Recently, I asked ChatGPT to do something different.
I didn’t want tips or comfort. I didn’t want affirmation. I wanted confrontation. So I gave it a prompt:
“Act like a no-fluff transformational coach. Help me get brutally clear about who the best version of me really is—not some fantasy, but the grounded, embodied version of me that shows up in all areas of life with purpose and power. Ask me these questions one at a time. Press me. Challenge my excuses. Hold up the mirror. I want clarity, not comfort.”
And it did.
What followed was not a back-and-forth. It was a mirror being held up to my face and a fire being lit under my feet.
The process began with relationships. I told ChatGPT I wanted to live shame-free, confident, self-assured, and intentional in my romantic life, my family, and my friendships. But that wasn’t enough. It pressed:
“What does that look like? What does the movie scene look like?”
So I described it:
- I tell my partner, “That was a long time ago—I don’t do that anymore. I’m focused on the future.”
- When family crosses a boundary, I say, “Thank you, but I don’t accept that. I know who I am.”
- When a friend repeats the same cycle, I say, “This is what you want. This is what you’ve practiced. This is what you got.”
That was just the start.
Then we moved into finances.
I told it I believed money flows to me because I provide value. I budget. I plan. I build systems and income streams. I’m not just hustling—I’m stewarding.
But again, it pressed:
“What are the receipts? What would the best version of you do with money?”
I laid it out:
- I’ve built multiple income streams.
- I net around $10k/month.
- I give to church and causes.
- I automate investments.
And yet—I had no runway. That’s where the gap was.
Then came health.
I said I walk 10,000 steps a day. I train. I eat high protein, low carb. I pray, breathe, and reflect when I’m anxious. But when chaos hits?
“I break my diet. Then my boundaries. Then my fitness.”
That was a gut punch. But it was real. And that truth mattered.
It reminded me: if I want to perform under pressure, I must strain when things are calm. I’m training for purpose, not performance. Fitness is spiritual.
And then we got to purpose.
I explained that I build systems that make things more efficient and help people. I create communities. I write. I consult. I make content. But ChatGPT pressed again:
“What kingdom dies if you stay silent?”
That shook me.
I realized: I help business owners, ecommerce leaders, and people stuck in careers or relationships. I create spaces where people feel seen and heard. I’m the tide that raises all boats.
And then came the dagger:
“Where are you playing small?”
I confessed: I dilute my message. I play around on social media, hiding the real work behind entertainment. I spread myself across channels to stay safe, not great. I’ve been fragmenting my power.
From there, I declared what I refuse to do anymore:
- I refuse to be afraid of the internet’s opinions.
- I refuse to numb out and self-sabotage.
- I refuse to pretend I’m not built to lead.
And I remembered the code I’ve lived by, but never written out:
The Douglas Accords: I will continue to be me even when no one is watching. I will continue to build even when no one is clapping. I will continue to connect even if I never get reciprocation. Because I am a lover, a fighter, a businessman, and a creative.
Finally, ChatGPT asked:
“If you stepped into that version of yourself today—how would you walk, speak, think, decide, and love differently?”
And I answered:
- I would sit up straight.
- I would work with intention.
- I would use my time wisely.
- I would build systems and habits that serve me.
- I would be a good steward.
- I would love deeply, forgive completely, focus on the present, and move forward with intention.
This wasn’t a chat. It was a personal revival.
So I’m sharing it here, not as a proclamation of achievement, but as a line in the sand.
The Douglas Accords are my declaration. This is how I live now.
Because the world doesn’t need more content. It needs more men who know who they are.
And I do.
I am Erich Douglas Stauffer. And I’m showing up with everything I’ve got.
Summary: The Best Version of Erich
Relationships
- Anchored in truth, not ego.
- Leads with presence. Speaks with clarity.
- Shows up consistent—behind doors and in the open.
Finances
- Diversified. Disciplined. Strategic.
- Builds runway and automates growth.
- Gives with joy and intention.
Health
- Trains like a warrior preparing for battle.
- Treats the body as sacred, not ornamental.
- Spiritual habits are non-negotiable.
Purpose / Work
- Builds systems that transform people and businesses.
- Speaks with authority. Creates for impact.
- Refuses to fragment focus or play small.
Core Beliefs & Disciplines
- Follows the Douglas Accords.
- Chooses action over applause.
- Practices stewardship in secret.
My 5 “I Am” Mantras
- I am a grounded, loving leader who speaks truth and shows up with unwavering presence.
- I am a powerful creator of value, building wealth with strategy, purpose, and generosity.
- I am a disciplined steward of my body, emotions, and spirit—trained for trials, prepared for peace.
- I am a system builder and visionary who multiplies impact through structure and service.
- I am Erich Douglas Stauffer—lover, fighter, businessman, and creative—living my calling out loud.
Learn how I’m helping others live epic lives @4YearU.