A single moment on a New York subway platform can flip a life.

That’s where author and coach Deborah Mallow decided to stop living by default and design days that actually felt good. We invited her to share how that choice turned into a practical, design-forward guide: Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.

We walk through each step with real-world examples. Start with the decision to change, then strip away the habits that feed worry and fear.

Feed your mindset with bravery, not doubt. Take action with balance so your progress is sustainable, and choose an attitude that reflects the self you want to project. Finally, make the commitment to stay the course when results wobble.

Deborah grounds every step in accessible brain science, how cortisol shapes mornings, why negativity bias traps our focus, and how small rituals like a self-hug, a smile, and a one-line affirmation can trigger endorphins and set a positive pattern for the day.

As a designer, Deborah built her book for how we actually consume content: fast, visual, and memorable.

Double-page spreads deliver quotes, questions, mantras, and start-now activities you can use in minutes. She also pulls back the curtain on her self-publishing strategy, from combining Amazon with IngramSpark to sourcing a cover from Big Five talent and planning bulk sales that bring positivity into workplaces. It’s a masterclass in aligning creative vision with smart distribution, all while protecting your voice.

If you’re ready to enjoy more and worry less, you’ll leave with a morning micro-ritual, a clearer sense of purpose, and a repeatable way to reduce the days that drain you.

Have a comment? Text me!

Support the show

📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck?

Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.