’s Charlie,

I’m going to be real with you right now…

This is not some story about how awesome I am or how much I’ve done.
Nope. This is not that kind of email.

This isn’t planned or fancy, just me sharing my thoughts.
From me to you.

Learning new things sounds exciting, but there’s a big problem with it.
It’s why most people quit. It’s why most people don’t know how to do anything.
It’s why—even after seeing teenagers make millions online all by themselves—most people still choose to trade their time for money.

Look around you. How many of your friends bring anything to the table besides their time?
Yeah, that’s what I thought. That’s why they trade time for money.
Is it laziness? Distractions? No system to follow?
I think it’s all three, maybe more.

I’m not trying to be mean, but this is just how the world is right now.
That’s why people say, “The A students work for the C students.”

Some people think, “I already know enough. Why learn more?”
99% of people stay where they are. They stopped learning after high school or college. That’s kinda sad, don’t you think?

“Life gets boring when you stop learning.”

I believe that...
But most people don’t even have the focus to get really good at anything.
How can you expect extraordinary results by being average?
That’s where you beat them. Outsmart. Outwork. Outlearn.

I’ve seen it happen. I’ve met people who can do so many things at a high level. It’s crazy!
I know guys who were making $5 an hour, with zero savings. They learned coding, design, built websites, and even learned a third language.
All while having a full-time job and a family.
After 3-6 months, they got high-paying remote jobs in the US, making over $100k a year—plus benefits.

Sounds impossible, right?
Some people complain. Others just do the work.

That’s why I built Skill Builder OS.
I needed a system to outsmart, outwork, and outlearn everyone.
I needed a way to stay organized, track my progress, practice, save resources, take notes, and more.
I needed a system to learn anything. And learn it fast.

There’s nothing else like it. I checked. That’s why I made it myself.
Thanks to this system, I’ve learned how to:
Code, design, build websites, write, read faster, and edit videos

And I even picked up rock climbing and learned to make coffee like a barista. All while working full-time as a music producer.
If I can do it, so can you.

Skill Builder OS is a complete system (it looks like an app) built for mastering skills. It helps you learn 10x faster.
Maybe even 100x. That’s up to you.

To be honest, I made this for me. And it took a lot for me to share it. The little voice in my head kept saying, “Who are you to give advice?” or “Why would anyone want this?”
But I ignored that voice.

This system has helped me learn 10+ skills in just one year. And now, I want to help others unlock their potential, master skills faster, and live with purpose.

Here’s the deal…

This system normally sells for $50, but right now, you can grab it for $25. That’s 50% OFF.

Plus, you get free updates for life. And trust me, the OS will only get better as it grows and Notion adds more features.
No subscriptions. No memberships. No hidden fees.
Pay once. Use forever.

Psst… early bird discounts are limited and first come, first served. Don’t miss yours.

Check out Skill Builder OS here.

Keep learning,
Charlie

Subject: STOP Watching Tutorials. Start Winning.

Yooo! It’s Charlie,

STOP WATCHING SO MANY TUTORIALS! Get off Tutorial Island. A lot of people get stuck watching one tutorial after another, waiting until they feel “ready.” Waiting to know everything before they even start… I call it Tutorial Island because it’s like being stuck on an island where all you do is watch videos and tell yourself you’re making progress.

I’ve been there. And guess what? YOU’RE NOT. People spend hours and hours watching tutorials, only to realize months later that they’re in the same place as before. Maybe they understand a few new things, but they haven’t practiced anything. So really… they have zero real experience.

Here’s something interesting: Once you step off Tutorial Island and start using what you’ve learned— Once you build a system for saving resources, tracking practice, and taking action— That’s when you’ll have your “Aha!” moment. That’s when your learning speed skyrockets.

Your Systems Shape Your Success

Whether you know it or not, you already have systems. You have a system for cleaning your house... A system for getting places... A system for spending money... But most people don’t have a system for learning. And that’s why most people stay stuck.

While working full-time as a music producer, I mastered 5-7 skills—skills I’m now confident in and even help others with. I wouldn’t call myself an expert in all of them… But when I 10x’d my learning speed, I also 10x’d my income.

Why? Because I suddenly knew how to do more things. And with that, I built systems to multiply everything— From music production to business, health, collaboration, and even writing. Systems are everything.

Why Systems Always Win Over Hard Work

1. Consistency > Hustle

Systems help you stay consistent. They help you learn smarter, not harder. A lot of people think success is about how many hours you grind. They brag about working 16-hour days. To me, that’s like saying: “I don’t care about myself, my family, or my health. All I care about is working.” That’s not something to be proud of. But consistency? That’s the real key. Even if you only practice 1 hour a day, you’ll pass the person who works 100 hours in one week… then burns out and quits for 3 months. Consistency wins. Every time.

2. More Time, More Freedom

Systems give you back your time. They create space so you can enjoy: Time with loved ones, Time for your health, Time for hobbies, Time for YOU. With the right systems, you become unstoppable. You control your time. You build habits that lead to success. And you make progress every single day. Build systems. Because when you do, you can grow faster than ever— In any area you want.

