By Yours Truly, Your Favorite Workaholic-in-Recovery

Confessions of a workaholic, Paris, and GaryVee . . . picture this: me, buried under mountains of manuscripts, social media drafts, and publishing deadlines, with an espresso IV drip attached to my arm (okay, not literally, but close enough). Work is my dragon, fierce and consuming. It’s demanding, unrelenting, and—let’s face it—irresistibly thrilling. I’m not just passionate about my work; I’m obsessed.

But something unexpected happened. In the middle of my never-ending sprint toward perfectionism masked as productivity, I hit the pause button. Or rather, Emily Cooper from Emily in Paris sashayed into my life and begged me to press it.

Yes, darlings, I binge-watched Emily in Paris. For an entire week.

My Ah-Ha Moment with Emily (and God)

At first, I justified it. Research, I told myself. (After all, The Manhattan Diaries series explores ambition, beauty, and romance in NYC, which makes me practically the American Emily Cooper.) But halfway through season two, as Emily fumbled her way through love triangles and questionable fashion choices, something shifted.

I realized I was stuck. Not in a bad way, per se, but in a rut all the same. With the New Year looming like an ominous deadline, I knew it wasn’t just Emily—or Netflix—talking. It was God.

God was gently nudging me: It’s time to change things up, Lori Ann. You’ve got dragons to tame.

The Reality of My Rut

Here’s the deal. I’ve been putting out The Manhattan Diaries series every two weeks. Yes, you read that right. Twenty-one books—fully written, polished gems—just needing a final once-through edit before publishing.

As if that weren’t enough to make your head spin, I’ve also been releasing Living the Waters, a deeply personal 10+1-book series, every month. And while they’re written and practically ready to go, each one requires that last meticulous edit.

Oh, and let’s not forget my social media commitment: 15 hours a week, three days a week, batch posting and all. It’s not hard, mind you—when you’re as fabulous as I am, you practically breathe hashtags—but the sheer volume? It’s overwhelming.

The Almighty Intervention

After a rather candid consultation with the Almighty—because, yes, even I consult with the Big Boss upstairs—I felt a clear directive: release everything before the New Year.

Yes, darlings, you heard that right. All 31 books before midnight on December 31st. Insane? Maybe. Impossible? Not at all. I’m a workaholic, remember? And with God’s grace (and perhaps an extra espresso machine), this dragon is going down.

Enter GaryVee: My New Obsession

Just as I was strategizing my 2025 takeover plan, the algorithm gods of YouTube delivered a miracle: GaryVee.

Now, I’ve been a fan of GaryVee for ages. His books are practically scripture for ambitious, over-caffeinated dreamers like me. But this time, it hit differently. I stumbled onto one of his talks, and suddenly, I was subscribed, hooked, and ready to revolutionize my work routine.

Here’s the kicker: those 15 hours a week I spend posting on social media? I can double their value by listening to GaryVee (and the other 10 gurus I follow) while I work. Talk about multitasking with a purpose!

Binge-Watching Wisdom: Lessons from Paris and Podcasts

As I sat there, one eye on Emily’s Parisian escapades and the other on my endless to-do list, it dawned on me: I don’t just love working—I need it. It’s my fuel, my fire, my everything. But even dragons need taming, and sometimes that means stepping back, reevaluating, and finding smarter ways to hustle.

GaryVee reminded me that being informed isn’t just about books (although I adore them); it’s about constantly evolving. Podcasts, YouTube channels, and bite-sized content are the future. So why not make every moment count, even during my social media grind?

2025: The Year of the Phoenix

With 31 books released by New Year’s Eve, my 2025 will be a blank slate—a wide-open runway for taking my publishing empire to soaring new heights. The dragon isn’t just tamed; it’s reborn as a phoenix.

God, as always, is at the center of this transformation. He knows my limits, even when I don’t. And in His infinite wisdom, He guided me to an unlikely trinity: Emily, GaryVee, and my own relentless work ethic.

The Moral of the Story? Dragons Are Fierce, But So Are You

To my fellow workaholics, dreamers, and overachievers: don’t be afraid to take a step back. Binge-watch a show. Subscribe to that podcast. Listen to God’s whispers in the stillness.

Because sometimes, the key to conquering your dragons isn’t more work—it’s smarter, more intentional work.

