Ask Altucher

James answers a few questions in rapid-fire fashion. The first question is whether you should edit as you write. James says never. Your first draft is always terrible. Just race to the end. Write it, write it, and write it... Race to the end, and then sculpt it when you're finished. A listener writes in to ask James if he, as an author, should start using Quora. Another wants to know how to avoid taking criticism personally. Plus, someone wants to know more about why James doesn't read or listen to the news. Regards, David Newman P.S. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE? A great new resource shows a clever way to start a business, get a new job, find a retirement career, publish a book, make extra money in your spare time,

Today's question came from a listener who was laid off after 10 years at his last company. He's interested in the wine business and is wondering if he can make a living in the wine e-commerce space. James first says... Congratulations! First, think of three levels "free," "pay," and then wealth. •Free – Every day, blog about wine. James and Claudia give him a bunch of ideas. Move into the video space, use Vine. Try everything, and always be storytelling. •Pay – Create a newsletter and sell a wine of the day with a 24-hour countdown. •Wealth – Host wine tours. Write down your ten ideas a day and watch how quickly you'll also come up with great ideas. James tosses out a huge number of ideas. We'd love to hear about your "Choose Yourself" stories. Send us your stories here: P.S. Hi, James here... My new book is finally out! It has taken me a year to put together all the skills I think are needed to create abundance in this new economy. I hope you write me with feedback and questions. I have more books coming. Here's what the initial reviews on this book have said: "James Altucher did it again. I just finished and have to say it was a great read. Great insight into the future of wealth." "I couldn't wait for this book to come out. It was well worth the wait! Very short and jam-packed with good ideas and advice for the budding entrepreneur. A must read!" "This is the road map out. Very specific ideas to get you unstuck and to thrive in the 21st century. If you follow the ideas in this book your will receive 1000% or more in return on your investment." I'm really grateful for the response I've received so quickly. I feel we are quickly building a strong community of people who are deciding to "choose themselves." If you want to get it exclusively in hardcover, plus several other special reports, and a subscription to my brand-new newsletter, which is essentially the equivalent of two additional chapters every month, claim your copy

Alan wants to know why I leas my car instead of buying it. I'm a bit conflicted about which is better – buying or leasing. Today a car is really a computer with a bunch of metal wrapped around it. With technology moving so quickly, I don't want to be tied down to old technology. I'd rather trade up every three years. Plus, Claudia has a great idea for new car technology. Here's a hint... think about a wet dog.

Diet pills, cosmetic surgery, Botox... people are constantly looking for secrets to make them look younger. It's no wonder that so many individuals are obsessed with finding the fountain of youth because that is exactly what our society idolizes... "youthful beauty."But people often forget about all of the wonderful experiences that come with age.Today, James and his wife Claudia talk about several reasons why they find more happiness and confidence in their older years.It's time to stop fighting the inevitable and embrace a future where you can choose yourself for the "real you."

With divorce rates as high as 50% across the nation, it's no wonder that people are hesitant to get married these days.But when you do find that special someone and then fall in love, will that be enough to make it last? Will you be together until the end?Remember... there are no guarantees in life and every tomorrow is determined by every today...Today, James talks about what it takes to build and maintain a happy marriage. James has daily practices for his personal health, and he believes that there is a daily practice for continuing a loving relationship.How do you know if you have found the right person? Well there is no one clear answer, but in today's Ask Altucher, James shares a little checklist that he finds helpful.