Whenever you’re ready, there’s one way I can help you. If you’re looking for traction in your learning process, learn anything 100x faster, and waste zero time setting up systems, templates, and databases, I’d recommend checking out my Notion System: → The Skill Builder OS: an all-in-one operating system for lifelong learners and anyone mastering a skill. Join 200+ lifelong learners who are already using the system. Along with this, you’ll get access to all future updates for free, and trust me, the OS is only going to get better and better as it grows and Notion releases more updates. And no, there’s no subscription fee, membership, or ongoing payments of any kind. Pay once, use forever, lifetime access.

>>> Click here to access Skill Builder OS

Keep learning,
— Charlie

Subject: Why Most People Never Reach Their Goals

Yooo! It’s Charlie,

I want to share one of my favorite quotes with you. It’s from Nelson Mandela, and it’s really short. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Sounds simple, right? But here’s the thing… Reaching big goals is not easy. Sometimes, it feels like the whole world is against you. You start doing something different, and suddenly, people look at you like you’re crazy. Your family and friends don’t get it. And worst of all? Your own uncertainty and doubts appear… Your own internal bitch voice starts telling you why you can’t.

However, the real reason most people never achieve their goals… Is not because they aren’t talented. Is not because they don’t have enough time. Is not because life is too hard. It’s because they don’t take action. They say they will do something… but then they don’t do it. They overthink. They second-guess. They wait for the perfect moment. And guess what? That moment never comes.

You’ve probably seen this before… People talk about their big dreams all the time. The business they’re going to start. The book they’re going to write. The skills they’re going to learn. But when you see them six months later… They’re in the exact same spot.

Why? Because fear of failure keeps them on the sidelines. Or maybe it’s something else… Maybe they’re too busy doing things they don’t even like. Maybe they feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

Now, since you’re here, I know you’re not like most people. You actually want to grow. You want to: ✔ Learn new skills ✔ Get more organized ✔ Do more of what matters. That already puts you ahead of most people who just talk but never act.

But here’s the truth… You still have to show up every day and do the work. No system, no tool, no motivation trick will help if you don’t take action.

Now, If you’re serious about: ✔ Mastering new skills faster than ever before ✔ Actually reaching your goals instead of just dreaming about them ✔ Making 2025 the year you finally level up. Then I think this Notion Operating System is for you. I built Skill Builder OS to help people learn 1000x faster—with a simple, proven system that keeps you moving forward. It’s designed for anyone who wants to take control of their learning. It doesn’t matter where you live, how much you earn, or what skill you’re learning. This system makes learning simple, fast, and effective. And right now? It costs less than the burger and beers you had last weekend.

My question is… How committed are you to mastering new skills and accomplishing all your goals in 2025? If your answer is yes, then now is the time to act.

>>> Click here to check out Skill Builder OS

This is the moment. It’s time to sit down and do what you said you were going to do. Let’s win together ⚡

— Charlie

Subject: Flash Sale: 50% OFF

Yooo! It’s Charlie,

I wasn’t even planning on doing a Flash Sale… so this is a surprise for both of us. TL;DR — You can grab my Skill Builder OS for 50% off.

This morning, I was eating breakfast with a friend. He told me, “I have 3 or 4 skills I really want to learn this year… but I don’t have time, I don’t have a plan, and I don’t even know where to start.”

And that got me thinking… How can I help people learn anything they want—faster?

I’ll spare you the rabbit hole I went into and share that what people really lack is… A SYSTEM. Most people have the intention to better themselves, invest in their education, and master the skills they need to get that promotion, start that business, improve on that personal area… you name it. But most people quit halfway through.

Why? Because they don’t have a SYSTEM. I know this because I’ve been there. I’ve wanted to learn so many things. At first, I’d get super excited. I’d buy the course, watch all the videos… Then, after three weeks, I’d get bored and quit.

I believe learning new skills skills is the best and most important thing anyone can do with their time in today’s competitive world. In a world where education is virtually free and accessible to anyone, the only way to outcompete everyone is by mastering more skills in less time.

That’s why I built Skill Builder OS—for myself. I needed a system to: learn faster, stay organized, track my progress, save all the best resources, and move the needle. At first, it was just for me. I never planned to sell it. But then, I shared it with a few friends… And they loved it.

Learning and mastering new skills has been the single best thing I’ve EVER invested in. Becoming good at multiple things, changed my life. Really! I’ve been able to master music production, copywriting, video editing, 3D modeling, website design, and dozens more in very little time. Thanks to the OS.

That’s why I say… this system works. It has helped almost 200 people learn skills 100x faster. Their words, not mine. I’ve never run paid ads for this. I don’t even promote it that much. But people keep telling their friends, and more and more people are buying it just from word of mouth.

So if you’re serious about learning new skills faster… Or if you want to get even better at what you already know… I think Skill Builder OS is for you.

Here’s the catch: I only have a few Early Bird spots left. And once they’re gone, I won’t be offering more. Right now, you can grab Skill Builder OS for 50% off—but only until the last spots are gone. Psst… last time I checked, there were 5 left. Once it’s sold out, that’s it. No exceptions. No extra copies.

This link will auto-apply 50% off Skill Builder OS. Don’t wait to master those skills. This is your year.

Keep learning,
— Charlie