Now, excuse me while I tackle those edits, sip my third latte, and let GaryVee serenade me with entrepreneurial wisdom. Thank you, GaryVee

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Conquering the Concrete Jungle: NYC’s Blueprint for Skyrocketing Careers

Ladies and gentlemen of Manhattan’s movers and shakers, let me introduce you to the dazzling seventeenth jewel in The Manhattan Diaries: “Conquering the Concrete Jungle: NYC’s Blueprint for Skyrocketing Careers.”

In the city that never sleeps, where ambition practically oozes from every subway grate and penthouse window, success isn’t just an option—it’s a mandate. But let’s be real: it’s not about dutifully climbing some dusty old corporate ladder. No, darling. In this city of icons, it’s about building your own ladder—preferably gold-plated, with a killer view of Central Park.

Here’s the secret sauce: it’s not just about what you have; it’s about how you use it. In New York, charisma is currency, and self-belief is the ultimate power move. You’ve got to find that unique spark, that unmistakable je ne sais quoi, and turn it into the kind of magic that makes boardrooms hush and cocktail parties buzz.

Manhattan isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s for the visionaries, the disruptors, the ones who don’t just fit the mold—they smash it to pieces and design a better one. You’ll learn to harness your natural talents, wield your inner voice like a secret weapon, and negotiate your way through the city’s power plays with the finesse of a Madison Avenue dealmaker.

Whether you’re strutting into a high-stakes pitch meeting or dazzling the crowd at a Broadway soirée, success in New York is all about mixing ambition with authenticity. This isn’t about surviving the concrete jungle; it’s about conquering it with a style that screams you.

So, to the dreamers, the doers, and the audacious go-getters, polish those power pumps, straighten that statement blazer, and get ready to dance to the rhythm of your own making. Manhattan is waiting for you to leave your mark. Darling, it’s time to turn the concrete jungle into your personal empire.

To the top—and beyond.

Until next time, darlings, remember: Even dragons need a little Netflix and prayer.

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Unlock Daily Inspiration with “Pearls of Wisdom: Behind the Quotes”

Embark on a year-long journey of inspiration and self-discovery with Pearls of Wisdom: Behind the Quotes—Heroes and Self-Recognition, the inaugural volume of The New Youniversity Chronicles Quote Series. This meticulously curated collection presents 365 daily inspirations, each originating from the profound wisdom of historical figures and celebrated philosophers—each of which were included in our beloved series, The Manhattan Diaries. Designed to ignite your inner hero and propel you toward personal excellence, these quotes are more than mere words—they are invitations to delve deeper into the essence of who you are and who you aspire to be.

Published by Urban Chronicles Publishing House, an imprint of The Ridge Publishing Group, Pearls of Wisdom not only enriches your daily routine but also serves as a beacon of motivation and clarity. Each page offers a unique quote, followed by a brief exploration of its context and implications, making every day a new opportunity for growth and reflection.

As you journey through the year with this book at your side, you’ll find each quote elegantly placed on journal pages within the larger context of The Manhattan Diaries series from the New Youniversity Chronicles. This integration allows the timeless wisdom of the past to resonate within the modern-day narrative of self-improvement and recognition.

Stay Updated: Subscribe to Our Newsletter

To enhance your experience, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter, Urban Wisdom Monthly. Stay informed about the release date, special promotions, and exclusive insights related to Pearls of Wisdom and other forthcoming titles. Signing up ensures that you are among the first to know when this transformative book becomes available for purchase and how you can secure your copy.

Begin your transformation today by subscribing to our Urban Wisdom Monthly newsletter and prepare to uncover the heroes of yesterday and the keys to your own self-recognition tomorrow. Embrace the power of wisdom as Pearls of Wisdom guides you through a year of empowerment and enlightenment.

Conclusion: Explore Transformation with The Manhattan Diaries Series

As we conclude this section, let us reflect on the journey ahead. Drawing inspiration from the New Youniversity Chronicles’ The Manhattan Diaries series, our upcoming books, including Pearls of Wisdom: Behind the Quotes—Heroes and Self-Recognition, are crafted to guide you through transformation and self-discovery. These works encourage you to do the inner work, reprogram your reality, and elevate your mind, body, and soul.

By subscribing to our Urban Wisdom Monthly newsletter, you’ll receive timely updates and insights on how these principles are woven into the fabric of The Manhattan Diaries series, along with exclusive previews of upcoming titles focused on following a proven system for personal growth. Welcome to The Manhattan Diaries—a series where every chapter, quote, and every page nudges you toward a fuller, more enlightened life. Join our community today and embark on this transformative journey with us.

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